Cyndi Lauper is still inspiring the next generation of pop stars, including our “Femininomenon” queen Chappell Roan—and now, Roan is set to induct the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” singer into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In an Instagram video announcing the news, Roan shared her excitement and reflected on the influence Lauper has had on her 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.”
Two Icons, One Stage
The connection between Lauper and Roan feels like a full-circle moment in queer pop history. Lauper has long been a trailblazer for self-expression and LGBTQ+ advocacy, while Roan represents a new generation of artists who proudly carry that torch.
“I think she’s really great,” Lauper previously said of Roan in an interview with Sirius XM’s Fierce: Women in Music program. “There’s a lot of great young artists, I think she’s really great,” Lauper said. And 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 then I did again when I did a tour, I had very long red wig. I was laughing because I saw her on the horse with the long red wig. I was like, ‘That’s really good. I like it myself.”
“She is LGBTQ, and for me, I’m friend and family [to the community],” Lauper continued. “I don’t think you should ever stand by and allow that kind of discrimination and prejudice against a community ever.”
Now, their admiration has turned into collaboration, with Roan honoring one of her idols at one of the most prestigious events in music.
A Star-Studded Night
Roan and The Killers join an already stacked lineup of special guests for the ceremony, including Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Elton John, Beck, Brandi Carlile, Missy Elliott, Taylor Momsen, Teddy Swims, Questlove, and Twenty One Pilots.
This year’s inductees include Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker, and Bad Company. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will be recognized for musical influence, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye for musical excellence, and Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The celebration will take place at L.A.’s Peacock Theater, with a broadcast streaming live on Disney+ at 5 p.m. PT and 8 p.m. ET. A primetime special version will air on ABC on New Year’s Day, followed by Hulu.
