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

[@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

[@jefthesales]

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! 🇧🇷

[@junebrilly5302]

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

[@junebrilly5302]

Apologies for my awful spelling

[@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!

[@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!

[@bluezinnia847]

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

[@aquariusgoldbond2697]

And she looks so beautiful.. 💕💕💫

[@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''.

[@laluba3603]

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

[@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!

[@simplee6847]

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!!

[@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...

[@tonikarl575]

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

[@alicecrystalpalace]

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

[@MsUtuber2]

Too good. Thanks Cyndi and Ari

[@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.

[@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!

[@tarmaque]

Not many entertainers garner my respect. Cyndi does.

[@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

[@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

[@TerraStu]

Beautiful interview! 😍

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Adore Cyndi. Thanks Ari. 💙

[@wthisgoingonloop2568]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@deborahhoffman7394]

Cool lady. Very authentic.

[@Lucian_Media]

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

[@matimus100]

What a Mess

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

"Time After Time" is a very moving song. And I generally don't even like pop music. But that's a great one.

[@fnjesusfreak]

"Time After Time" is Cyndi Lauper's "Yesterday". A true classic that everyone seems to want to cover.

[@1020kerry]

Cyndi rules! I've always loved her.

[@jaburchfield7194]

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

[@darklordpeezy4813]

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

[@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.

[@mirafurman7439]

She's so adorable

[@callen8908]

Cyndi is a doll. Love her

[@Alliebaba7782]

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

[@terrigo18]

Awesome!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MybestLucky]

Very nice interview.

[@NicolleJansson]

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

[@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.

[@josephadiaz8343]

Ari's always awesome ❤️😊🙏✌️😎

[@april6662]

Cyndi looks really good. 🎉

[@callen8908]

She’s a doll

[@pmd1933]

I love her!! Thanks Ari

[@talk3194]

OMG. Cyndi is my hero.

[@catherineboyd1539]

Ii absolutely adore this woman!

[@marilynnewhouse1933]

Loved this interview, and your theme! Great work 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!

[@gregbrogan9061]

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

[@sharonvyse3686]

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

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Love everything about Cyndi her music the tops Please never stop

[@tonyd3345]

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

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

LOVE Cyndi Lauper!!!! ❤❤❤ 💙💙💙

[@THEARTURLIVE]

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

[@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.

[@gloriaprimeau7318]

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

[@heidevanness2788]

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

[@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,

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@alphonsedellert9146]

Love her, absolutely!

[@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! 🎀💔⚖♥️🎀

[@DeborahGee]

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

[@johnbrown4949]

Who can forget that voice as a child

[@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!

[@jeanbloom7513]

Great interview, Ari. I love Cyndi.

[@dreamway9]

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

[@marybravado6787]

CYNDI LAUPER IS STILL "REAL"

[@Zero8880]

Cyndi has aged so gracefully through the years.

[@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.

[@alicecrystalpalace]

What a sweet interview! Thx, Ari. ❤

[@renitaperry5808]

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

[@kimonadragon]

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

[@davideminosa2632]

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

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@susansuewwilliams]

Thank you!!!

[@carolempie114]

Wonderful lady/wonderful interview~

[@korettaandphillipburt5459]

Love these 💙💙💙

[@iawhitaker]

She is sooo good!

[@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 .

[@loisfolk5492]

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

[@Avacado721]

My Queen!!!!!!

[@feliciadunn644]

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

[@marybowen1630]

🎉Great interview ❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@joannehoward100]

Awesome interview Ari, Go Girl x

[@cindykanable3350]

Love her. Thank you Ms.Cindi for everything.

[@PandaPowerable]

What a true icon!

[@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.

[@cultureal9544]

What's with the car commercial intro though? Love Cyndi Lauper Time after Time and Drove All Nighhhhhhhtttttt

[@johndavidwolf4239]

The car commercial is so you can see the video free on KZbin as opposed to "pay per view".

[@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!

[@allthingsmusic-]

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