OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.

As conversations swirl about the possibility of political commentator Charlie Kirk receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a question echoing through social media and living rooms alike has left many Americans baffled: If a podcast host is eligible for the nation’s highest civilian honor, how has Cher—one of the most influential artists and advocates in American history—never received it?

A Voice That Shaped America

Cher’s impact on American culture goes far beyond chart-topping hits or Oscar gold. From her 1960s breakthrough with “I Got You Babe” to the dancefloor triumph of “Believe,” Cher has continually set the pace for pop culture. She is a rare artist who hasn’t just kept up with the times—she has helped define them.

Over the decades, Cher has broken through barriers in music, television, film, and fashion, all while refusing to bow to the industry’s expectations. Her resilience and authenticity have made her an icon for generations who see in her the true meaning of freedom: the courage to be yourself, no matter who’s watching.

Freedom Lived Out Loud

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is intended for those whose “especially meritorious contribution” has enriched the United States. Cher’s career is a blueprint for that standard. Her music has been a lifeline for countless fans—an anthem for individuality, resilience, and hope.

Yet her influence extends beyond entertainment. During the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, while many turned away, Cher visited hospitals, organized fundraisers, and comforted patients at a time when doing so was anything but popular. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, humanitarian causes, and political justice has long set her apart—not as a performer, but as a champion for equality and human dignity.

The Real Test of Merit

In a world where honors can sometimes seem to reflect popularity or politics more than true impact, the omission of Cher from the Medal of Freedom’s long list of recipients feels striking. For decades, she has used her voice and platform to speak out against hate, uplift the marginalized, and encourage generations to be bold and unafraid.

Cher herself once put it plainly: “I’ve been a woman in a man’s world since I was 16. If that’s not freedom—fighting to be yourself—I don’t know what is.”

The Medal She’s Earned, Whether or Not She Gets It

While Cher may never stand at the White House to accept the nation’s highest civilian honor, her place in American history is secure. The love and liberation she has inspired in millions are medals no one can take away.

If the Presidential Medal of Freedom truly honors those who have shaped the nation’s spirit, Cher’s name deserves to be at the top of the list. Because while others talk about freedom, Cher has lived it—out loud, and in full color—for more than fifty years.

And that, more than any medal, is the mark of a true American original.