Cher is one of the most iconic and successful pop stars of all time, with a career spanning almost six decades and countless awards and accolades. She is also known for her ageless beauty and style, often defying the expectations and norms set for women her age.
Cher poses during a recording session in April 1966 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In November 2023, the singer’s groundbreaking dance album, “Believe,” marked its 25th anniversary, but surprisingly, this was not a cause for celebration. In a candid interview with Today, Cher shared her sentiments about aging and reaching milestones in her music career.
Cher poses for a portrait session in October 1964 | Source: Getty Images
The anniversary of the hit song and its album of the same title, which debuted in 1998 and sold over 11 million copies globally, was a source of irritation for her. When asked about the supposedly joyous milestone and the album’s “amazing” success, Cher responded with a quick retort, “It’s not that amazing, ok?”
Cher poses for a portrait on March 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Cher, who celebrated her 77th birthday in May 2023, has been outspoken about her dislike of aging. In a 2020 interview, she stated, “I hate it.” She keeps up with trends and has a circle of young friends, but she does not strive to feel or be young. She embraces her identity, stating, “I am who I am. I’m just getting along.”
Cher poses for a portrait in July 1979 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Cher admitted, “When I was working on the road, we used to work two shows a night and then go out dancing all night long.” It bothers her that now, at her age, she doesn’t have the same energy anymore.
However, she has maintained her signature look and fashion choices, refusing to let her hair turn gray or alter her style. Her career and personal life have not slowed down due to her age.
Cher poses for a portrait in June 1981 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Though she tires easily now, she asserts that her voice is in its prime and her physical strength surpasses that of many younger individuals. She has been refreshingly transparent about her use of cosmetic surgery to maintain her looks, even referring to herself as the “poster girl for plastic surgery.” She confirmed having had a facelift but added, “Who hasn’t?”
Cher attends the 55th Academy Awards on April 11, 1983 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a previous interview with People, Cher made it clear that she wasn’t ready to embrace the natural aging process just yet. She stated, “Going gray is fine for other girls. I’m just not doing it!” Cher has been the subject of much speculation regarding cosmetic surgery. While she admits to having had some procedures, she insists it’s not as extensive as many believe.
Cher during her book signing on November 13, 1998 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
She admitted to undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, but it did not go well. She revealed, “I’ve had my breasts done. But my breast operations were a nightmare. They were really botched in every way. If anything, they were worse after than before.” She has previously discussed the pressure to stay young in her line of work.
Cher during her album signing on November 24, 1998 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Due to her openness about her cosmetic procedures, there are people who recognize her as the face of cosmetic surgery. When asked if she believes she has normalized cosmetic procedures, she responded with surprise, questioning the need for young girls to drastically change their appearance through surgery.
Cher on September 27, 2023 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
She expressed confusion over this trend, stating that she never desired to alter her natural features. Cher believes that talent, not appearance, is what truly matters in her profession. She stated, “You don’t pay bucks to stand and look at someone. They’ve got to deliver something.”
Cher at Free The Wild presentation on July 18, 2018 in London | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, at the age of 72, the singer took on the role of a glamorous grandmother in the “Mamma Mia!” sequel, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” Despite not having any grandchildren of her own, a fact she wishes were different, Cher shared her belief that grandparents are more fun than parents.
Cher performing on October 24, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
She recalled a childhood memory of pouring her grandmother’s perfume down the toilet, to which her grandmother simply laughed and found it adorable. In the film “Here We Go Again,” Cher portrays Ruby, the mother of Meryl Streep’s character Donna. Interestingly, Streep is only three years younger than Cher in real life.
Cher on October 25, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
So, what if Cher never had a facelift or dyed her hair black? How would she look at different ages if she aged naturally? To try and answer this question, we used AI-generated images to create a hypothetical scenario of the pop icon’s appearance without any cosmetic enhancements. The results are fascinating and surprising.
In her 40s: Cher’s face is lovely, and her skin is flawless, with a few lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are prominent, and her lips are full and shapely. Her hair is voluminous and is starting to gray.
Cher in her 40s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 50s: Cher’s face has aged more noticeably now, with deeper lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is less defined. Her eyes are still bright, but they have a hint of fatigue to them. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her voluminous hair has patches of gray.
Cher in her 50s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 60s: Cher’s face has aged gracefully, with subtle lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is softer now. Her eyes are still bright, but they have a hint of wisdom to them. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her hair is voluminous and gray at the roots.
Cher in her 60s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 70s: Cher’s face has aged gracefully, with deep lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is softer now. Her eyes are still bright and expressive. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her hair is still voluminous and gray, but the tips are still black.
Cher in her 70s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 80s: Cher’s face has aged more noticeably now, with deeper lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is less defined. Her eyes are still bright, with no hint of fatigue to them. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her hair is hair is still long and completely gray.
Cher in her 80s via AI | Source: Midjourney
The AI-generated images reveal a more natural and realistic appearance of the star, who still looks beautiful and elegant. They also show how her facial features and expressions change over time, reflecting her personality and emotions. The images are not meant to be accurate or definitive but rather a creative and fun experiment.
They are not intended to criticize or mock Cher’s choices or looks but rather to celebrate her as a legend and an icon. Cher is a remarkable woman who has achieved success and fame in the entertainment industry. She has a unique and iconic look and style, which she has preserved with the help of cosmetic surgery and hair dye.