Rising pop star Chappell Roan will honor her idol Cyndi Lauper at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, joining a star-studded lineup including Avril Lavigne, Janelle Monáe, and Bryan Adams.
It’s a true full-circle moment for two generations of pop stars — Cyndi Lauper will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by none other than rising pop icon Chappell Roan.
The upcoming ceremony, set for November 8, will honor Lauper’s legendary career — and Roan’s involvement feels extra special. In a new video shared by the Rock Hall, the Pink Pony Club singer revealed she has long admired Lauper’s style and artistry. “She has inspired me with her fashion, her hair, of course, her makeup, her music,” Roan said.
She also shared a personal story: when she was just 13, she auditioned for America’s Got Talent with Lauper’s hit “True Colors.” “I didn’t make it,” she laughed, “but the song is still incredible.”
Roan’s induction of Lauper feels fitting — both are known for pushing pop boundaries with bold fashion, fearless individuality, and emotional honesty in their music. Lauper, who broke out in the 1980s with hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” has long inspired artists who celebrate self-expression, from Lady Gaga to Miley Cyrus — and clearly, Chappell Roan too.
This year’s Rock Hall ceremony will be stacked with stars, including Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, Donald Glover, En Vogue, Feist, Jim Carrey, Janelle Monáe, Mick Fleetwood, Nancy Wilson, Joe Perry, the Killers, and more. While organizers haven’t confirmed which performers will pair with each inductee, fans are already connecting the dots.
For instance, Gina Schock of The Go-Go’s could easily honor fellow drummer Meg White of The White Stripes. Donald Glover — who once opened for OutKast — could salute the hip-hop duo. Jim Carrey’s link to Soundgarden dates back to a 1996 Saturday Night Live episode where he hosted alongside the band — a night so memorable that frontman Chris Cornell gave Carrey one of his guitars.
Meanwhile, Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) and Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) might join forces for a Soundgarden tribute that’s sure to bring the house down. And, of course, Nancy Wilson of Heart is always a welcome presence for an all-star jam finale.
With so many powerhouse names on the bill — and Lauper’s induction marking a long-overdue celebration of her influence — this year’s Rock Hall ceremony promises to be one for the books.
