On February 1, Cher returned to the Grammy stage for the first time in nearly two decades—and quickly delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments.The 79-year-old icon was honored at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing more than 60 years of influence across music, television, and film. The appearance marked her first time at the Grammys in 18 years and nearly 26 years after she won Record of the Year for “Believe” in 2000. Reflecting on her career, Cher spoke candidly about both her early success and later struggles.

She recalled knowing her dream at age five, becoming famous at 19, and hosting a hit TV show in her 20s—before facing professional setbacks in the early 1980s. She credited perseverance for her comeback and closed her speech with a message of encouragement: never give up on your dreams. As Cher exited the stage, host Trevor Noah stopped her and asked her to announce the next award.

Holding the envelope, Cher hesitated and joked about expecting a teleprompter before announcing, “The Grammy goes to Luther Vandross!” The audience erupted in laughter. Vandross, the legendary R&B singer who died in 2005, was not a nominee. The actual winners were Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their song “Luther,” which samples Vandross’s 1982 duet “If This World Were Mine.” Realizing the mix-up, Cher quickly corrected herself, apologizing as Lamar laughed from his seat.

During his acceptance speech, Lamar paid tribute to Vandross, calling him one of his favorite artists and noting how emotional it was to receive clearance for the sample. Fans quickly embraced the moment online, praising it as a fitting tribute rather than an awkward mistake—proof that Cher can still turn a slip into a standout Grammy moment.