Cher’s return to ‘SNL’ sparks backlash for a shocking reason

Cher returned to the Saturday Night Live stage as a musical guest for the first time since 1987 — her last appearance — on December 20.

However, the 79-year-old icon’s performance has come under fire for appearing to have been lip-synched.

During the live programme, Cher sang her 2023 track DJ Play A Christmas Song and Chuck Berry’s vintage holiday hit Run, Run, Rudolph.

“After her first number, viewers quickly began speculating that the smiling star might have lip synced during her performance,” reported USA Today.

“Cher that mic was nowhere near ur mouth for 80% of that snl performance,” an X (formerly Twitter) user claimed. (Sic)

While another wrote, “Ummm Cher honey? She isn’t even singing….this is some of the worst lip syncing I have ever seen #snl” (Sic)

Amid a host of disparaging remarks about the singer and actress’ performance though, a few users emerged to present the counterargument in her favour.

“Cher is the ONLY person that gets a pass for lip syncing on #SNL. She’s an icon, lip sync if you want Queen!” one user shared.

“Who cares if she’s lip-syncing? SHE’S CHER, B****,” another enthusiastic response read.

Of particular note however was a tweet which alleged, “Cher was definitely not signing live! Which is understandable! Since she’s recovering from losing her voice!”

According to Entertainment Weekly, Cher was previously accused of lip-synching during her performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, 2023.

She appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live’s last episode before Christmas break alongside Ariana Grande, the evening’s host, while the show bid farewell to departing cast member Bowen Yang.