Cyndi Lauper, the vibrant and genre‑crossing pop icon of the 1980s, has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, bringing with her decades of defining hits and unabashed flair. The ceremony in Cleveland saw Lauper introduced by Chappell Roan, who highlighted how Lauper’s work inspired her from childhood and opened the door for artists to redefine pop stardom.
In a standout live set, Lauper began with a solo rendition of “True Colors,” setting an intimate tone. She then elevated the energy with “Time After Time,” sharing the stage with British singer RAYE, and culminated with a spirited performance of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” alongside Avril Lavigne. The moment reached a celebratory peak when Salt‑n‑Pepa joined the latter performance, underscoring the collaborative joy of the evening.
In her induction speech, Lauper reflected on the legacy of women in music and her place within that lineage. “I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me, and my shoulders are broad enough to have the women who came after me stand on mine,” she said, adding that “the little kid in me still believes rock ‘n’ roll can save the world.”
The 2025 induction class celebrated a range of influential acts, including OutKast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker, making it a landmark year for both rock and pop histories. Lauper’s inclusion not only acknowledges her past achievements but reinforces her enduring relevance in contemporary music culture.
As the evening wrapped, it became clear that Lauper’s vibrant presence — her unflinching authenticity and willingness to blend pop, rock, and social commentary — continues to resonate. She remains a beacon for artists evolving the boundaries of genre, identity, and performance.