CHER TURNS 80 on May 20. But really, Cher is ageless. She’s a singer with hit songs across decades, an Oscar-winning actor and a fashion trailblazer who has adapted to the times.

We asked for insights from someone who has worked to understand Cher from the inside out. Chicago-based vocalist Lisa McClowry, 57, tours the country portraying the singer in The Beat Goes On—A Cher Theatrical Concert Experience. Her take:

“Cher has never stayed in one lane: She’s gone from folk to pop to rock to disco to ballads. She delivers lyrics in a way that feels conversational, almost confessional. She doesn’t soften her edges to be palatable, and that authenticity creates trust. I believe her, whether she’s singing about heartbreak or resilience or joy.” —Sean Piccoli