After 17 years of waiting, the queen of quirky pop finally takes her throne with a speech and performance that was equal parts heartfelt and hilarious, proving that girls just wanna have fun… and make rock and roll history.
In a night that often takes itself too seriously, CYNDI LAUPER burst into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME like a glitter bomb in a library. This past Saturday, the iconic singer, whose four-octave voice powered anthems for the weird and wonderful, was finally inducted after appearing on the ballot three times over 17 years . The ceremony at Los Angeles’ PEACOCK THEATRE was a vibrant, technicolor tribute to a woman who never compromised her vision or her wardrobe, a stark contrast to the sometimes-stodgy institution she now joyfully infiltrates.
The evening was a masterclass in Lauper-ness. Kicked off with a fittingly eccentric and heartfelt induction speech from pop’s new “it” girl, CHAPPELL ROAN, the night culminated in Lauper pausing her own performance of the LGBTQ+ anthem “TRUE COLORS” to unfurl a massive Progress Pride flag, a powerful, silent statement that brought the audience to its feet . It was a moment of profound sincerity, perfectly balanced by her opening joke to the black-tie crowd: “See what happens when you let the riff-raff in?” . This is the Cyndi Lauper doctrine: change the world, but make them laugh while you do it.
A Midwest Princess Crowns a Queens Queen
The task of inducting her hero fell to Chappell Roan, who admitted she “messed up so bad by refusing to get contacts” as she squinted at the teleprompter, nearly dropping an F-bomb on the Disney+ livestream before charmingly recovering . Roan, wearing a replica of the skirt from the “True Colors” video, didn’t just list Lauper’s achievements; she testified to her cultural impact .
“Cyndi embodies every quality of an artist that I admire,” Roan declared. “She’s a born performer and a revolutionary songwriter, a forever fashion icon, and a fierce advocate and ally” . She shared a personal story about performing “True Colors” at a Missouri talent show at 14, which marked her first-ever win for singing . Roan perfectly captured the essence of Lauper’s legacy, stating, “Cyndi Lauper has shown us that you can be bold, quirky, loud, glamorous and have any hair color you want” . It was a passing of the torch, from one authentic voice to another, proving that the fun is in very good hands.
The Performance: A Triumphant, Tuneful Family Reunion
Lauper’s performance segment was less of a tribute and more of a riotous family reunion. She began with a moving “True Colors,” using the moment to make a visual stand for love and acceptance with the giant pride flag . She then launched into “TIME AFTER TIME,” trading lines with British singer RAYE, their voices blending in a beautiful, haunting harmony .
But true to form, she ended not with a ballad, but with a party. The opening chords of “GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN” brought pop-punker AVRIL LAVIGNE sprinting to the stage, followed by fellow inductees SALT-N-PEPA . The stage was suddenly packed with generations of female artists, screaming the lyrics into the same microphone, a joyful, chaotic, and perfect embodiment of Lauper’s inclusive, life-affirming spirit.
An Acceptance Speech for the Ages: Riff-Raff and Rock & Roll
Lauper’s acceptance speech was a masterwork of her unique comedic timing and deep-seated wisdom. After her “riff-raff” opener, she grew serious, acknowledging the women who paved the way for her. “I know that I stand on the shoulders of the women in the industry that came before me,” she said, “and my shoulders are broad enough to have the women that come after me stand on mine” .
She thanked a typically Lauper-esque assortment of people, including her band, her road crew, and “the people that helped me string my dulcimer, which nobody was happy I was playing” . But she brought it all home with a message that only she could deliver with such conviction. “The little kid in me still believes that rock ‘n’ roll can save the world,” she proclaimed, bringing a wave of applause from the room. “I just want to say, now of all times, let’s come together again and do good in the world because it needs us” .
More Than Fun: A Legacy of Activism and Unusualness
While the night was a celebration, it’s crucial to remember that Lauper’s career was never just about fun. Her 1983 debut album, “SHE’S SO UNUSUAL,” wasn’t just a title; it was a battle cry . The album, which won her a Grammy for Best New Artist, marked a “cultural shift” by unapologetically centering a female perspective that was both strong and vulnerable, quirky and profound .
Beyond the studio, Lauper co-founded the nonprofit TRUE COLORS UNITED to fight homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and has advocated for gay rights before the U.S. Senate . She even took her talents to Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her score for Kinky Boots . Her induction into the Hall alongside acts like OUTKAST, THE WHITE STRIPES, and SOUNDGARDEN finally acknowledges what her fans have known for decades: Cyndi Lauper didn’t just make hits; she built a world where everyone is welcome to sing along .
So, welcome to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cyndi. They kept you waiting, but something tells us you were having fun the whole time. The riff-raff is officially in charge, and rock and roll is all the better for it.
Stay tuned to ShowbizzToday.com for more coverage of the Hall of Fame class and all the latest in music news.