Honestly, it shouldn't be possible to look like that at 79. It just shouldn't. But every time recent pictures of Cher hit the timeline, the collective internet basically has a meltdown. We’re currently in early 2026, and the "Goddess of Pop" isn't just maintaining her status—she’s out-hustling people half her age.
Forget the grainy paparazzi shots for a second. Let's talk about her actual, high-definition presence. Just a few days ago, on January 5, 2026, Cher appeared on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. While that was an audio medium, the social media clips and the official photos released alongside it showed a woman who has seemingly cracked the code to time travel. She was sitting there, effortlessly cool, riffing on why Kristen Bell deserves a better man than Dax (joking, of course) and looking like she just stepped off a 1992 Vogue set.
The Studio 54 revival and the Valentino Glow
If you want to understand why everyone is obsessing over recent pictures of Cher, you have to look back at the Valentino Beauty event that reopened Studio 54 last September. Most 79-year-olds are looking for a comfortable chair by 9:00 PM. Cher? She was front and center with her boyfriend, Alexander "AE" Edwards.
She wore this massive, black-and-white fur-style coat over an all-black ensemble. It was classic Cher. Dramatic. Heavy. Expensive. Her hair was styled in those long, raven waves that have become her signature over the last sixty years. Seeing her next to AE—who is 40 years her junior—is always a trip, but in those photos, the age gap feels... irrelevant? They just look like two very stylish people who are having a much better time than you are.
The photography from that night captured something specific. It wasn't just the lack of wrinkles, which people love to debate. It was the energy. She has this "still got it" smirk that you can't fake with fillers.
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What’s with the hair changes?
One of the coolest things about the recent pictures of Cher from her 2025/2026 appearances is her willingness to play with her image. She’s not stuck in a "legacy" look.
- The Platinum Era: During her Dolce & Gabbana performance in Rome, she shocked everyone by opening the set in a platinum blonde wig with beachy waves. It was a total throwback to her 2001 "Song for the Lonely" era.
- The Classic Raven: By the middle of the same show, she ditched the blonde for her iconic black tresses.
- The 80s Perm: We've even seen her experimenting with tighter, 80s-style curls recently, proving that she’s still her own best mannequin.
That "Armchair Expert" appearance and the 2026 vibe
The internet went wild for the clips from her January 2026 podcast stint. In the photos from the studio, she looked relaxed. She’s often said she’s "kind of shy" around men and in private settings, but you wouldn't know it from the visuals. She’s leaning into this "cool auntie of the universe" aesthetic—lots of leather, intricate jewelry, and that piercing gaze that says she’s seen everything and isn't impressed by much.
What’s interesting about these 2026 images is the lack of "over-editing." In an era where every influencer is filtered into oblivion, Cher’s team seems to be leaning into high-contrast, high-glamour photography that celebrates her structure. Yes, she’s had work done—she’s been the first person to admit she’s a "poster girl" for plastic surgery—but the result in 2026 is remarkably cohesive. She doesn't look like a stranger; she looks like Cher 2.0.
The AE factor: Love in the lens
You can’t talk about recent pictures of Cher without mentioning Alexander Edwards. They’ve been together for over three years now, defying every tabloid "source" that predicted a breakup within weeks.
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The photos of them together at the SNL50 red carpet in February 2025 or the Victoria's Secret show late last year tell a specific story. It’s one of support. There’s a famous shot of them where AE is basically just acting as her anchor while she poses. She told Gayle King on CBS Mornings that people can say what they want about the age gap, but they just "have a blast." And honestly? The photos back that up. She looks happy. Happiness is a great primer for any camera.
Why her 2026 look is different from 2024
In 2024, there was a lot of focus on her "defying age" during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. It was all about the "Believe" legacy.
In 2026, the focus has shifted. The recent pictures of Cher we’re seeing now feel more about her current life. She’s recording new music. She’s hanging out with AE’s son, Slash. She’s making jokes on podcasts. The "statue" version of Cher is being replaced by a more "lived-in" version of the icon.
Spotting the "fake" recent pictures
A quick warning for the fans: Google and social media are currently flooded with AI-generated "recent" photos of Cher. You’ve probably seen the ones where she looks 22 again or is wearing some impossible neon outfit.
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How do you tell the difference? Look at the eyes. Real 2026 Cher has a depth to her gaze. The AI versions usually look a bit "uncanny valley"—too smooth, too perfect, no soul. If she’s not wearing something that looks like it cost more than a mid-sized sedan, it’s probably a fake.
Actionable takeaways for fans following her style
If you’re looking to track her latest moves or draw inspiration from her 2026 aesthetic, here’s the move:
- Check the Source: Stick to verified Getty Images or her official Instagram. The "fan pages" often post photos from 2012 and claim they were taken yesterday.
- Focus on the Skin Prep: Cher’s 2026 glow is heavily attributed to her disciplined skincare and hydration. If you want that "Cher glow," start with a high-quality barrier cream and consistent SPF.
- Wig Versatility: Take a page from her book and don't be afraid to change your hair color based on your mood, not your age.
Cher is proving that 80 is the new... well, whatever she wants it to be. As long as she keeps stepping out in front of those flashes, we’re going to keep looking. She isn't just a singer or an actress anymore. She’s a living blueprint for how to age without ever actually getting "old."
Keep an eye on the upcoming fashion weeks in Paris and Milan; word is she’s planning a major appearance that will likely break the internet all over again.