Melissa Etheridge
returns to performing

Melissa Etheridge joked about being known "as that gay singer with cancer" in one of her first live performances since she successfully overcame breast cancer. "It's perfectly all right," she said. "I've always been open about my personal life. I sleep better at night."

Etheridge debuted three songs off her new greatest hits CD at last week's taping of the Lifetime cable special WomenRock! Our Journey With Melissa Etheridge. She performed her version of Tom Petty's "Refugee" and two songs inspired by her cancer--the ballad "This Is Not Goodbye" and the anthem "I Run for Life." Etheridge will donate all of her record royalties for "I Run for Life" to breast cancer charities.

Etheridge was bald when she sang a riveting version of Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" at the Grammys in February. The previously long-haired singer now has spiked blond hair that she said she plans to keep short. During cancer treatment Etheridge's doctor told her that "no one wants to see a bald rock star." "My sweet doctor who said that to me has now said, 'You've proven me wrong,' " the singer said to loud applause.

Etheridge performed and served as executive producer of the one-hour special in which she shares candid details about her own experience with cancer. The concert airs October 18 on Lifetime. (AP)