Cher receives the Billboard Icon Award at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.
On May 21, 2017, Cher was honored with the Billboard Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, an accolade reserved for artists whose careers have had a profound and lasting influence on the music industry. Previous recipients of this honor include Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Celine Dion, placing Cher among an elite group of musical legends.
The award recognized Cher's unparalleled career trajectory spanning more than five decades, from her early success as part of Sonny & Cher in the 1960s through her solo pop stardom in the 1970s, her acclaimed film career in the 1980s, and her continued relevance in music into the 2010s with hits like "Believe."
Accepting the honor, Cher reflected candidly on the challenges of her long career, including industry skepticism about her longevity and personal struggles. The recognition affirmed her cultural status not merely as a hitmaker but as a genuine icon whose influence extended across music, fashion, film, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, inspiring multiple generations of artists and fans alike.