What was meant to be a dazzling finale to the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has left viewers talking, but not for the reasons you might expect.
Cher, an undeniable music legend, graced the stage at the highly anticipated return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Performing two of her greatest hits, she delivered a visually captivating show alongside the world’s top models.
Yet, instead of universal applause, her performance sparked an unexpected wave of mixed reactions online. While some hailed the iconic star, others found one key element of her performance hard to overlook.
The major talking point was Cher’s visible lip-syncing throughout her performance. Viewers flooded social media with comments, expressing disappointment over the lack of live vocals. “Sad that she’s lip singing, [sic]” one viewer commented, with another replying, “She actually did sing a bit but it was awful.”
Some felt the lip-syncing didn’t live up to the star power of the moment, with one saying, “The Cher thing was weird and you could catch her lip singing super off at times.” Another one added, “She lip synced the whole performance. [sic]”
This wasn’t the only complaint. Many felt that Cher’s performance, while visually striking, lacked energy. “It wasn’t bad in my opinion but somehow also not really good,” a viewer shared, reflecting the general underwhelm that seemed to permeate the audience’s reaction.
Some even questioned her presence at the show altogether. “Why was Cher performing? The creative director responsible for this should never touch a thing again,” said one particularly dissatisfied viewer.
Yet, not all the feedback was negative. Cher’s legacy in the music industry, spanning over six decades, earned her defenders. “I mean the song is 20+ years old. She’s done enough in her career. She earned her flowers,” one fan remarked.
Another viewer gushed, “Iconic queen,” while others shared their excitement over hearing one of her timeless hits again. “After watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, I’m obsessed with that song Cher performed,” one fan posted.
Cher performed two of her biggest songs, “Strong Enough” and “Believe,” from her 1998 “Believe” album. “Believe” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in 1999, and both tracks have become synonymous with her career.
Opening the show with “Strong Enough,” Cher and her dancers strutted down the runway in matching sleek black outfits. The energy shifted when she transitioned into “Believe,” a song that’s been a staple of her performances for decades.
Cher’s bold look, featuring a sparkling black jumpsuit and her signature jet-black hair, added to the spectacle. The performance was in the closing moments of the fashion show’s comeback with top models, including Adriana Lima, Gigi, and Bella Hadid gracing the runway in Victoria’s Secret’s iconic lingerie.
The nostalgic element of Cher’s set, with images from her long career flashing in the background, was designed to reflect her lasting influence. However, it became clear that balancing nostalgia with the expectations of a live audience is a delicate task.
While some celebrated Cher’s legacy, others couldn’t help but feel let down by her lip-syncing and what they saw as a lackluster finale to the highly anticipated show. But the performance wasn’t the only aspect that drew criticism from social media users.
As she arrived at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday, October 15, with her boyfriend, Cher commanded attention. Though their entrance was affectionate, it was her daring outfit that stole the spotlight and became one of the most talked-about moments online.
As she hit the pink carpet, Cher dazzled the public in a daring ensemble featuring a fishnet top under a black blazer, paired with oversized, baggy leather pants in a patchwork of dark tones.
The 78-year-old hitmaker cinched her waist with a statement belt featuring silver rings and studs, adding a rock-chic vibe to her bold look. She completed the ensemble with silver accessories, chunky rings, and matching manicured nails.
Cher’s edgy look from The Attico’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection embraced oversized silhouettes, blending masculine elements with a touch of sportswear, creating a bold and unconventional style.
Cher was accompanied by her boyfriend, Alexander “AE” Edwards, who kept his style classic yet fresh in a black suit and a Vivienne Westwood tie. The couple radiated with warmth and style, showing their closeness in this moment.
However, Cher’s bold fashion choice didn’t sit well with everyone, as netizens quickly took to social media to express mixed reactions. One unimpressed user simply asked, “mama what you wearing [sic],” while another bluntly called it “A mess.”
The criticism didn’t stop there. One disappointed user commented, “Ughhhh… yeah, not the look,” while another, not holding back, stated, “She looks pretty bad.”
The switch from blonde hair to her signature long black locks added to the transformation, making her performance a standout moment of the night as Victoria’s Secret marked its return after a five-year hiatus.
Victoria’s Secret announced Cher’s headlining performance in September, calling her an “icon,” “legend,” and the “mother of fashion.” On Instagram, the brand stated, “It’s a woman’s world, so it’s understood that you can’t have a fashion show without the mother of fashion herself—@Cher!”
“You know, I always just do what I want,” she told Mason. For Cher, these garments are more than mere fabric; they’re an afterthought. “Nah, that’s because clothes don’t do anything. Clothes are nothing. Clothes are pretty. Clothes are— they’re nothing,” she said.
From the pink carpet to the stage, and even in interviews, Cher remains unstoppable. Thriving in her 70s, she continues to push boundaries in fashion and music, showcasing her enduring influence and vibrant spirit.
