When Cher finished her “Final Tour” in 2002, there weren’t many believers that the pop diva really was ready to hang it up forever. After four decades in the music business, she’s managed to maintain cultural relevance for each generation — a feat only a few, like an Elton John or Rod Stewart, can claim.

When Cher announced a limited engagement at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, many, including myself, figured it was inevitable. For one, Cher is no stranger to the Strip, having performed with Sonny as Pat Boone’s opening act at the Flamingo in 1969. The duo played the Sahara during the ’70s, and Cher performed at Caesars Palace as a solo artist from 1979 to 1982.

If there was anyone born for the gaudy extravaganzas Vegas is famous for, it’s Cher, and her return to the theater once built for Celine Dion quickly proved to be a night to remember.

The 90-minute show starts with Cher descending the stage 40 feet above the audience dressed in a dazzling gold costume belting out her version of U2’s “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”

Looking unbelievably youthful and refreshed — more so than I can remember — the pop icon took a few minutes to talk to the audience Cher-style. She assured the audience they’d be seeing everything from the old Sonny & Cher to each and every one of her reinventions.

Flanked by a bevy of young dancers, Cher vanishes from the stage for dozens of costume changes bridged between dance numbers and choice videos chronicling her career, with a heavy tribute to the years with her ex-husband.

At one point, Cher actually sings along with Sonny in a redo of ‘The Beat Goes On,” with an age-defying outfit she easily manages to pull off. There was a time when the star tried to distance herself from her former status, but here it’s abundantly clear she has not only reconciled those feelings, she’s come to appreciate that time of her life that launched her career.

With a heavy dose from the ’60s, Cher takes the audience on a trip through her closet, which she describes as the Grand Canyon with clothes in it. It’s here she sings truncated versions of some of her best singles from the ’70s including “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” and “Dark Lady,” as well as “Half Breed” in a typical Bob Mackie outfit accenting a feathered head dress which outlines her still knock-out figure.

Next comes a disco throwback to the hits of the ’70s, including a kitschy version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and “Take Me Home.”

With each extravagant number, one can’t help but feel like you were sitting through a high-tech episode of her old Cher show (which included a funny, brand-new retro-music video of her Laverne character singing “I’ve Got To Be Me.”

Considering the relative brief 90 minutes, it’s stunning to see how many numbers the producers were able to cram into the show, including time for costume and set changes. Showing virtually no sign of age or slowing down, the pop diva easily keeps up with singers half her age.

Joined on stage by a five-piece band and a cast of 18 talented dancers and aerialists, her keyboard player even joins her for the duet “After All,” which Cher originally sang with Peter Cetera.

Longtime fans won’t be disappointed as the show draws to a close with some of her biggest hits, like “Strong Enough” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” complete with the infamous black leather and mesh outfit and sailor hat.

Cher’s mega-hit, “Believe,” is reserved for the encore, with the audience standing on their feet, cheering. Barely staying long enough for a bow, the once-called singing and dancing “Barbie Doll” leaves the stage with a wave of applause.

It’s unclear how much longer the pop icon will continue her run at the Colosseum. If I were a betting man, she’ll quit the minute she gets bored. By her obvious enthusiasm and perky temperament, that won’t happen for awhile.

But Cher is anything but predicable. The latest buzz on her career seems to spell a comeback to the silver screen. That said, if you have any desire to see her perform in rare form in an intimate setting, this is it.

Tickets can be purchased for her Caesars engagement at cherlasvegas.com.