Cher, an icon in music, film, and fashion, has spent over six decades captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful voice, unique persona, and indomitable spirit. Recently, in a deeply personal interview, Cher made a surprising confession that left fans stunned: she does not like her own voice. Despite her career being built around her distinctive vocal style, Cher admitted to avoiding her own music because she doesn’t enjoy hearing it. This revelation sheds light on a vulnerability that contrasts sharply with her public image as a bold and confident figure.
Cher’s complicated relationship with her voice has been a long-standing struggle. While the world has admired her deep, resonant tone and emotional delivery, Cher herself has never felt comfortable with it. In her interview, she candidly stated that if given the choice, she would have preferred a different voice. “I got my mother’s voice,” she remarked, acknowledging the strong, recognizable sound that has both defined her career and become her signature. Her discomfort with her own vocal performance, despite the acclaim she has received for it, offers a glimpse into the personal insecurities that lie beneath her public persona.
This surprising confession about her voice is just one part of Cher’s complex and multifaceted life. Over the years, she has shared numerous personal struggles, but few have been as deeply emotional as her experiences with her children. Cher’s son Chaz Bono’s transition from female to male, for instance, has been a highly publicized and transformative journey. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Cher’s reaction to Chaz’s transition was complicated. While she supported her son’s decision and embraced his new identity, she has openly discussed the emotional challenges she faced during this process. Cher admitted that it wasn’t the transition itself that was difficult for her, but rather the emotional shift of letting go of the daughter she had known as Chastity and adjusting to Chaz as her son. Over time, Cher became one of the strongest supporters of Chaz, who has since become an influential activist in the transgender community.
However, Cher’s relationship with her children hasn’t always been without strain. Her son Elijah Blue Alman, born to Cher and her second husband, Gregg Allman, has had a tumultuous relationship with her over the years. Elijah has spoken candidly about feeling emotionally neglected during his childhood, particularly when Cher was deeply focused on her career. This distance between them was further complicated by Elijah’s struggles with addiction. At one point, rumors circulated that Cher had sought to place Elijah under a conservatorship, a move that reportedly sparked tension between them. Despite this, Cher has always emphasized her unconditional love for her children, explaining that as a mother, she would do anything to help them, even if it meant making difficult decisions. Over the years, Cher and Elijah have made efforts to repair their relationship, though it remains a work in progress.
Cher’s life and career have been shaped by resilience, determination, and a constant reinvention of herself. Born Cherilyn Sarkeesian in 1946 in El Centro, California, she grew up in a modest, often unstable environment. Raised by her mother, Georgia Holt, who was an aspiring actress and singer, Cher witnessed firsthand the struggles that came with trying to make a name in the entertainment industry. Her father, John Sarkeesian, was a truck driver with a history of substance abuse, and her parents divorced when she was young. Despite the hardships, Cher dreamed of becoming famous and was drawn to music and performance from an early age. However, her journey to stardom was not without its challenges.
After dropping out of high school at 16, Cher moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She initially worked odd jobs, including dancing in small clubs, while trying to break into the music industry. In 1962, Cher’s career took a significant turn when she met Sonny Bono, a music producer, songwriter, and singer. Sonny recognized her potential and helped her get work as a backup singer. In 1965, the duo released their first major hit, “I Got You Babe,” which catapulted them to fame. Their success was further amplified by their television show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, which aired from 1971 to 1974. Cher’s wit, humor, and bold personality captivated audiences, and she quickly became one of the most beloved stars of the era.
While her professional life flourished, Cher’s personal life was more complicated. Her marriage to Sonny, although central to her public image, was marked by challenges and ultimately ended in divorce in 1975. This divorce marked a pivotal moment in Cher’s life, both personally and professionally, as she emerged as a solo artist. Her music in the 1970s, including hits like “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” and “Half-Breed,” showcased her powerful voice and storytelling abilities, earning her a place among the top musical acts of the time. As her career as a solo artist took off, she also pursued acting, earning critical acclaim for her roles in films like Silkwood (1983), Mask (1985), and Moonstruck (1987), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Throughout her career, Cher has never shied away from pushing boundaries. Whether in music, fashion, or her outspoken views on social issues, she has consistently defied conventions and reinvented herself. Her fearless attitude and unapologetic approach to life have made her an enduring cultural icon. Despite the challenges and personal struggles she has faced, Cher has remained steadfast in her commitment to her craft and to living authentically. Today, she continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Cher’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. From overcoming insecurities about her voice to navigating complex relationships with her children, she has faced numerous obstacles throughout her life. Yet, despite it all, Cher remains one of the most influential and iconic figures in entertainment history. Her story is one of perseverance, self-acceptance, and unwavering strength, making her an enduring role model for millions.