Cher unveils new CHRISTMAS album artwork – as fans react with relief at having a break from Mariah Carey

Cher has finally confirmed that she will be releasing her very first Christmas album.

The 77-year-old icon shared the festive news on Thursday, presenting the artwork for the LP as she asked her 3.9 million followers, “Are you spending Christmas with me?”

The answer seemed to be a resounding yes, as many responded with excitement and some, even with relief, that they had another option in December than the ubiquitous Mariah Carey.

“Sorry Mariah, I’ll be with Cher this Christmas,” one fan tweeted in response to the news.

Mariah Carey has long been regarded as the ‘Queen of Christmas’ thanks to her Christmas hit All I Want for Christmas Is You, first released in 1994 but unavoidable ever since.

“Maria, watch out!! Cher is going to take over Christmas!!’ wrote a second fan, as they engaged in a diva rivalry.

Rest for a while: Cher fans seemed elated that there was a new option for a celebratory diva album, as Mariah Carey has long been regarded as the ‘Queen of Christmas’

Another joked, “Sit down, Mariah! @cher is coming for CHRISTMAS!!!!’

Cher’s new album — which she cryptically teases on her Twitter account — is said to feature rare duets.

‘I’m really proud of this. It’s a Cher Christmas album. It’s not your mum’s Christmas album,” she said on Good Morning Britain this week.

“I’m really excited because there are millions of people on it!” she added.

‘I’ve never had duets! I’ve never had people on my plates! This was a last minute thing… but they are special. All.’

Timeless beauty: Cher talked about her Christmas album during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday

Of course, Cher isn’t the first pop diva outside of Mariah.

Kylie Minogue, Sia, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson, and even Justin Bieber have all had celebratory themed releases over the years.

Whitney Houston released One Wish: The Holiday Album in 2003, her sixth studio album.

One pop icon who hasn’t joined in on the fun yet is Madonna, who may consider the commercial opportunities somewhat below her level.

No further details about Cher’s release have been revealed, though a Jingle Bell edit of Believe would certainly be a welcome treat.

Meanwhile, during her recent GMB appearance, Cher also spoke about how long hair is key to her youthful appearance.

Christmas Cher style! The legendary singer will no doubt be sporting some fun, festive new looks for this holiday season (pictured aged 73 in 2019)

Cher explained, “I remember my friend Paulette and I talking about it when we were going to cut our hair and stop wearing jeans.”

She continued, “I can’t believe I’ll ever be 80 sooner than I’d like. And I’ll still wear my jeans and I’ll still wear long hair.

“The genes in my family are pretty amazing.

“I don’t know if not feeling old makes you younger. I’m not sure. I follow the trends and have many young friends.

‘I have old friends too. Honestly, I’m not trying to feel young, I’m not trying to be young, I am what I am, whatever that means.’