International pop star Cher brought Sydney's Mardi Gras to a standstill, dazzling thousands of spectators by walking out into Taylor Square in the middle of the festivities.
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Cher, who was the headline act for the Mardi Gras after-party, had been rumoured to make an appearance during the parade and on Saturday night, the gay icon captivated the 300,000-strong crowd as she stepped out on to Taylor Square to the tune of Turn Back Time.
The singer, sporting bright orange hair and a low-cut black top with a silver-embroidered jacket, mingled with her many fans.
She said she loved the feeling of the parade and even chimed in about Australia's passing of same-sex marriage laws.
"It's about time," Cher told reporters.
The American singer praised the Mardi Gras and wished she had attended one earlier.
"I love that everybody is having such a good time and there's no feeling of any kind of anger, there's no negativity and that's what I like most," Cher said.
"All the people with everything hanging out, and fabulous girls with their slap on and big hair and no clothes - I love it."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull posted a selfie of himself, his wife Lucy and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian with Cher on Twitter.
"Welcome to Sydney, Cher! @GladysB Lucy and I and all your fans thrilled to be with you at the 40th Mardi Gras & first since Australia achieved marriage equality," Mr Turnbull tweeted.
Australian Associated Press
Australian Associated Press
