She is one of the biggest stars to join the second Mamma Mia movie, so it was only right Cher was given one of ABBA’s most-loved songs to recreate – and she didn’t disappoint.
Just days before the movie is released around the world, the 72-year-old music legend’s full cover of hit song ‘Fernando’ has been released, and it’s already climbing the charts and sending fans wild on social media.
While movie producers are keeping the full video under wraps, the audio clip and some sneak peeks at her performance have gone viral. The videos feature Cher’s classic tones alongside Andy Garcia – and they’re pitch-perfect throughout as they’re joined by the rest of the cast for the well-known chorus.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again has once again been inspired by the songs of hit band ABBA, and while the story veers off from the original movie, some of the top songs will reappear all over again.
Cher plays Ruby Sheridan, the mother of Donna, played by Meryl Streep in the first movie. Meanwhile, Garcia plays Fernando in the romantic comedy musical – no doubt inspiring their duet.
While Donna was the main character in the first movie, she appears to have disappeared in the second – sparking many fans to fear she might have died. But producers and the rest of the cast have refused to comment on speculation, instead preferring to keep the surprise hidden until the film’s release.
Cher’s song proved a huge hit online, as one fan tweeted: “I never would have imagined hearing Cher sing Fernando could bring me so much joy”.
Another added: “I can’t believe I am saying this out loud so to speak… I think I like @cher version of #Fernando better than the Abba version. I’m going to get hit by a lightning bolt aren’t I? #MammaMia2.”
And one wrote: “I just heard the full version of Cher singing Fernando in Mamma Mia 2 and i’m screaming. My Queen.”
Others weren’t so sure however, and one listener admitted it didn’t come close to the original by ABBA. However, speaking in a promo video for the clip, both former band members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus said she was “perfect” for the part.
“All of a sudden you have Cher and ABBA together, it’s exciting I think,” Benny added, as Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Julie Walters all praised the singer for her amazing performances during filming.
The cover has since entered the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart at number 22 and is likely to keep climbing in the lead up to the movie’s release on July 19.