Zendaya Pays Tribute to Cher with Classic Gold “Naked” Gown at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

**Cher’s Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: An Unforgettable Evening, With Zendaya Paying Stylish Tribute**

This past weekend, music, film, and fashion legend Cher was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in a celebration that honored not just her iconic career but also her lasting impact across various artistic domains. The ceremony, eagerly awaited by fans and colleagues, acknowledged Cher for her groundbreaking contributions to music, television, and film, in addition to her bold and trendsetting fashion sense. And there was no one better suited to introduce such a versatile icon than another multifaceted star, Zendaya.

At only 28, actress, dancer, musician, and contemporary style icon Zendaya has been recognized for her fearless fashion choices and significant presence in the entertainment industry. For the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, where she had the privilege to introduce the legendary Cher, Zendaya ensured her appearance would be memorable — paying heartfelt homage to the evening’s honoree.

### A Stylish Tribute to Cher

Zendaya made a striking entrance at the Hall of Fame Induction, showcasing a bold, shimmering outfit that mirrored Cher’s famous extravagant and glamorous flair. Her selection for the event? A Bob Mackie “naked dress” from 2001, inspired by the timeless Cher style that shaped much of the 1970s. Bob Mackie has long been Cher’s favored designer, credited with creating some of her most iconic red-carpet fashions. Notably, this includes her memorable head-to-toe black jeweled attire from the 1986 Academy Awards and her eye-catching, glittering outfit from 1988 when she won the Oscar for Best Actress.

Styled by Law Roach, the genius behind many of Zendaya’s standout red-carpet looks (including for *Dune 2’s* London premiere and the 2024 Met Gala), the Bob Mackie dress served as a loving homage to Cher’s daring style while also offering a modern red-carpet moment. The gown featured an open bodice and gold accents leading to a sleek, low-rise skirt. In homage to Cher’s iconic hairstyles, Zendaya opted for long, straight, luscious locks, finishing her look with a white silk trench coat adorned with gold details — a perfect dramatic reveal reminiscent of Cher’s frequent costume changes during her performances, especially in *The Cher Show*.

### Zendaya Celebrates Cher’s Legacy

When Zendaya graced the stage to introduce Cher, she expressed her admiration for the icon’s decades-spanning career without reservation. “Where do I start? Cher is not just a single entity,” Zendaya stated, reflecting on the iconic singer and performer. “Her name is as legendary as her legacy.”

Zendaya went on to underscore Cher’s remarkable accomplishments, including the unprecedented achievement of placing a No. 1 hit on a Billboard chart in each of the last seven decades. “She has traversed various musical genres, defined new ones, and reinvented many others. Her music resonates with your heart, your spirit, compels you to dance, makes you rock, and has undeniably withstood the test of time,” Zendaya acknowledged, encapsulating the versatility and durability of Cher’s career — attributes that transcend the music realm and continue to inspire countless artists and creators across generations.

### Cher’s Captivating Performance & Acceptance Speech

Naturally, Cher herself graced the stage in spectacular fashion, captivating the crowd with two of her most cherished songs. She commenced the ceremony with a performance of her 1998 hit “Believe” alongside Dua Lipa and later delivered an electrifying rendition of “If I Could Turn Back Time,” a track synonymous with her groundbreaking stature in the industry.

In her acceptance speech, Cher humorously reflected on the highs and lows of her career, making one particularly memorable comparison: “It was easier getting divorced from two men than it was getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” she joked, evoking laughter and cheers from the audience. She also took a moment to impart encouragement to women everywhere: “The one thing I inherited from my mom is to never give up. I never give up. I’m addressing the women—when you’re down and out, we keep moving forward.” Whether challenging industry conventions or navigating difficult relationships, Cher’s tenacity has been a defining feature of her remarkable, ground-breaking career.

### A Well-Deserved Recognition

Cher’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is yet another well-earned accolade for the superstar, whose influence on music and pop culture has shaped both the past and present. While Cher’s musical legacy is filled with numerous hits such as “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” “Half-Breed,” and the club anthem “Strong Enough,”