“You’re Cher, You Can Sing Anything”: How Meryl Streep Calmed Cher’s Mamma Mia 2 Panic
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Even legends get nervous. When Cher joined the cast of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again as Ruby Sheridan—the glamorous, no-nonsense mother of Meryl Streep’s character—few could have guessed that one of the world’s most iconic performers nearly froze at the thought of singing one of ABBA’s most beloved hits.
It took a quiet 20-minute conversation with Meryl Streep to turn that fear into one of the film’s most unforgettable moments.
The Panic: A Seven-Word Lyric Change
Cher’s anxiety didn’t come from the song’s melody or performance—it came from the words. For her solo number, “Fernando,” the film’s creators had slightly rewritten one of ABBA’s most recognizable lines to fit Ruby Sheridan’s backstory.
The original lyric, “There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando,” was changed to:
“There was something in the air that night, I knew that I would find you.”
It was only a seven-word adjustment, but for Cher—an artist deeply respectful of musical history—it felt like sacrilege. She worried about altering a song so beloved and recognizable, fearing it might come across as disrespectful to ABBA’s legacy or jarring to fans.
The Intervention: Meryl Streep Steps In
Sensing her unease, Meryl Streep, who had already filmed her scenes but remained a supportive presence on set, pulled Cher aside for a private conversation. What followed wasn’t a lecture or advice on performance technique—it was a grounding, confidence-boosting talk between two long-time friends and Oscar-nominated co-stars, stretching back to their first collaboration in 1983’s Silkwood.
After 20 minutes of reassurance, Streep delivered a single line that instantly broke through Cher’s nerves:
“You’re Cher, you can sing anything.”
The message was both simple and profound. It reminded Cher that her identity, artistry, and legacy transcended the lyrics on a page. The audience wouldn’t be judging her for changing a few words—they would be listening because she was Cher.
The Result: A Defining Mamma Mia Moment
Bolstered by Streep’s encouragement, Cher recorded “Fernando” alongside Andy Garcia, who played her long-lost love in the film. The song became one of the standout moments of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, blending nostalgia, emotion, and glamour.
Their duet was so well-received that it sparked renewed appreciation for both artists. Critics praised Cher’s version as “majestic and heartfelt”—a moment that bridged classic ABBA nostalgia with her trademark power-ballad style.
A Friendship Forged in Respect
Cher and Streep’s bond, strengthened over decades, has always been marked by mutual admiration rather than competition. On Silkwood, both received Oscar nominations and developed a trust that clearly endured into their later careers.
Streep’s calm, empathetic words on the Mamma Mia set showed that even at the highest levels of fame, true friendship and reassurance can be the most powerful tools in overcoming fear.
Legacy: Confidence in a Single Sentence
“You’re Cher, you can sing anything” has since become more than an offhand remark—it’s a mantra that encapsulates artistic freedom, self-belief, and the importance of support among peers.
For Cher, that seven-word lyric may have sparked panic, but Meryl Streep’s seven words of wisdom turned it into a triumph—one that reminded the world why both women remain among the most respected figures in entertainment history.
