Chappell Roan Honours Cyndi Lauper with Shredded Newspaper Skirt and Crystals

Rising pop sensation Chappell Roan stole the spotlight at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with a striking tribute to her idol, Cyndi Lauper. Roan honoured Lauper's extraordinary career and enduring influence on pop culture by fusing fashion, music, and genuine admiration into one unforgettable moment while attending the star-studded gala in Los Angeles. 
From her dazzling outfit to her moving speech, Roan's presence celebrated not just Lauper's legacy but also the ways her music continues to inspire a new generation of artists.

A Night to Remember: The Event & the Star

Music legends and up-and-coming voices came together at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on 8th November for the annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2025 to honour musicians whose work has had a lasting influence. Among the honourees was the iconic Cyndi Lauper, and rising pop star Chappell Roan, age 27, was entrusted to induct Lauper and lead the tribute. In her moving statement, Roan remembered how, at the age of 14, she sang Lauper's 'True Colors' and how it helped her realize that singing was something she could do. 

Image Courtesy: Page Six

She described Lauper as "a born performer and a revolutionary songwriter, a forever fashion icon, and a fierce advocate and ally." The exact quote read like, "Tonight we honour a woman who redefined what a pop star could look like, sound like, and be." OutKast, The White Stripes, Soundgarden, and others were among the other honourees that evening, highlighting the wide spectrum of influence being celebrated.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/pop-cultures/whats-up-pop-news/taylor-swifts-wedding-prep-heats-up-with-iconic-bridesmaids-lineup-10650451

The Look: Newspaper Skirt, Crystals, and Full Tribute

Chappell Roan's outfit was not just a red‑carpet moment—it was a deliberate homage. Inspired by Lauper's 1986 'True Colors' music video dress, Efrain Nava created a unique shredded newspaper skirt for the ensemble, which was styled by Genesis Webb. The newspaper strips' ruffled, collage-like design was reminiscent of Lauper's original skirt style. Roan paired the skirt with a vintage crystal halter bustier top (sourced via eBay), gold peep‑toe sandals (a nod to the glamour of the era) and layered pearl and crystal jewellery.

Image Courtesy: X

A striking chandelier-style headpiece by Manny Robertson, which was modeled after one of Lauper's own famous headpieces, rested at the top of her head. Her auburn curls were sculpted by hairstylist Jacob Aaron to go with the headpiece, and her makeup (by Dee Carrion) leaned into a striking '80s colour scheme of fuchsia and canary yellow eyeshadow. Even her nails (by Rachel Sun) were printed with news‑paper text, tying the whole tribute look together.

The attention to detail—and the clear lineage from Lauper's era to Roan's moment—made the outfit a talking point across fashion and music circles.

Image Courtesy: Page Six

The Significance: Legacy, Influence and Moment

What made this moment resonate was more than fashion. Chappell Roan's decision to channel Lauper so directly showed a generational bridge: Lauper pioneered boldness in pop and fashion, especially as an ally and voice for the LGBTQ+ community; Roan, emerging from Missouri, cited the song 'True Colors' as the first time she felt "maybe singing could be a thing for me." By wearing such a bold outfit and giving a passionate speech, she emphasized the idea that influence flows forward.

Image Courtesy: WRBL

Lauper herself responded warmly, acknowledging the women who came before her and those who will follow. The induction night became not just a celebration of musical milestones but also of the cultural ripples one artist can send into the future. Rock, pop, fashion, and identity are all connected, and Roan's act of tribute was a statement of appreciation and continuation.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/pop-cultures/whats-up-pop-news/from-bubblegown-pink-to-noir-drama-ariana-grandes-london-look-at-wicked-for-good-premiere-10650524