Chappell Roan Inducts Cyndi Lauper into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Chappell Roan formally inducted Cyndi Lauper into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame yesterday evening at a ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, celebrating Lauper’s decades-long impact on music and LGBTQ+ rights.

Roan’s induction speech highlighted Lauper’s authenticity and artistry, recalling the impact of “True Colors” on her own life. “Cyndi embodies every quality of an artist that I admire,” Roan stated, adding that Lauper gave her “the permission to be themselves.” She recounted performing the song at a talent show in Missouri at age 14, calling it a pivotal moment in her career. Lauper’s influence extends beyond music, as demonstrated by her advocacy work, including founding True Colors United, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.

Lauper, accepting the honor, emphasized the importance of supporting future generations of female artists. “My shoulders are broad enough to have the women that come after me stand on mine,” she said, positioning herself within a lineage of groundbreaking women in rock. The evening featured a performance by Lauper, including a rendition of “True Colors” accompanied by a display of a rainbow pride flag, as well as duets with Raye and Avril Lavigne. This induction recognizes Lauper’s significant contribution to diversifying the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which has historically underrepresented women.

The ceremony also included a lighthearted moment when Roan nearly uttered an expletive while reading her speech, attributing it to a lack of contact lenses. Officials stated that the full ceremony, including the induction speeches and performances, will air on ABC on New Year’s Day.