Pop powerhouse Chappell Roan is set to pay tribute to one of her biggest idols, Cyndi Lauper, when she inducts the legendary singer into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame next week. The moment marks a perfect full-circle connection between two artists known for their individuality, vibrant style, and celebration of self-expression.
In a video posted to Instagram, Chappell Roan shared her excitement and reflected on how much Lauper has influenced her own career. “She has inspired me with her fashion and her hair, and of course, her makeup, her music,” Roan said. “I actually auditioned with ‘True Colors’ for America’s Got Talent when I was 13. I didn’t make it, but the song is still incredible. I’m so excited, thank you for having me.”
The pairing feels especially fitting. Cyndi Lauper, who burst onto the scene in the 1980s with timeless hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” has long been a pioneer for creativity, individuality, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Meanwhile, Chappell Roan, one of the most talked-about new names in pop, is carrying that same spirit into the next generation — with bold visuals, camp aesthetics, and an unfiltered voice that echoes Lauper’s own trailblazing energy.
Lauper, now 71, has spoken fondly of Roan in recent interviews. “I think she’s really great,” she said during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Fierce: Women in Music. “When she had the long red hair, I was laughing because I wore a very long red wig when I did the Berlin Wall and on tour. I saw her on the horse with the long red wig and I was like, ‘That’s really good. I like it myself.’”
She also praised Roan’s openness about identity and inclusivity. “She is LGBTQ, and for me, I’m friend and family [to the community],” Lauper said. “I don’t think you should ever stand by and allow that kind of discrimination and prejudice against a community ever.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at L.A.’s Peacock Theater, with the event streaming live on Disney+ from 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET). A special primetime broadcast will then air on ABC on New Year’s Day, followed by streaming on Hulu.
It’s set to be a star-packed night, featuring performances and appearances from Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Elton John, Beck, Brandi Carlile, Missy Elliott, Taylor Momsen, Teddy Swims, Questlove, Twenty One Pilots, and The Killers.
Alongside Cyndi Lauper, this year’s Hall of Fame class includes Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker, and Bad Company. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will be recognised for musical influence, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye for musical excellence, and Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
For Chappell Roan, the moment is deeply personal — a chance to honour the artist whose music helped shape her own. And for Cyndi Lauper, it’s another reminder that her message of individuality and joy still inspires generations of performers to let their true colours shine.
