Cyndi Lauper Finally Inducted Into the Rock Hall: ‘The Little Kid in Me Still Believes’

After years of eligibility and one prior nomination, Cyndi Lauper has finally been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Known for her unmistakable voice, eccentric style, and fierce individuality, Lauper’s inclusion marks a long-awaited recognition of her contributions to pop and rock music. Her induction took place at a star-studded ceremony that also honored Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Warren Zevon, and Soundgarden.

The evening was both celebratory and emotional, with a tribute that captured Lauper’s decades-long influence on artists and audiences alike. Pop star Chappell Roan had the honor of inducting her, paying tribute to Lauper’s trailblazing authenticity and resilience in an industry that often underestimated her. The moment served as a full-circle experience for fans who had long argued that Lauper’s musical and cultural impact deserved this recognition.

Beyond her hits, Lauper’s legacy has always been rooted in empowerment—whether through her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, her fearless fashion, or her genre-defying music. This induction wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was a nod to how her artistry continues to shape modern pop culture.

Honored by the Next Generation

Introducing Lauper, Chappell Roan reflected on how Lauper’s boldness and compassion shaped her own path as a rising artist. “Tonight, we honor a woman who redefined what a pop star could look like, sound like, sing like, and be,” Roan said, praising Lauper’s four-octave range and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom.

Roan shared a personal connection that underscored Lauper’s influence. As a teenager in Missouri, she won her first singing competition performing Lauper’s “True Colors.” For Roan, that song became both a personal anthem and a creative spark—a testament to Lauper’s ability to connect across generations.

Following Roan’s speech, a tribute video featured Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Billie Eilish, and Alicia Keys, each highlighting Lauper’s profound cultural impact. Their words painted a portrait of an artist whose compassion and creativity transcended music, leaving an indelible mark on how individuality is celebrated in pop culture.

‘Rock ’n’ Roll Can Save the World’

Lauper took the stage to perform three of her most iconic songs: “True Colors,” “Time After Time,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Her voice carried the same emotional charge that defined her early career, and as the crowd lit up their cell phones, she invited them to look around. “Look at us,” she said. “We’re a community of light.” It was a poignant reminder that her music has always been about connection and hope.

In her acceptance speech, Lauper reflected on her journey with humility and gratitude. She thanked her family, friends, and the women who paved the way before her, promising to keep her shoulders “broad enough” for future generations to stand on. Her words echoed the same message that has fueled her activism for decades—empowerment through unity and self-expression.

“The little kid in me still believes that rock ’n’ roll can save the world,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. It was a statement that perfectly captured Lauper’s blend of idealism and grit—proof that, even after all these years, her faith in music’s transformative power remains unshaken.

A New Chapter in Las Vegas

Though Lauper’s Rock Hall induction feels like a career capstone, the singer shows no sign of slowing down. She recently concluded a farewell tour in August with an emotional finale in Los Angeles, joined onstage by legends like Joni Mitchell and Cher. Despite the “farewell” label, Lauper’s creative spirit remains as vibrant as ever.

In a surprise announcement earlier this month, she revealed plans for a Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, running through April and May of next year. The shows are expected to blend her biggest hits with visual storytelling and heartfelt tributes to her fans—an extension of the connection that has defined her entire career.

For those who missed the induction ceremony, it will stream on Disney+ and later air as a primetime special on ABC on January 1, 2026, before heading to Hulu the following day. For Lauper, the Rock Hall honor isn’t an ending—it’s a joyful reflection of a lifelong journey that continues to inspire new voices to believe, just as she always has.