Cher Declares She’s ‘Not a Cher Fan’: ‘I Just Never Liked My Voice That Much’
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
If you ever hang out with Cher, maybe don’t put her music on the playlist. In a recent cover story interview with PAPER, the iconic Goddess of Pop revealed a surprising personal truth: she’s not a fan of her own music and doesn’t like her own voice.
Cher has spent over six decades in the spotlight, producing hits that have shaped the music industry. Yet, as she prepares to release her new album, “Christmas,” she confesses a certain detachment from her vast discography. “I’ve made so many albums, and some of the ones I thought were as good as I could like an album of mine weren’t hits. And then other ones that I was not that excited about [were],” Cher reflected, illustrating the unpredictable nature of musical success throughout her storied career.
Cher’s ambivalence towards her music is both candid and humble. “So I like this album. I’m not a Cher fan, but I like doing it,” she said about her festive project. “When I listen to [Christmas], I think this worked out.” This statement is a rare glimpse into the personal standards of an artist who has continually reinvented herself, staying relevant across generations.
When delving deeper into her self-critique, Cher revealed, “I just never liked my voice that much. If I had my choice, I probably would have another one, but I didn’t get my choice. I got my mother’s voice.” It’s a startling admission from someone whose vocal style is unmistakably distinctive. Cher’s unique timbre—an androgynous blend that defies traditional categories—has always been a hallmark of her music, but it’s something she finds “weird.”
“It doesn’t sound like a man, it doesn’t sound like a woman. I’m somewhere more in-between. I have this strange style,” she elaborated. “I do what you do when you can’t hold a note: I don’t pronounce my Rs. I guess some consonants are hard to sing, so I just gotta leave them open.”
Cher’s honest assessment of her vocal abilities offers fans a deeper appreciation of her artistry. Her willingness to embrace and work within the confines of her perceived limitations is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Despite her self-criticism, Cher’s voice remains one of the most recognizable in music history, influencing countless artists and endearing her to fans worldwide.
As Cher embarks on this new chapter with “Christmas,” her reflections add a poignant layer to her legacy. It’s a reminder that even icons grapple with self-doubt, yet continue to create and inspire. Cher’s humility and self-awareness are as compelling as her music, making her an enduring figure in pop culture.