The annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony aired Wednesday night (December 26) on CBS and there were some truly incredible moments. One such moment was Adam Lambert's moving tribute to honoree Cher.

Introduced by actress Amanda Seyfried, Lambert performed the pop icon's number-one hit "Believe." The current Queen singer and one-time American Idol runner-up didn't just do a direct cover of the 1998 dance-pop hit, but instead transformed it into a powerful ballad.

The entire audience was captivated by Lambert's gorgeous rendition, including honoree Cher. The Hollywood legend was visibly moved, wiping tears away as she watched Lambert in awe. Backed by an orchestra, Lambert's soaring vocals, vocal control, and use of contrasting dynamics brought the song's lyrics to life in a new way.

Lambert wasn't the only one paying tribute to Cher. Fellow pop music icon Cyndi Lauper took the stage for a rousing rendition of Cher's 1989 hit "If I Could Turn Back Time."  Lauper's performance had Cher shook in a different way. "You told me were going to Los Angeles!" she exclaimed to Cyndi from her seat. "I lied," Lauper replied hilariously.

Whoopi Goldberg and Little Big Town also tributed Cher at the event.

Other Kennedy Center honorees this year included Reba McEntire, Wayne Shorter, Philip Glass, and Hamilton writer/star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, and music director Alex Lacamoire.

Bonus: Watch Kelly Clarkson and Kristin Chenoweth's Kennedy Center Honors performances tributing country music legend Reba McEntire below:

It was a great with so many amazing moments honoring all the legends. Check out all the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors clips and performances over on the CBS YouTube page.

Next up, check out photos of Adam Lambert through the years:

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