Bootleg Betty
Video: Bette Midler & Elton John Join Cher On Her First Special (Full Show)
By Mister D
Feb 18, 2025
Here’s an overview of the first episode of “The Cher Show” featuring Bette Midler, Elton John, and Flip Wilson:
Air Date: The episode aired on February 12, 1975. I missed the anniversary date! So sue me!
Fanfare:
Premiere: This episode marked Cher’s return to television after her divorce from Sonny Bono and the end of “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.” The show was billed as a special to gauge audience interest for a potential series.
Guests: The lineup of Bette Midler, Elton John, and Flip Wilson was a major draw, bringing together three of the era’s most colorful and charismatic entertainers. This combination was seen as a coup for CBS, showcasing both musical and comedic talents.
Reviews:
Critical Reception: The special was well-received by critics, who praised the performances, the chemistry between the stars, and Cher’s ability to hold her own show. The entertainment value, with its mix of humor and music, was highlighted as particularly strong.
Audience Response: The episode drew significant viewership, with some sources indicating it achieved a 29.5 household rating, leading to the show’s eventual series continuation.
Trivia:
Notable Performances:
Cher and Elton John performed “Bennie and the Jets” together.
Cher and Bette Midler did a “Trashy Ladies Medley,” showcasing their vocal talents and comic timing.
A memorable segment was the “Final Curtain, Rest Home for Aged Performers” comedy skit with all four stars.
Legacy: This episode is often cited for its cultural significance, showcasing the transition of variety shows into the mid-1970s where individual stars could carry their own programs after previous duos or group shows.
Historical Context: At the time, both Midler and John were on the cusp of becoming even bigger names, adding to the historical importance of this episode.
Quotes:
Specific quotes from the episode aren’t widely documented, but here are some general highlights or sentiments:
Cher, in her opening monologue, expressed her nervousness about returning to solo TV: “I’m scared to death. I’m so afraid of that first walk-out.”
Elton John’s comment after performing with Cher: “I really enjoyed being on the show… I didn’t just do it for the hundred dollars.”
Bette Midler humorously referencing her “police record” during one of the skits, playing on her public persona at the time.
The episode was not only a testament to Cher’s versatility but also a celebration of the guest stars’ talents, making it a memorable piece of television history.
The song that was cut from the Cher Special, which Bette Midler sang, was “Friends.” This song, originally popularized by Bette Midler herself in 1973 from her debut album “The Divine Miss M,” was part of the performances during the special but did not make it into the final broadcast.
But as Bette lore would have it, these two other songs have come up. Hello In There and Higher and Higher. In a commercial for the upcoming show there was a fast clip showing Bette singing an upbeat song, that never played on the show. It looked like “Friends’ to me.
