Cher's recent return to "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) after nearly four decades has ignited a spirited debate among fans and critics alike. The 79-year-old music icon graced the SNL stage on December 20, 2025, performing two tracks from her 2023 Christmas album: "DJ Play a Christmas Song" and a rendition of Chuck Berry's "Run Run Rudolph." (yahoo.com)
However, viewers quickly took to social media to question the authenticity of her live performance, with many alleging that Cher was lip-syncing. Observers noted moments where her lips did not align with the vocals, leading to comparisons with past lip-syncing controversies on SNL. (yahoo.com)
Despite the accusations, a significant portion of Cher's fanbase defended her, emphasizing her legendary status and expressing indifference toward the lip-syncing claims. One fan remarked, "Cher is the ONLY person that gets a pass for lip syncing on #SNL. She's an icon, lip sync if you want Queen!" (primetimer.com)
This incident has reignited discussions about the acceptability of lip-syncing in live performances, especially for veteran artists. While some argue that it undermines the authenticity of a live show, others believe that artists of Cher's stature have earned the right to perform as they see fit.
As of now, neither Cher nor SNL representatives have publicly addressed the lip-syncing allegations. Regardless, Cher's SNL appearance has undeniably captured public attention, highlighting her enduring influence in the entertainment industry.