Cher accused of lip-syncing on SNL, drawing Ashlee Simpson comparisons

Cher faced renewed scrutiny from fans after performing as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live’s final episode of the year, with viewers accusing her of lip-syncing during both numbers. The 79-year-old pop icon sang “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and “Run Run Rudolph” on the Dec. 20 show, hosted by Ariana Grande. The episode also marked Bowen Yang’s final appearance as a cast member after seven seasons, and Cher's return to SNL was her first as musical guest since 1987, with only occasional appearances since then.

Social-media chatter centered on microphone and vocal playback, with clips circulating online and fans debating whether Cher was singing live. Some commenters drew comparisons to Ashlee Simpson’s infamous 2004 lip-sync moment on SNL, noting similarities in the onstage audio and Cher’s positioning. Others defended Cher, saying viewers should not assume lip-syncing without official confirmation.

Simpson’s experience has been revisited in recent years, including a February 2024 interview in which she described the moment as a humbling lesson learned while she was young and dealing with the pressure of a No. 1 song.

Beyond the debate about live singing, SNL’s year-end show was notable for its balance of nostalgia and contemporary pop culture, with Cher joining Grande and a farewell on-air moment for Yang. The discussion over performance authenticity continues to be part of the show's legacy as a platform for both musical guests and comedy.

As the program moves into a new year, Cher’s appearance underscores SNL’s ongoing role in transforming iconic careers into contemporary moments, even as viewers weigh the line between live performance and playback. The show has hosted a mix of celebrated veterans and breakout stars, with each episode often prompting a broader conversation about artistry, technology, and the pressures on performers in a digitally amplified era.