Cyndi Lauper Gets Candid About Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Snub: 'I Don't Need A Badge'

In a recent interview, iconic singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper expressed indifference towards not yet being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Despite her significant contributions to music and an illustrious career spanning several decades, Lauper remains excluded from the esteemed institution. However, the Grammy-winning artist shrugged off disappointment, stating, "I don't need a badge."

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Lauper, known for her powerful vocals and anthemic hits such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time," has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1980s. Her distinctive voice and eclectic pop sound helped shape the musical landscape and left an indelible mark on pop culture.

While the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has celebrated many influential artists, including Tina Turner, Madonna, Prince, and David Bowie, Lauper's exclusion from the coveted list remains a surprise to many. She recently missed out on the opportunity following her nomination early this year alongside Sheryl Crow, George Michael, The White Stripes, Missy Elliott, Iron Maiden, Willie Nelson, and Rage Against the Machine, to mention a few.

However, the resilient artist maintains an indifferent outlook and refuses to let the omission dampen her spirit, per People magazine.

"I always felt that rock 'n' roll could save the world, and as a rocker, you have to be an activist," Lauper asserted in an interview with the news outlet.

The singer added that the rock genre had always been "counterculture," she only tried to do her best and "make the place better than" she found it.

"That will never change with me, whether I get a badge or not," Lauper noted. "I don't need a badge. I need to be able to continue the work and help to make a difference. You have to remember to be human and help other humans."

The "True Colors" singer recently debuted a new documentary titled "Let the Canary Sing" at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film, which offers a deep dive into Lauper's life and career, sheds light on her musical journey and challenges as a woman in the industry.

"Let the Canary Sing" explores her rise to fame, from her humble beginnings in Queens, New York, to becoming a global superstar. The documentary also delves into the artist's struggles, triumphs, and the lasting impact she has made on the music landscape.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alison Ellwood, "Let the Canary Sing" captures Lauper's raw authenticity and unwavering passion for music. It features rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and in-depth interviews with Lauper herself.

Lauper recently admitted that she was not a fan of her initial recording of the chart-topping hit "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," which was written by Robert Hazard. The song, which has become an anthem for female empowerment, became one of Lauper's signature tracks, but its early version didn't quite capture the essence she was aiming for.

In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lauper shared her thoughts on the original recording: "It was like yawn and boring."

"It wasn't right for me. I sang his version. I sucked," she confessed. "A guy wrote it, and he was writing, 'Hey, we're lucky. They want to have fun. Here I am.' And it wasn't that way for me because I'm a woman. I'm not a man. And that would be a problem."

Lauper had to take matters into her hands and tweaked the initial recording to fit her persona. The song, released in 1983 as the lead single from Lauper's groundbreaking debut album, "She's So Unusual," quickly gained popularity and solidified her status as a pop icon.

In her conversation with THR, Lauper opened up about the profound impact her hit song "True Colors" had on her LGBTQ fans. The rock star, known for her unwavering support of the LGBTQ community, shared the deeply emotional experience of reading letters from individuals who found solace and inspiration in the song's message of acceptance and authenticity.

"True Colors," released in 1986, became an anthem of hope and resilience, touching the hearts of millions worldwide. Its lyrics, which encourage embracing one's true self and celebrating individuality, struck a chord with the LGBTQ community, who found comfort and empowerment in Lauper's words.

"I was pregnant at the time, and the internet was like Star Trek, and I finally got on, and I started reading letters from people," she stated. "After a while, it was one after the other, after the other, about how people were disenfranchised from their families, their friends, and their jobs, and that they were suicidal, but when they heard 'True Colors,' it gave them hope and changed the trajectory of their life."