Chappell Roan played a key role in Cyndi Lauper's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night. The event began with a humorous mishap when Roan accidentally dropped an expletive. "I messed up so badly by refusing to get contacts," she joked. Despite the challenges of reading her speech while wearing a large headpiece, Roan delivered heartfelt praise for Lauper, calling her a trailblazer.

"She shows the courage that not only creates incredible art, it gives everyone who experiences it the permission to be themselves," Roan said. "It opens their hearts, it changes their mind, and that is its power. Tonight, we honor a woman who redefined what a pop star could look like, sound like, sing like, and be."

Roan highlighted Lauper's significant contributions to music, noting that her song "True Colors" held personal meaning for her. "When I was 14 years old, I performed 'True Colors' at a talent show in my hometown in Missouri. That was my first time ever winning a competition for singing, and that has been so important to me ever since," Roan shared. She emphasized that the song has become an anthem for love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.

Lauper opened her performance with "True Colors," accompanied by The Go-Go's Gina Schock on drums. As she sang, she encouraged the audience to take out their phones and turn on their flashlights, saying, "Look at us: We are a community of light. Don’t forget that, in case it gets really dark." She then transitioned into her hit "Time After Time," inviting Raye to join her for the second verse.

Avril Lavigne also made an appearance, performing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," alongside fellow inductees Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella. Lauper playfully altered the lyrics to reflect current issues, singing, "The Girls they wanna have fundamental rights" during the final refrain.

During her acceptance speech, Lauper expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her career. "I know I stand on the shoulders of the women in the industry who came before me," she said, looking at Roan. "And my shoulders are broad enough for the women who come after me to stand on mine." Lauper added, "The little kid in me still believes that rock ‘n’ roll can save the world — and rock ‘n’ roll is a big, wonderful quilt of different styles of music. So I just wanna say, now of all times, let’s come together again and do good in the world, because it needs us."

Roan had previously expressed her admiration for Lauper, stating in a video, "She has inspired me with her fashion and her hair, and of course, her makeup, her music. 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."

Lauper also praised Roan in the upcoming documentary "Let The Canary Sing," noting her unique style and talent. The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class includes other notable artists such as Soundgarden, Bad Company, OutKast, The White Stripes, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker. The induction ceremony aired live on Disney+ on November 8 and will be available for on-demand streaming. Lauper's farewell tour has been extended into 2026, with a Las Vegas residency set for next spring at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.