Adam Lambert Delivers Hilarious Cher-Style Cover of “The Muffin Man” on The Tonight Show
Few singers can combine powerhouse vocals with pure comedy quite like Adam Lambert, and his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon proved exactly that. In a viral segment of Wheel of Musical Impressions, Lambert was challenged to perform “The Muffin Man” — but in the unmistakable style of Cher.
The Challenge That Sparked Laughter
When Jimmy Fallon revealed the song choice, Lambert immediately burst into laughter, clearly amused (and maybe a little daunted) by the absurdity of the task. But being the consummate performer he is, he quickly rose to the challenge — and delivered something unforgettable.
Channeling Cher’s iconic 1998 hit “Believe”, Lambert transformed the children’s nursery rhyme into a disco-pop anthem, complete with Cher’s signature vocal inflections and Auto-Tune-inspired tone.
His first line had Fallon and the audience doubled over in laughter, and as the performance went on, the energy in the studio skyrocketed.
A Perfect Blend of Talent and Humor
Lambert’s performance struck the perfect balance between humor and brilliance. His Cher impersonation was spot-on — dramatic vibrato, rich tone, and all — while his comedic timing had everyone on set grinning ear to ear.
It was a reminder that Lambert doesn’t just possess one of the most powerful voices in modern pop music; he also knows how to have fun with it. The joy on everyone’s faces, from Fallon to the band to the audience, said it all.
The segment, uploaded to YouTube on April 17, 2023, quickly went viral, amassing over 4.6 million views and thousands of comments from fans praising Lambert’s versatility and charisma.
Fan Reactions
Viewers were quick to shower Lambert with praise in the comments:
“Adam Lambert is still hands down one of the most phenomenal male singers of all time. There is nothing that he can’t sing.”
“His laugh in the middle of singing just gets me every time. It shows how fun singing can be to him, and I just love his passion.”
Lambert seemed to love the experience just as much as the fans did — so much so that he later mashed up “The Muffin Man” and “Believe” live during his set at London’s Summertime Ball on June 11, 2023.
The Legacy of Cher’s “Believe”
The parody was also a fun nod to the lasting influence of Cher’s “Believe,” which remains one of the most iconic pop songs ever recorded. Released on October 19, 1998, the song was the lead single from her 22nd studio album of the same name.
Though Cher contributed significant lyrics — particularly in the second verse — she was not officially credited as a songwriter, something she later said she regretted.
“Believe” became a global phenomenon, reaching No. 1 in 23 countries and selling more than 11 million copies, making it the best-selling single by a female solo artist of all time.
The Takeaway
Adam Lambert’s “Muffin Man” moment was more than just a viral clip — it was a showcase of his vocal brilliance, wit, and fearlessness as a performer. By channeling Cher’s legendary sound with humor and respect, he reminded everyone why he remains one of the most dynamic entertainers in music today.