Pop phenom Chappell Roan paid a vibrant, deeply personal homage to music icon Cyndi Lauper at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, while Taylor Momsen also brought her signature edgy style to the celebrated event.
TL;DR
- Chappell Roan honored Cyndi Lauper at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with a striking "True Colors"-inspired outfit and a deeply personal induction speech.
- Cyndi Lauper's performance included classics like "True Colors" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," emphasizing her long-standing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Taylor Momsen made a bold fashion statement on the red carpet and performed with Soundgarden, reflecting on her evolving artistic identity and style.
Imagine walking onto one of music's most prestigious stages, not just to present an award, but to embody the very spirit of the legend you're honoring. That's exactly what Chappell Roan did at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Roan's entire presence was a living, breathing tribute to Cyndi Lauper, the icon she was there to induct. Her choice of attire wasn't merely a red carpet look; it was a meticulously crafted narrative, a conversation between generations of pop artistry.
Chappell Roan's Thoughtful Ensemble: A "True Colors" Masterpiece
Chappell Roan's fashion statement was a direct, vibrant echo of Cyndi Lauper's legendary "True Colors" era from 1986. Styled by Genesis Webb, Roan donned a custom shredded newspaper skirt, masterfully crafted by Efrain Nava, that mimicked the playful surrealism from Lauper's music video. Source: Yahoo, "Chappell Roan stuns in newspaper skirt and statement headpiece in photos," November 9, 2025.
To top it off, literally, she wore an elaborate, crystal-adorned headpiece designed by Manny Robertson, reminiscent of one Lauper herself sported in another scene from the "True Colors" visual. This headgear even featured a sweet collage of the singer on its back. Complementing these custom pieces were a sparkling beaded bustier, metallic gold Christian Louboutin heels, and a carefully curated selection of vintage accessories, including a 1940s diamanté rhinestone showgirl top and a 1950s rhinestone evening belt. Source: Azat TV, "Chappell Roan’s Tribute to Cyndi Lauper at 2025 Rock Hall: A Story Told in Style," November 11, 2025.
Every detail, from her bold makeup to her wild curls, paid homage to Lauper's iconic status and the spirit of joyful rebellion she has embodied throughout her career. This wasn't just wearing clothes; it was storytelling, connecting the visual flair of the past to the present moment in a way that felt both fresh and deeply respectful.
A Personal Journey Woven into the Fabric of a Tribute
For Roan, her connection to Cyndi Lauper runs much deeper than just fashion. She openly shared on Instagram that Lauper's influence has been "instrumental" in her artistry, fashion, glam, voice, and movement. "I shed several tears… I look up to her so very much," Roan wrote, expressing profound gratitude. Source: Rolling Stone, "Chappell Roan Calls Cyndi Lauper ‘Really F—ing Awesome’ After Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction," November 10, 2025.
A particularly touching anecdote involved Roan singing "True Colors" at a talent show when she was just 14 years old. She won first place, a moment she credits with making her realize that singing could actually be a viable path for her. "It was the first moment I thought maybe singing could be a thing for me," she reflected. Source: Rolling Stone, "Chappell Roan Calls Cyndi Lauper ‘Really F—ing Awesome’ After Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction," November 10, 2025.
Chappell Roan on Cyndi Lauper's Legacy:
"Thank you @cyndilauper for laying the groundwork for artists like me to thrive. P.s. I agree with you rock & roll will save the world."
— Chappell Roan via Instagram, November 10, 2025
This personal history made her induction speech for Lauper all the more poignant. She celebrated Lauper's "courage" as an artist, noting that it "not only creates incredible art that gives everyone who experiences it the permission to be themselves — it opens their hearts, it changes their mind, and that is its power." She also stated, "I think we can all agree that the best art comes from the most authentic people." Source: Azat TV, "Chappell Roan’s Tribute to Cyndi Lauper at 2025 Rock Hall: A Story Told in Style," November 11, 2025.
Interestingly, the admiration is mutual. Cyndi Lauper herself has praised Roan's music, telling Playbill last year, "Such dusky, yearning keyboard pop… This is just incredible." This mutual respect underscores the beautiful cyclical nature of inspiration within the music industry.
However, the emotional speech wasn't without a moment of unexpected humor. Chappell Roan, aged 27, encountered a technical struggle with the teleprompter, leading to an unintentional expletive on live television. She quickly covered her mouth and quipped, "I messed up so bad by refusing to get contacts. Holy cow." The audience responded with laughter and applause, clearly appreciating her candid, relatable honesty. Source: India Today, "Chappell's cuss word moment stuns crowd at Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame ceremony," November 10, 2025. This unplanned detour only added to the authentic, human charm of her tribute, showcasing that even on a grand stage, genuine moments resonate deeply.
Cyndi Lauper's Enduring Light and Unwavering Message for Community
Cyndi Lauper's induction at 72 years old was a powerful celebration of her revolutionary impact on music and culture. In her acceptance speech, Lauper paid tribute to the women who paved the way for her and affirmed her commitment to supporting future generations. "I just want to say that I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me, and my shoulders are broad enough to have the women who came after me stand on mine," she declared. Source: IN Magazine, "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony Reminds Us Of Cyndi Lauper’s Solidarity With The LGBTQ+ Community," November 10, 2025.
She also reiterated her long-held belief that "rock & roll can save the world," urging everyone to "come together again and do good in the world because it needs us." This message of unity and positive change resonated deeply throughout the night, especially given her unwavering reputation as a fierce advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Source: IN Magazine, "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony Reminds Us Of Cyndi Lauper’s Solidarity With The LGBTQ+ Community," November 10, 2025.
Lauper's performance set was equally impactful, starting with "True Colors" as a rainbow flag beamed behind her. In a deeply emotional moment, she paused, holding her fist in the air in silence for at least 30 seconds in solidarity with the queer community, then asked the audience to turn on their phone lights, reminding them "there's a community of light. Don't forget that if it gets really dark." She then sang "Time After Time" with British singer Raye, before closing the induction set with an iconic rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," joined by Avril Lavigne and fellow inductees Salt-N-Pepa. Source: Rolling Stone, "Chappell Roan Calls Cyndi Lauper ‘Really F—ing Awesome’ After Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction," November 10, 2025.
The 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony also honored a diverse group of other artists. Performers inducted alongside Lauper included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon were recognized for musical influence, while Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye received accolades for musical excellence. Longtime Warner Records executive Lenny Waronker was presented with the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The event was streamed live on Disney+ and a trimmed-down special is set to air on ABC on January 1, 2026. Source: IN Magazine, "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony Reminds Us Of Cyndi Lauper’s Solidarity With The LGBTQ+ Community," November 10, 2025.
Taylor Momsen's Gothic Glamour and Evolving Artistic Identity
Another artist who turned heads with her distinctive style was Taylor Momsen, aged 32, known for her work with The Pretty Reckless and her past on Gossip Girl. She brought an undeniable edge to the red carpet in a sheer lace halter gown, worn without a bra, accessorized with gold hoop earrings, bangles, and chunky rings. Her signature blonde hair cascaded in loose waves, paired with a sparkly smoke eye and a pale pink lip. Source: The Sandusky Register, "Taylor Momsen wears sheer lace halter dress with no bra to 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony," November 9, 2025.
Later in the evening, Momsen performed with fellow inductees Soundgarden, changing into a black slip dress with a subtle leg slit. Her fashion philosophy, as she describes it, is deeply intertwined with her music. "I just love music and fashion, so that's what I surround myself with," she told CR Fashion Book in 2022. She credits bands like The White Stripes, with their monochromatic red and white aesthetic, for influencing her holistic approach to visual expression. Source: The Sandusky Register, "Taylor Momsen wears sheer lace halter dress with no bra to 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony," November 9, 2025.
Momsen candidly reflected on her style evolution, particularly during her Gossip Girl days. She recalled balancing filming with recording her band's first album, stating, "this whole ‘wild child’ persona was just the makeup and my fashion choices." While admitting some of her grunge-inspired outfits were "outrageous," she asserted they were "very me" at the time. Source: The Sandusky Register, "Taylor Momsen wears sheer lace halter dress with no bra to 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony," November 9, 2025.
Now, with a few more years under her belt, Momsen looks back at some of her past choices and playfully labels them "cringey" or even "pretentious." This self-awareness isn't a limitation; rather, it highlights the natural journey of an artist finding and refining their authentic voice. It's a common, relatable experience for many of us, showing that evolving taste and self-reflection are part of growth.
Example: Imagine a young artist, let's call her Chloe, spending countless hours meticulously dissecting the stage costumes of her musical hero from the 80s. She sketches ideas, scours vintage stores for hidden gems, and even learns a few sewing tricks to customize pieces. When Chloe finally performs her own song at a packed local venue, wearing a handcrafted jacket that subtly references her hero's iconic look, the feeling isn't just about the clothes. It's about the connection, the lineage, and the quiet acknowledgment of those who paved the way. This is the amplified, global energy Chappell Roan brought to the Rock Hall stage, transforming a red carpet appearance into a deeply personal artistic statement.
Practical Takeaways from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025
- Fashion as Storytelling: Red carpet looks can be much more than just outfits; they can be powerful artistic statements and heartfelt tributes, weaving personal narratives and historical references into current culture.
- Authenticity Always Wins: Genuine emotion and self-expression resonate deeply with audiences, proving that even unexpected moments, like a prompter mishap, can highlight an artist's relatable human side.
- The Enduring Power of Legacy: Music legends continue to inspire and shape new generations, fostering a vibrant, continuous chain of artistic influence and collaboration across eras.
- Community and Advocacy Through Art: Major music events provide platforms not just for performance, but for artists to reinforce messages of solidarity, acceptance, and positive social change.
- More Than Just Music: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the multifaceted contributions artists make to culture, encompassing fashion, advocacy, and personal journeys that transcend mere hit songs.
Sources
- Rolling Stone, "Chappell Roan Calls Cyndi Lauper ‘Really F—ing Awesome’ After Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction," November 10, 2025.
- Yahoo, "Chappell Roan stuns in newspaper skirt and statement headpiece in photos," November 9, 2025.
- IN Magazine, "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony Reminds Us Of Cyndi Lauper’s Solidarity With The LGBTQ+ Community," November 10, 2025.
- The Sandusky Register, "Taylor Momsen wears sheer lace halter dress with no bra to 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony," November 9, 2025.
- Azat TV, "Chappell Roan’s Tribute to Cyndi Lauper at 2025 Rock Hall: A Story Told in Style," November 11, 2025.
- India Today, "Chappell's cuss word moment stuns crowd at Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame ceremony," November 10, 2025.