Cyndi Lauper On Pop, Feminism, Women’s Rights And Her Resurgence In The Streaming Era

Emmy-, Tony- and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, artist and activist Cyndi Lauper weighs in on her iconic songs, her unique sound, standing out in a crowd, her wacky history with professional wrestling, what she really thought of Trump during her time on "The Celebrity Apprentice" and how her hit song “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” became an anthem for the modern-day women’s rights movement, in this newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons.
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#CyndiLauper #Music #AriMelber

[@cherylb6755]

"Who cares if somebody doesn't like what you do." ~Cyndi Lauper

[@renee6164]

🥰👍

[@phenixcrow]

Spoken like a true hypocritical modern leftist... Yeah, who indeed cares, as long as ine falls in line behind your perspective... God forbid an opposing opinion dares to pipe in, then it's vilification and zero tolerance.

[@tammiepulley7167]

Thank you for interviewing Cyndy Lauper. She had so much class.

[@rjeckardt8863]

So wonderful. One of my favorite people, artists, performers, singers, writers, etc. etc. etc. She is a legend. Thanks for this great interview.

[@alondathomas293]

For real----I've always liked her since her "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" says. What's unique about her music is that que never seemed to stick to one particular musical style, and she continued to make new music----I haven't caught up with anything new she's done lately, but I should.

[@dudinha4321ja]

OK susprised🎉

[@Jbwooten571]

I love her. She was fantastic in concert - - and that's even opening for Cher. She's always kept a unique look. I remember when she had a strained voice and we were truly hoping she could keep singing. After some retraining, we got her back! ...over 40 years, Cyndi! And still a fan.

[@marcbalthazar9194]

oops,,,,,,,Still fantastic

[@oneirishpoet]

Me too I'm in my mid 60s now and always loved Cyndi then and now! I'm a feminist man who admires her spirit and voice and activism, I hope today's young people are listening to her ❤️🎶

[@marilynprezkop6840]

Fantastic interview

[@callen8908]

I loved seeing her open for Cher. Cyndi was electric

[@SEBOSONORO]

Me too!

[@thomthom6268]

At the end of a DC Aids Walk. She a violin and a keyboard did classical three part harmony for Time after Time. I was in tears. She's a hero and this interview proved nothing different.

[@iamwell5654]

That was epic. She’s so talented and marches to her own drumbeat

[@elementgypsy]

That must have been great. I love when I get emotional during a powerful event or art gallery

[@junebrilly5302]

To me, Cindy Lauper has been a Woman-Warrior! She is LEGEND. Keep the fight going. BRAVO!!!

[@junebrilly5302]

Apologies for my awful spelling

[@bluezinnia847]

She's right! I lived in the 70s...I hate the government telling me what to do! She's so right!

[@elementgypsy]

Yes, the few powerful politicians are trying to make us go backwards.

[@bdmc6583]

Just curious how you felt about forced injections with the COVID vaccine..... I don't mean "did you like the of getting it?"; i mean How do you feel about the government FORCING people to do it when they didn't want to, For whatever reason? Whether they're anti vaccine people or they're phobic of needles😂

[@bdmc6583]

Just curious how you felt about forced injections with the COVID vaccine..... I don't mean "did you like the of getting it?"; i mean "how do you feel about the government FORCING people to do it when they didn't want to, For whatever reason? Whether they're anti vaccine people or they're phobic of needles

[@matimus100]

You spread hate

[@JamesSmith-qy3eu]

@@bdmc6583 Forced injections is fascism, plain and simple.. ''The government doesn't tell me what to do! hang on, let me roll up my sleeve because the government loves us wants to save us''.

[@MissyGail4eva]

Ari: "Have you always felt that you were political as well?" Cyndi: "We were...we are, aren't we? We're Americans. We're supposed to be involved in our country, and in our laws, that's why we live here... Unfortunately, more people vote on American Idol than they do for the president sometimes." What a beautiful inspiration of a human being, wonderfully packaged in glorious pop diva Technicolor 🥰

[@marybravado6787]

Your point is. Please condense your unfluied comment. Thanks

[@mitziewheeler8517]

@@marybravado6787 you know that's just rude. Or how about a blast from the past, that was rude, crude, and socially unacceptable. Sometimes people actually speak there heart in a comment and if someone has become so into feeling that it should be no more than 5 words or 5 second's for anything or anyone then I honestly feel sorry for you. There's one thing you can do though if you don't like it that much don't read it.

[@MissyGail4eva]

@Mary Bravado ᕦ(ಠ_ಠ)━☆ﾟ.*nononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononono... \(՞ਊ ՞)/

[@sherrylovegood]

@@mitziewheeler8517 What on earth is wrong with people? That person was so rude!

[@kimberlyreeves5492]

Diva she is not.

[@rebeccakesner9840]

I Love Cyndi Lauper She's Real And She's Unapologetic About Who She Is And She Proves Being Different Is OK She's Never Boring And I'm All For It

[@jeftheoficial]

The music industry should give her more credict of what she did on music and social rights since 80's. Queen Cyndi! Thank you for everything! 🇧🇷

[@bluezinnia847]

Brilliant! I've always admired Cyndi Lauper! Her music is Iconic!

[@aquariusgoldbond2697]

And she looks so beautiful.. 💕💕💫

[@SimpLee68]

Intelligent, well-spoken and so under-rated when it comes to social and political issues, but @cyndilauper we need you!! All of you to get up on YOUR bully pulpits and stop these men from controlling and destroying the 🇺🇸 USA! ❤️ You!!

[@tarmaque]

Not many entertainers garner my respect. Cyndi does.

[@karladriver9590]

Cyndi ! Thanks for sharing your talents! Saw you in concert in Fort Worth we won't count how many years ago but I remember scaffolding and you flying in a trash can 😃you were awesome! Voice of an angel!

[@gravityrules]

Ms. Lauper is unique, special, direct, an eloquent speaker, a True Patriot, and has lived her life ever showing her true colors. What a fantastic human being. You keep on, Cyndi ❤💜🌹. We need you, and THANK YOU!

[@laluba3603]

My favourite fun- all-night-pigeon-driver-blue-rain-colour- time-after-time-voice. 🎼🎶 One of the greatest voices ever! 💓

[@mariedixon9082]

Cyndi Lauper was a revelation for women like me growing up. Even if the first song of hers you heard was Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, don't think that that in itself wasn't revolutionary. We threw our arms around the notion that we were our own people not secondary to what men wanted. I'm not sure she is fully aware of her own impact on my generation. She was a battle cry and clarion bell. I will defend her role in changing the face of Western culture due to the million seeds she sowed til the day I die. A true firebrand.

[@e.l.france5136]

Marie, beautifully said! So so many women/girls could relate to the honesty and kindness she showed while expressing our need for recognition as half of the population that was being diminished in every regard to our needs and wants out of life.

[@MrLoony2nz]

I had such a crush on her in her prime. But knowing her at a deeper level proves that she's more than just eye candy. A truly strong, talented, personable, and overall wonderful woman for all ages.

[@vegenostic2231]

I’m a dude but very much support women’s rights. I would love to see more women just say nope, you don’t get to decide. I do what I want.

[@JamesSmith-qy3eu]

Do you support mens' rights equally as much?

[@alicecrystalpalace]

Omg! Look at her in that 80s video... She really didn't change, didn't age at all... ❤

[@cmlaporte62]

I support her efforts to fight for equality and bought the t-shirt to prove it!

[@jjamnason2066]

Where did you purchase the t-shirts? Can you please advise me? Thanks

[@firouz256]

It's funny how the same people who used to say she has "more talent than Madonna" stopped supporting her music. I have always been a fan (of both of them) and old enough to remember how especially men pitted them against each other. I have always supported her through her musical rollercoaster from pop and rock to country, from jazz to blues and back. Outstanding vocalist and songwriter. Next to Jody Watley and Madonna (and Grace Jones before them), she was one of the first women in pop to incorporate fashion into pop mainstream. These women have reinvented pop music for generations to come.

[@liberty53100]

So happy to see her in an interview….one of the nicest ”rock and roller“ saw her during her concert tour in Asia 35 years ago.

[@marybravado6787]

GOO! CYNDYI LAUPER! THANK YOU! MUCH LOVE FOR STANDING UP FOR "EVERYONE ". 💯🖐✌️💙☺️😇💙

[@maypanah5880]

wow, I liked Cyndi before, but I love her now, she is a great soul.

[@sabrinamanchester8253]

I've always been a fan... but have never watched an interview of her... now I'm curious to watch other interviews of hers...

[@wthisgoingonloop2568]

Thanks Ari-love your show on MSNBC and now this one. Love Cyndi Lauper, looking good girl

[@Lucian_Media]

Now that's redefining maverick. Lauper's a gem!! Keep rocking girl!!!...and keep burning those bras ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@matimus100]

What a Mess

[@tonikarl575]

You have found my heart Ari! She is my hero from when I was a teenager & still! I literally love her! ❤️

[@alicecrystalpalace]

This gorgeous woman is only a year older than me! How did she do that? Not fair. 😊 Bless her! Such a STAR!!! Such an amazing woman. ❤🥰🙏☘

[@oneirishpoet]

I know right, my wife is the same age and looks just as good as Cyndi! 😉 I'm 6 years younger and I look older! 🙄

[@matimus100]

Calm down primate

[@Alliebaba7782]

She is 69!!! years old. She is still so beautiful, inside and out. I absolutely love her

[@thesubhumancomedy]

She's done great, and have a very sound view of people and society. of the 80's girls: Madonna did more for sexual liberation, but Cyndi was more liberation to the core. Beautiful in many ways.

[@MsUtuber2]

Too good. Thanks Cyndi and Ari

[@lizafield9002]

She's the best, ever. Watch the making of "We Are the World," & hear her iconic joyful emotive sound just floor everyone, with Bruce Springsteen a kind of counterpart. "Time After Time" is transportive to an eternal, mysterious, ethereal realm. I imagine God singing thru her throat, basically, to all people & beings.

[@batgurrl]

I saw this fantastic interview last night, but just found this posted, thanks for Posting it Ari. Cyndy Lauper has always seemed like a ‘genuine weirdo’ which I mean as a compliment

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Adore Cyndi. Thanks Ari. 💙

[@Juliasblues]

I love her. When my Son was 25, I asked and he told me that he NEVER wonders what other people think, he cares about what he thinks of himself. That is one of my proudest parenting moments..... Just one.....I hear you, Cindy Lauper,

[@JohnTLyon]

If Cyndi likes NRBQ, I'm totally on her side! Never saw her as mainstream, she was EDGE, no question! If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. She was edge then, she's edge now.

[@colettelyons8375]

She is one of a kind . ‘A True Maverick “ thank you Cindy I remember watching her video of “ of Girls just want to have fun “ at home in Dublin and thinking that’s what l want freedom to be who I want to be ;so thank you Cindy for planting that seed ,and thank you for your belief that we still have to keep fighting for those rights for the next generation of woman ❤❤❤❤

[@sabrinamanchester8253]

Agree!

[@jaburchfield7194]

Thank you Cyndi Lauper for years of inspiration and wonderful music!! Stay COOL GIRL!!

[@TerraStu]

Beautiful interview! 😍

[@1020kerry]

Cyndi rules! I've always loved her.

[@Free4Ever-grace]

OMG. Cyndi is my hero.

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Love everything about Cyndi her music the tops Please never stop

[@deborahhoffman7394]

Cool lady. Very authentic.

[@cwilliams793]

I don't necessarily agree w/a lot of her views, but I respect Cyndi for carving her own path in life. I love her music, and it brings people together. She wasn't afraid to be different and broke the mold. Don't change a thing, Cyndi.

[@doloreswitkowski5578]

I am very much like Cyndi, both politically and ideologically. But, that's not always the case with all of the artists for whom I have much respect and reverence. I love that you also separate the art and artist from their views.

[@tonyd3345]

Adore her- always have. That was a great interview and you really brought out all her colors. Keep on, keeping on, Ari!

[@sharonvyse3686]

Excellent interview!! Iconic and outspoken in support of a woman's right, especially to have fun!

[@iamwell5654]

“Gloria Steinem gave me the courage to be myself” Every woman feels this way. She answered this for all of us in the 80s. So true. We couldn’t even get a credit card in our name in the 70s. I hope women realize this when they vote away their reproductive rights.

[@sunshine3914]

Nor a bank account.

[@elementgypsy]

Yes, the NOW gave me hope I would be successful after college. In the early 80s I found myself getting passed over for jobs because they were "guys" jobs. I worked in high end photo labs and graphic arts, multi media presentations in NYC. I was capable of shooting product shots and running develop printing machines, but was always stuck at being a receptionist

[@mirafurman7439]

She's so adorable

[@callen8908]

Cyndi is a doll. Love her

[@april6662]

Cyndi looks really good. 🎉

[@callen8908]

She’s a doll

[@dreamway9]

I love Cyndi! She was my absolute hero when I was a child.

[@THEARTURLIVE]

So much respect for her standing for women’s rights ! 👍

[@launchpadmcquack9305]

'Who cares if someone doesn't like what you do?' That's the point. You don't have to shove 'you' down peoples throat. I'm a very straight large flamboyant man. Be confident in all of life.

[@carenmotaoliveira]

She is incredibly wonderful, she was part of my youth, I really love her, she gave us the courage to chase our dreams without fear, thank you for the excellent interview and she is still beautiful 😍 hugs from southern Brazil

[@peppertree8244]

Just a down home girl with a healthy sense of self, a creative but level head, and more courage than fear. I love her smarts and heart! Thank you for being you, Cyndi Lauper!!!

[@gloriaprimeau7318]

She is one of BEST Singers ever I adore her and her ways SHE TRULY DID IT HER WAY.AND A LOVELY PERSON.

[@mitziewheeler8517]

Ok I remember when MTV actually just played music videos. Yes I'm that old. I loved her music and her then and still do. When I got married the first time I and my girlfriends kicked him and all the guys off the dance floor and danced and sang to the song girls just want to have fun 3 times in a row. I was a loner a lot of the time because we moved constantly, I never dressed like others, and I refused to conform to what everyone else thought I should be. I refused to be controlled by my dad or first husband (no my now and forever hubby my second hubby doesn't control or even think of trying to control me) I refused to hate people because of their color, or religion, or sexual orientation but that also ment there could be some really sad, down, alone times especially when I was 16 and 17 but her music would always make me feel. It would make me laugh and sometimes cry, but her music also made me feel like I couldn't give up no matter what. I am also happy to learn one of my heroes is also one of her heroes. We all have different artists that for some reason we connect to their art, she is one of the musical artists that I love and have always connected to her music her art. Even at 57 I still dance to my own drummer and I do that dancing to a lot of different kinds of music but I will always dance to her's. Thanks for doing this interview it put a smile on my face and reminded me I'm not the only one still fighting for this long for us to not only be free but to have fun as well.

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

LOVE Cyndi Lauper!!!! ❤❤❤ 💙💙💙

[@ericinman9245]

Yaaaay for feminism. Yaaaaay for women's rights. But I'd like to thank the armies of men plumbers, bricklayers, linemen who rushed to disaster areas, oil rig workers, bridge builders, etc etc etc. You're taken for granted far far too much. Thanks gentlemen.

[@darklordpeezy4813]

Love a lot of her songs but time after time is my favorite!!!

[@gregbrogan9061]

I just feel awe watching and listening to her. She's inspirational. And she is looking amazing!

[@DeborahGee]

What a great interview with Cyndi Lauper! She is a maverick, a warrior for women’s rights. A wonderful, unique talent! 💜🌠

[@lallajazz]

I love her so much! She is one of my mom’s favorite singers and when I was a baby she used to call me her little Cindy, before either of us knew I would have become a professional singer ❤

[@josephadiaz8343]

Ari's always awesome ❤️😊🙏✌️😎

[@marilynnewhouse1933]

Loved this interview, and your theme! Great work Ari!

[@heidevanness2788]

BTW... Anyone notice that Ari's tie matches Cyndi's hair color?!💜

[@bhumphries1360]

She's a deep thinker. I love that quality in a person. I have always found intelligence to be a very important quality in people. She has all the best qualities: intelligence, compassion, empathy, honesty, and soul. I have always been a huge fan of Cyndi Lauper. Her music is just an added bonus! Oh, and I am a feminist too, and ALWAYS will be!

[@pmd1933]

I love her!! Thanks Ari

[@JohnAllenRoyce]

LOVE you Cyndi, ever since first seeing you on the Johnny Carson way back then I have been a huge fan ... Thank you!

[@terrigo18]

Awesome!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@NicolleJansson]

Always have, always will be a fan, such a wonderful soul.

[@johnbrown4949]

Who can forget that voice as a child

[@marybravado6787]

CYNDI LAUPER IS STILL "REAL"

[@tharp769]

Ty for saying it. 💗 THAT'S what has always stood for me... more than her talent or her music... just HER & her authenticity.💗

[@MybestLucky]

Very nice interview.

[@alphonsedellert9146]

Love her, absolutely!

[@Zero8880]

Cyndi has aged so gracefully through the years.

[@kimonadragon]

Love it: By being an outcast, one didn’t have to deal with a lot of people. Can so relate.

[@catherineboyd1539]

Ii absolutely adore this woman!

[@MARR_2024]

I love 💘 her so much! Her lyrics are the soundtrack of my youth! Thank you Ari for this interview! I didn't realize how much I have missed her and her songs! 🎀💔⚖♥️🎀

[@davideminosa2632]

Beautiful, incredible, intelligent, pioneering, elegant, ironic, sensitive, strong, poetic Cyn

[@alicecrystalpalace]

What a sweet interview! Thx, Ari. ❤

[@feliciadunn644]

A true icon and freedom fighter. Fight for our rights!

[@andreamarchegiani6284]

What an incredible source of inspiration.she shaped so many of my thoughts, feelings and choices. I was blessed to have her as a role model while I was growing up!

[@loisfolk5492]

Love her. One of a kind. Fearless. 🖖✌️☮️❤️ Ari’s tie matched her hair. 😆

[@kathyquinones1984]

thank you for this, Ari! she is my favorite Maverick yet! such an energizing interview. a reminder we all need to find our voices. speak together and VOTE!

[@iawhitaker]

She is sooo good!

[@jeanbloom7513]

Great interview, Ari. I love Cyndi.

[@ronniehayes178]

Cyndi, people don't understand that plan parenthood is about health care. I wish the far right would understand that.

[@DukeofGames50]

they never will.

[@allthingsmusic-]

One of my favorite artists, and one of my favorite news anchors. Great interview!

[@Michelle6998832]

LOVE & sending all my love to CYNDI LAUPER!!!!!! second generation fan here & only second to my mom in the amount of love & appreciation for this Angel on earth being & everything she represents. Girls just wanna EQUALITY! 👧 👩‍👧 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 👨‍👧‍👧

[@fatmonkey4716]

How come women can abort their responsibility, but men cannot abort their financial responsibility? Kinda throws your whole equality thing right out the window.

[@andrearobinson2512]

WOW! This is gold. She is amazing.

[@margaretperkins450]

No more than a, "Sheep!!!!"Cyndi, thank you for sharing the, "American Truth. ☆♡Ari, and staff thank you. ☆♡

[@renitaperry5808]

Legendary Queen you will always have your beautiful odd looks of beauty.💞

[@susansuewwilliams]

Thank you!!!

[@deathmercury5376]

Cyndi Lauper is a national treasure.

[@PandaPowerable]

What a true icon!

[@kristin-artl.335]

Wish she sold whatever it is that made her skin so beautiful! She looks GREAT! She's awesome!

[@soldierryemusic]

Yes 🙌 She said she uses Tracie Martyn products.

[@yvonneplant9434]

She has had problems with psoriasis so whatever treatments she's had to help that may be a reason.

[@Avacado721]

My Queen!!!!!!

[@localnetsolutions]

I listened to her talk about an interview with Robbie Rotten (Stefan Karl Stefansson} and laughed all the way though it. I knew who he was he lived in same county I did .

[@arxsyn]

lol Cyndi... when she mentions [I Love] Lucy, that tickles me cuz she looks a bit like her, but the alt-rock chic version, la. her hair is like pouffy cotton candy, cute