Chappell Roan Accidentally Drops F-Bomb While Honoring Cyndi Lauper at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The breakout pop star’s candid moment and heartfelt tribute to Cyndi Lauper light up the 2025 Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles

Chappell Roan delivered an unforgettable — and slightly unfiltered — moment at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, November 8, while introducing music icon Cyndi Lauper.

Wearing a stunning replica of the skirt Lauper famously donned in her “True Colors” music video, the “Pink Pony Club” singer began her speech with admiration for Lauper’s boldness and authenticity. “When artists stay true to themselves, even when some people say they’re too much, too loud, too eccentric, or all of the above, that honesty becomes their greatest strength,” Roan said to roaring applause.

But as she squinted at the teleprompter, Roan stumbled mid-sentence, blurting out, “I f—,” before quickly covering her mouth and exclaiming, “I messed up so bad by refusing to get contacts. Holy cow!” The audience erupted in laughter and cheers, embracing the authenticity that Lauper herself has always championed.

Recovering gracefully, Roan continued, “It’s that courage that not only creates incredible art — it gives everyone who experiences it the permission to be themselves.” She then introduced Lauper as “a music legend whose authenticity has inspired us for the last four decades.”

Moments later, Cyndi Lauper, 72, took the stage to accept the honor and perform a vibrant medley of her timeless hits, including “True Colors,” “Time After Time,” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” joined by special guests Avril Lavigne and Salt-n-Pepa.

During her acceptance speech, Lauper reflected on her journey and the women who paved the way. “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 said. “The little kid in me still believes that rock and roll can save the world.”

She ended her speech with a call for unity and compassion: “Now of all times, let’s come together again and do good in the world — because it needs us.”

The night was a perfect blend of humor, heart, and history — a testament to Lauper’s enduring influence and Roan’s rising star power. Even an accidental expletive couldn’t overshadow the genuine emotion and electric energy that filled the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.