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Despite trying to give a family-friendly speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Chapel Lawn let something slip.
While introducing Hall of Fame inductee Cyndi Lauper on Saturday, Nov. 8, the “Pink Pony Club” singer found herself having trouble reading the teleprompter, which quickly led to an unexpected gaffe.
“I think we can all agree that the best art comes from the most authentic people,” Roan, 27, said as she began taking the stage wearing a replica of the skirt Ms. Lauper, 72, wore in her music video for “True Colors.” “When artists stay true to themselves, that integrity becomes their greatest strength, even if some people say they’re too loud, too eccentric, or all of the above.”
Visibly squinting and seemingly struggling to read the words, Roan continued, “I-” and quickly covered her mouth, but the audience erupted into laughter and surprised applause. “I did a terrible thing by refusing to give you contact information. Oh my god.”
Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic
When the crowd chatter died down, Roan continued his speech.
“It’s that courage that not only creates great art, but also gives everyone experiencing it permission to be who they are. Courage opens hearts and changes minds, and that’s the power of courage,” she said. “Tonight, we celebrate a woman who redefined what a pop star can be, sound like, sing and be. A music legend whose authenticity has inspired us over the past 40 years with her four-octave range and the stunning Cyndi Lauper.”
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Lauper then took to the stage to accept the honor and performed a medley of her hits, including “True Colors,” “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Her performance also featured special guests Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa.
“What I’m trying to say is that I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me, and my shoulders are broad enough to allow the women who came after me to stand on my shoulders,” Roper said in her acceptance speech shortly afterward. “The little kid in me still believes that rock and roll can save the world.”
He added: “What I’m saying is, now is the time to come together again and do some good in the world, because the world needs us.”
“I didn’t know what to think,” the two-time Grammy Award winner told Rolling Stone in May about how she reacted when she found out she was being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic
“You know, I was thinking about what I’m doing right now, and when the praise comes, the praise comes,” Roper explained at the time. “That being said, I still think rock and roll can save the world. So, I’m in the humanities field, so I urge you to move forward and never stop trying to help.”
“I appreciate the fact that all the women actually voted for me. And it was very humbling,” she added. “I just hope I can live up to their expectations.”
