Cher Turns Back Time and Rocks Black Bodysuit Similar to One She Wore 35 Years Ago

The music icon, 78, performed a four-song set, including "If I Could Turn Back Time," at the amfAR Gala in France

<p>Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty</p> Cher arrives at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 on May 23, 2024

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Cher arrives at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 on May 23, 2024

Cher still knows how to rock a black bodysuit!

The legendary performer, 78, wore a sparkly, slinky suit similar to the one she wore 35 years ago for her 1989 hit, "If I Could Turn Back Time" at the annual amfAR Gala in Cap d'Antibes, France on Thursday, May 23. The gala — one of the premiere events timed to the Cannes Film Festival — raises funds for AIDS research.

Earlier in the evening, Cher hit the red carpet with her beau, Alexander Edwards, 38, in a floor-length gown. The couple, who have a 40-year-age difference, held hands and kissed on the red carpet.

She also posed with longtime friend Demi Moore, who later introduced her performance at the gala.

<p>Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty</p> Alexander Edwards and Cher kiss at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 on May 23, 2024

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Alexander Edwards and Cher kiss at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 on May 23, 2024

Prior to Cher taking the stage, a date with the legendary performer in Malibu, Calif., was auctioned off for S150,000, with proceeds going to AIDS research.

Related: Everything Cher Has Said About Her Relationship (and Dating Younger Men!) as She Turns 78

“I’m gonna see if this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. I’m just making sure that you’re really, really with me," Moore, 61, said as the attendees erupted into cheers. "Because this incredible woman that I’m about to introduce, she’s a Grammy winner, an Oscar winner, an Emmy winner – are you an Emmy winner in the back of the room? I f---ing don’t think so."

"She’s a style icon and my personal hair inspiration," Moore continued. "And she was honored by amfAR for their Award of Inspiration in 2015. The bottom line is she’s just one of the most talented, successful and best-loved performers of all time. So please, please give a warm welcome to the incredible, one and only Cher!”

<p>Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty </p> Cher and Demi Moore arrive at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 on May 23, 2024

Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty

Cher and Demi Moore arrive at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 on May 23, 2024

Cher then hit the stage in a blonde wig (in contrast to the black one she wore on the red carpet) and purple suit and started her four-song set with "Walking In Memphis."

She was then joined by dancers for a lively performance of ABBA’s "Waterloo," which she covered on her 2018 album Dancing Queen. After the two songs, she left the stage briefly as the audience watched a dance number.

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She returned in a black curly wig, à la Moonstruck, and a black, sheer bodysuit, leather bomber, and tall black boots to perform "If I Could Turn Back Time." The outfit was reminiscent of the outfit she wore in the music video back in 1989. MTV had deemed the look too racy at the time and only played the video after 9 p.m.

Before her last song, Cher shared a personal story.

“When I was 50, which seems so young now, but when I was 50 I got dropped by my record company," she began. “One day my manager who was my best friend came in and said, ‘You know my self-esteem is too sewed up in your talent and I don’t believe in you anymore.’ "

"I was thinking, ‘F--- me.’ So then I was like I don’t know what to do,' ” Cher continued. "Then, a man from England said, 'I still believe in you. Come here. I’ve got a song you can sing. And we’ll see what happens, if people still believe in you.' ”

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Cher then performed "Believe," the 1998 dance anthem that introduced her to a whole new generation of fans.

Observers at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc where the gala was held said she "looks unbelievable" and her "voice is as strong as ever."

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