Cher

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, is an American singer, actress, and television personality. Dubbed the "Goddess of Pop," she is renowned for her distinctive contralto voice, bold fashion choices, and a career spanning over six decades. Cher first gained fame in 1965 as part of the folk-rock duo Sonny & Cher, achieving success with hits like "I Got You Babe." She later established a successful solo career, with chart-topping singles such as "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves," "Half-Breed," and "Dark Lady."

In addition to her music career, Cher has made significant contributions to film and television. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Moonstruck (1987) and received critical acclaim for performances in films like Silkwood (1983) and Mask (1985). Her 1998 hit "Believe" was notable for pioneering the use of Auto-Tune as a vocal effect, leading to what became known as the "Cher effect."

Cher's influence extends beyond entertainment; she is also recognized for her activism in areas such as LGBTQ+ rights and humanitarian efforts. In 2024, she released her first Christmas album, Christmas, featuring collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé. That same year, she published Cher: The Memoir, Part One, detailing her early life and rise to fame.