Cher Turned Down An Olympic Performance, Paved The Way For Lady Gaga

Mike Wass | September 13, 2013 3:06 pm

Cher is already worshipped by the gay community for her fabulous fashion and catchy pop tunes but news that she turned down a prestigious invitation to perform at the Russian Olympics due to homophobic legislation will make her a borderline deity.

“My friend… asked me if I’d like to be an ambassador for the Olympics and open the show,” the 67-year-old beauty told Canadian magazine Maclean’s. “I immediately said no. I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there. He said the Russian people don’t feel the way the government does.”

In addition to addressing human rights, Cher also spoke about being a trendsetter for other female artists. When asked about Lady Gaga, she said: “Gaga has an idea for herself and she follows it. Madonna was the same way. Madonna said and did what she wanted, whenever she wanted and she was ahead of the curve.”

This is where it gets interesting. The interviewer asked who is more authentic — the “Applause”-loving diva or Madonna. Her reply? “Madonna was authentic for her time. People like Madonna and me paved the way for the women who came after us.”

Is that a subtle way of avoiding the question or does the 55-year-old get Cher’s vote? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can also read the full interview here.

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