Cyndi Lauper, the iconic 1980s pop star known for pushing creative boundaries, has found a new favorite in rising artist Chappell Roan. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Sunday (Sept. 15), Lauper shared her admiration for Roan’s distinctive performance art style, emphasizing the bold visual elements that resonate with her own creative spirit.
When asked what she loves about Roan, Lauper didn’t hesitate, pointing out that even “the hair alone” is a standout. Lauper has long been associated with vibrant, unique looks and an artistic presence, dating back to her groundbreaking debut album, She’s So Unusual (1983). It was during this time that Lauper redefined the role of music videos, turning them into a medium for expressive, boundary-pushing art. Roan’s approach to performance, which blends music and visual storytelling, clearly strikes a chord with Lauper, who emphasized, “It’s performance art, and it’s so visual. You know I love those visual things, obviously.”
Lauper has always been a champion of individuality in art and fashion, making it no surprise that she’s drawn to Roan, whose bold style has been catching attention. Roan’s recent appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) further solidified her reputation as a compelling performer. Donning a Joan of Arc-inspired look, complete with swords, flaming arrows, and medieval knights, Roan’s theatrical performance of “Good Luck, Babe!” was a highlight of the night, showcasing her ability to fuse music and performance art seamlessly. Her creativity and execution led to her well-deserved Best New Artist win.
During the conversation, fellow guest Paris Hilton also shared her thoughts on Roan, saying that she doesn’t believe the singer needs much advice but encouraged kindness and humility. Hilton admitted to being a fan of Roan as well, reflecting the growing recognition of the artist’s unique talent.
For Lauper, who is currently in the midst of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun farewell tour, Roan represents a new generation of artists who blend music with visual spectacle, much like Lauper did in her early career. As she prepares for her final tour, Lauper was asked by a fan about the possibility of doing a Las Vegas residency. However, Lauper seemed less than enthusiastic, citing the extreme heat as a deterrent. “The weather is really tough,” she said, referring to the frequent triple-digit temperatures in Las Vegas. For now, it appears that the bright lights of Vegas are not in Lauper’s future.
After performing at Rock in Rio on September 20, Lauper will officially kick off her final tour on October 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, closing out an extraordinary career that has spanned decades and influenced countless artists.
As Chappell Roan’s star continues to rise, her blend of music and performance art has found a strong supporter in Lauper, who clearly sees a bit of her own pioneering spirit in the young artist. Both women stand as examples of how bold creativity can captivate audiences and push the boundaries of what’s possible in music and performance.