Cher’s Stunning 1987 ‘SNL’ Performance Changed Everything—See Why It Was a Pivotal Career Moment
Her breathtaking performance came at a turning point—and fans are still talking about it decades later
Christmas is coming, folks, and it seems as though Santa came early! Yesterday, Saturday Night Live announced that on December 20, 2025, Ariana Grande will be hosting the show alongside musical guest Cher. The last time Cher appeared as a musical guest on SNL was nearly 40 years ago, back in 1987, and her stunning performance, which took place ahead of Thanksgiving, marked a turning point in her incredible career. Though she’s appeared on the series a handful of times over the years, this will mark her first time back as a musical guest in almost four decades. Here, take a walk down memory lane as we look back at her 1987 appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Cher last performed on ‘SNL’ in 1987
On November 21, 1987, Cher joined Saturday Night Live as the musical guest. The episode was hosted by Candice Bergen, but many remember the memorable performances Cher gave on that iconic stage. The multi-talented singer, actress and television personality performed two songs: “I Found Someone” and “We All Sleep Alone.” During both performances, the superstar stunned with her raven curls and breathtaking belts, solidifying her as one of the greats—and her time on the show marked a pivotal point in her career as well.
Not only was this her only appearance on the show as a musical guest, but her performance coincided with the release of her 1987 album, Cher, and paved the way for the release of one of her most beloved films, Moonstruck (1987), which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. At this point in time, the starlet was experiencing something of a career revival. While she of course had great success throughout the 60s and 70s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher, featuring her and her then-husband Sonny Bono, by the end of the 70s, Cher had kicked off her solo career.
In the years prior to her SNL performance, Cher made a slight career shift, focusing much of her attention on acting. However, in 1987, she signed with Geffen Records, which ultimately led to her 1987 self-titled album that marked a music career revival. The album featured the hit songs she performed on Saturday Night Live, as well as favorites like “Give Our Love a Fightin’ Chance,” “Working Girl” and more.
Fans can’t wait for Cher’s 2025 ‘SNL’ performance
The Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy-winning singer and actress made her grand return to the series for SNL50, performing “If I Could Turn Back Time” at SNL: The Homecoming Concert, with cast member Sarah Sherman seen sobbing in the audience. Now, she’s back to celebrate the holidays, and we’re hoping for a mix of old hits and new bops from her 2023 Christmas album, Christmas.
With decades having passed since Cher shared her talents as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, fans shared their excitement in the comments of SNL’s announcement post. “Marking my calendar for Dec 20th! It will be epic! I’d like to see Cher with Domingo!” wrote one commenter. “Ari and Cher?! Merry Xmas to us,” shared another fan.
Whether you’re treasuring the memories of that breathtaking 1987 comeback or counting down the days until December 20, one thing’s for sure: Cher reminds us that it’s never too late for a spectacular new chapter. Her journey from that pivotal SNL moment to today proves that with talent, determination and a whole lot of heart, the best really can be yet to come. Mark your calendars—we’re about to witness magic all over again!
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