Zendaya’s Tribute to Cher at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Sparks Controversy

Zendaya’s Cher-inspired outfit received mixed reactions; while some criticized it, others praised her choice. This comes as Cher is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, following her earlier comments about feeling snubbed.

At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 19, 2024, Hollywood star Zendaya dazzled in a sparkling dress inspired by musical legend Cher. During the event, she shared heartfelt sentiments in honor of the beloved artist.

The 27-year-old actress and style icon attended the event in a beaded gown that revealed her entire midriff, highlighting her toned physique.

Zendaya’s gown featured criss-cross straps across her chest and strategically placed cutouts that draped elegantly over her body, creating a look that was both daring and chic. The combination of gold and skin-toned elements added to the gown’s striking appeal.

Zendaya’s dress echoed a memorable 1970s look from Cher, a time when the singer was celebrated for her bold fashion choices and her solo music and variety show.

In addition to her stunning gown, Zendaya wore her long, sleek black hair parted perfectly down the middle. She complemented her look with golden stiletto heels that accentuated her already statuesque frame.

Photos revealed that Zendaya layered her outfit with a luxurious white coat featuring gold embroidery along the edges. To keep the focus on her ensemble, she opted for minimal accessories, adding just a touch of sparkle with her bracelets and ring.

In addition to her solo shots, Zendaya posed for photos with fellow industry stars, including Dua Lipa and the guest of honor, Cher, who dazzled in an all-black outfit.

As the evening continued, the “Euphoria” actress took the stage to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Cher that resonated with the audience. Standing confidently at the podium, Zendaya shared her admiration for the legendary artist and highlighted the profound impact Cher has had on generations.

“Thank you, Cher,” began the “Challengers” star. “Thank you for being an advocate, for being an ally, for paving the way for so many people of all kinds to live and speak their truth and for inspiring the courage to be daring and open-hearted.”

Quoting Cher, Zendaya added, “‘You should never be inhibited by what people expect you to do.’ Those are words I hope we can all learn to live by.”

While Zendaya’s tribute to Cher captivated the audience, her daring ensemble ignited a heated discussion online. Although many acknowledged her undeniable beauty, opinions about her outfit were divided, with some not fully embracing her choice.

One user voiced their discomfort, stating, “She’s gorgeous, but this is too revealing.” Another questioned the necessity of such a daring outfit, asking, “Does she really need to be almost naked? She doesn’t even look happy wearing it…😢 She’s a beautiful girl… 🖤.”

A similar sentiment was expressed by another user, who compared Zendaya’s outfit to a well-known pop culture reference, stating, “Zendaya is beautiful, but the dress screams ‘Princess Leia […] costume.’ It’s cringing—it leaves nothing to the imagination, and she’s a stunning woman without needing to resort to nudity in a dress.”

Others expressed concerns about the message Zendaya’s outfit might convey. One comment read, “Beautiful ❤️ but why do amazing, talented women need to undress to get attention? 😖” Another observer noted a troubling trend among celebrities, saying, “Why are all celebrity women feeling like they have to be 90% naked to be relevant? I hate what modern-day feminism has done to women… They straight reverse carded it. 😞”

The criticism persisted, with some finding Zendaya’s choice lacking creativity. One commenter remarked, “Women walking around less than half dressed, acting like they are being ‘edgy,’ is old and boring. It’s tacky and lacks imagination. These same women will vow and fight for women’s rights.”

Continuing their critique, they wrote, “Put some clothes on, act like a lady, have respect for yourself, and show that you have an intelligent and creative mind that can move beyond what pop culture says you ‘should look and act like.'”

However, amidst the criticisms, some fans celebrated the “Shake It Up” actress, with one admirer gushing, “Zendaya outdid herself again!! 😍😍😍 Absolutely stunning.”

Another fan fully embraced Zendaya’s Cher-inspired look, commenting, “Total Cher vibes and I’m here for it. Gorgeous 🔥.” Another admirer declared, “This look is iconic; she looks so good! 😍”

While Zendaya’s outfit sparked a range of reactions, the main focus of the evening was Cher’s long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With a career spanning seven decades, Cher’s influence on music, film, and pop culture is truly unparalleled.

From her early days with Sonny Bono to becoming an international solo sensation, Cher has continually evolved and remained relevant across every era of entertainment. Taking the stage with her signature confidence and humor, Cher’s acceptance speech was both heartfelt and candid.

Cher reflected on the challenges she has faced throughout her life and career, humorously noting that it had been easier to get divorced twice than to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Despite the obstacles she encountered, she emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “The one thing that I have never done is I never give up. I never give up.”

Her speech was filled with personal stories, from her childhood dreams of fame to her groundbreaking success with “Believe,” a song that revolutionized the music industry. Cher recounted how the creation of that song came about almost by accident but ultimately became a defining moment in her career.

With humility, she stated, “I’m a good singer, you know, I’m a good singer. I’m not a great singer. You know what? I’ll take it.” At one point, Cher also addressed the women in the audience.

Cher expressed her admiration for the strength and resilience of women, proclaiming, “We’ve been down and out, and we keep striving, and we keep going, and we keep building, and we are somebody. We are special.” She concluded her speech by thanking her family and those closest to her.

Months before receiving her long-overdue recognition, Cher made headlines for candidly expressing her frustrations about being overlooked by the induction organization. In December 2023, she appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and vented about the snub, despite her extraordinary achievements.

During the interview, Kelly Clarkson marveled at Cher’s career, exclaiming, “You have number ones spanning seven decades. Like, no one will accomplish that!” Cher, with her trademark wit, responded, “Two of us have.”

When Kelly pressed for more details, Cher revealed that the other musical act was a band, joking, “It took four of them to be one of me.”

The conversation quickly shifted to disbelief when Kelly Clarkson learned that Cher wasn’t in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at that time. “Are you serious!?” exclaimed the talk show host, reflecting the audience’s shock. Cher’s response was sharp and unapologetic: “You know what, I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me $1 million.”

Despite her earlier remarks, when the time finally came for Cher to be inducted, she accepted the honor with a mix of gratitude and defiance. In May 2024, ahead of the induction, the “Moonstruck” star attended the premiere of “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” where she reflected on the upcoming event.

While speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Cher expressed her appreciation for those who championed her induction, saying, “I can thank David Geffen, my friend and the most wonderful person ever, and John Sykes.”

In true Cher fashion, she hinted that she wouldn’t let the moment pass without expressing herself, stating, “I’m going to have some words to say. I’m going to accept it as me.” True to her promise, Cher made sure not to leave anything unsaid in her induction acceptance speech.