Cher received the Icon Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2024 ceremony. The award was presented to her by actress Meryl Streep.

After 74-year-old Streep warmly introduced her on the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the 77-year-old Grammy winner began her acceptance speech with a humorous message to her haters. «There are people who say, ‘Does this bitch have more than one pair of pants?’ I’ve been wearing these pants for 40 years. I thought we should come here and accept this award together.»

Reflecting on her six-decade career in the music industry, hitmaker Strong Enough said that she was «lucky to have people who stuck with her» all these years. Addressing the audience, the legendary singer noted that «most» of the audience weren’t even born when she rose to fame as part of a duo with her husband Sonny Bono in 1965.

She urged others to «have a dream» and not give up «no matter what.» «If you have a dream and you go for it, you will have a wonderful life, and it will probably come true,» she urged.

Before welcoming Cher on stage, Streep, dressed in a white Lanvin dress, paid tribute to her colleague’s legendary career.

«You know, Cher has topped the charts in every one of the past seven decades. She is the only woman in the history of the United States to do so.» Streep continued, «It takes courage» to achieve the success Cher has, «who has a huge heart.»

Jennifer Hudson took to the stage and performed a rendition of «If I Could Turn Back Time.» Then, Cher appeared on stage and performed the song «Believe» together with Hudson.