Six years ago, during a Decades series on the year 1983, I asked this about Cyndi Lauper: “So when will she make it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?”

Well, the answer was 2025. Lauper was eligible since 2009 and was nominated once before, in 2023, before making the cut last year. Her long absence is indicative of the problem the Hall had (and still has, to a lesser degree) acknowledging the contributions of women.

Lauper’s biggest success came in the early 80s, when her debut album She’s So Unusual became a 7X Platinum smash and landed four singles in the top five (the first time a woman had managed that feat). Her sophomore effort, 1986’s True Colors, was another major success.

Though the hits didn’t come as readily after that, her career arguably got more interesting. She has written a Broadway show, released blues and opera albums, and launched an acting career. She is two thirds of the way to an EGOT, missing only the Oscar.

In addition to her musical contributions, Lauper is a lifelong political activist who has argued for inclusivity since before it was cool, and she’s a style icon who created a funky, classic pop girl image that fought back against the push to sexualize women.

For her talent, for her success, and for her general awesomeness, Lauper more than deserves her spot in the Rock Hall. I’m glad they finally agreed.