Cher Reveals She Once Threw Away a Finished Album After 14 Months: “It Didn’t Sound Like Me Anymore”

Cher, the enduring icon known for her fearless reinvention and powerful voice, has stunned fans with a rare confession: she once scrapped an entire album she had spent over 14 months creating because it no longer felt authentic to her.

In a recent interview, the Believe singer explained the bold decision that surprised even her own team. “I’d rather start over than fake it,” Cher said. “If my voice, my heart, or my spirit aren’t in the music — it doesn’t deserve to live.”

“Somewhere Along the Way, I Lost Myself in the Sound”

The unreleased project, begun in the mid-2000s following her Living Proof tour, was intended to explore a fresh, experimental blend of pop, electronic, and world music influences. However, as the creative process unfolded, Cher found herself drifting further from her true self.

“I kept chasing something that didn’t feel real,” she shared. “We had all these producers coming in — incredible people — but I was just saying yes to everything. And suddenly, one night in the studio, I realized I didn’t recognize the voice coming through the speakers.”

Listening to the final mixes alone in the studio, Cher knew she couldn’t release the record. “It was good music, but it wasn’t me. It was someone trying to be current, to fit in — and I’ve never done well at fitting in.”

The Courage to Start Over

Rather than revise the album, Cher made the daring choice to shelve it entirely — a move reportedly met with resistance from her label. “They thought I’d lost my mind,” she laughed. “But I told them, ‘If it’s not honest, it’s not worth it. I’ll make another one — one that sounds like Cher.’”

She eventually returned to the studio with renewed focus, producing music that reconnected her to her roots, showcasing the authenticity, vocal power, and unmistakable attitude that have defined her career.

Fans Eager to Hear the “Lost Album”

Naturally, fans are curious about the unreleased tracks. While some insiders suggest that a few songs may still reside in Cher’s private archives, she remains coy. “Maybe one day I’ll let people hear a song or two,” she teased. “But right now, it’s better as a lesson than a record.”

“You Can’t Fake Soul — Not in Music, Not in Life”

Reflecting on the experience, Cher described it as a pivotal lesson. “You can fake a note, you can fake a smile — but you can’t fake soul,” she said. “And music without soul? It’s just noise.”

Reinvention on Her Own Terms

Now in her late 70s, Cher continues to defy expectations — from her disco-inspired Dancing Queen album to her recent hints at a new creative chapter. Throughout her journey, she has remained steadfast in one principle: authenticity above all.

“I’ve walked away from big things before,” Cher said. “But every time I do, I come back stronger — because I know who I am. And that’s the only voice I’ll ever sing with.”