Original Air Date:
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Oprah Show from Caesar's Palace:
Oprah started out the show at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas by showing vintage footage from a television show in the 70 with Cher and Tina Turner performing together.
Cher's Performance from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas:
At 16 Cher left home to head to Hollywood and become a star - from there, Cher is best known for being half of Sonny & Cher, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, outrageous outfits, wild wigs and hairdos and tons of hits. Cher is the only female artist to have a top 10 hit in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Along with her many chart topping songs, Cher also has earned an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Cher performed her 1979 hit, "Take Me Home"
Cher's Interview from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas:
After a break, Cher returned to the stage to talk to Oprah, who commented that Cher was dressed rather modestly for her. Cher will be headlining a show at Caesar's Palace for 3 years - "Cher at the Coliseum" - which recently started its run. Cher has many times said that she was through touring, to then head out on the road again. For this gig, Cher explained that she feels she's getting too old to tour, but she didn't want to give up what she enjoys, so this was the best of both worlds. Cher is familiar performing in Vegas as she had her first gig after breaking up with Sonny there.
Cher at the Coliseum - Costumes:
Cher has 17 costume changes in her new show, which of course were designed by Bob Mackie who has been designing for Cher for the last 40 years. Bob walked Oprah's cameras through a few sketches for Cher's costumes which included a Cleopatra inspired outfit and a warrior goddess outfit. Cher revealed that she was the first woman to show her belly button on television as Bob expressed that fashion doesn't give Cher enough credit as being the icon that she is.
Tina Turner and Cher's Interview from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas:
Before Tina Turner joined the interview, Oprah showed highlights from her career that has make her a music legend including her 63 albums, 8 Grammy's and more concert tickets sold than any other individual performer.
Cher and Tina Turner's interview was the first they have ever done together, though they have known each other for more than 30 years. Cher described the first time she met Tina Turner when she was 18 years old in Oakland, California while Tina stated that she remembered seeing Cher because she was so bohemian looking and had beautiful hair.
When the two were in the studio at the same time, Cher stated that she expected "Tina Turner" but what she found was a gentle lady, not a sailor mouth like she was. Tina remembers admiring Cher's freedom and independence, the way she had control over what she did. When Tina returned to the studio, Cher remembers Ike was not there. A 1975 clip of Cher and Tina was shown, and the pair remembers having fun, laughing and improvising the song. Cher discussed owing Sonny Bono 2 million dollars after they split from broken contracts, but she stayed on the road until she had it all paid off.
Cher and Tina Turner's Interview - On Aging:
With Cher 61 and Tina Turner 68, Oprah asked how they felt about this time in their life and Cher responded by saying that she thinks it sucks. Tina's response, however, was much different, saying that she welcomes it with open arms and enjoys the wisdom, the way she thinks differently, her attitude and outlook on life being clearer.
Both Cher and Tina remember what it was like not to know how to do anything on their own after their divorces. Both women had to learn how to be on their own and grow from their mistakes. The learning curve for both women began after their divorces.
Cher and Tina Turner's Interview - On Dating and Relationships:
While Tina Turner described being with the same man for the last 22 years - one who is fabulous and remained true to himself even though he was with a celebrity - Cher has dated many men over the years. Cher asked about Marlon Brando, to which Cher responded that they only shared a plane ride. But when she asked about Tom Cruise, Cher stated that they had indeed dated, and that she even lived in his apartment, that she was crazy about him.
Tina Turner's Performance and Announcement:
After her interview with Cher, Tina Turner performed her 70s hit "Nutbush City Limits" and after announced that she would be going out on tour one last time starting October 1, 2008 in Kansas City.
To end the show, Tina Turner started performing her version of "Proud Mary" with Cher coming in to perform as well, for the first time in a long time that the duo has been on stage together. At the end of the song, Oprah joined Cher and Tina for added treat.
