CBS has flipped the script on its usual format for “Grammy Salute” specials. Historically, these were all-star tributes where the honoree made a brief appearance at the end of the show—if they were still living. However, with the recent Earth, Wind & Fire documentary and now the special dedicated to Cyndi Lauper, audiences are treated to full-length performances from these artists accompanied by a selection of guest performers. This format is sure to please anyone who missed Lauper’s recent farewell tour or anyone who didn’t, as she can easily command a two-hour show on her own in “A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live from the Hollywood Bowl.” And when icons like Joni Mitchell, SZA, and Cher join in, it’s really something special.
“She’s So Unusual,” proclaimed Lauper’s debut solo album in 1983, and this special proves to be just that: unusual. Produced by industry veterans Ken Ehrlich, Harvey Mason Jr., and Lauper herself, the presentation closely mirrors her recent concert tour, with only a few superstars and niche guests making appearances. In fact, the special features only two brief video testimonials from Brandi Carlile and Billie Eilish that last barely a minute combined. The real showcase is Cyndi, front and center, performing, likely influenced by the extensive personal anecdotes provided in her 2023 Paramount+ documentary “Let the Canary Sing.” This exclusive presentation captures the heart of Lauper’s performance, filmed across two nights in August as her farewell tour concluded at the Hollywood Bowl.
Lauper’s guest performances are excellently matched, both vocally and in style. The powerhouse vocalist and recent Variety cover star, Mickey Guyton, provides a wonderful harmonization for Lauper on the lesser-known “Who Let in the Rain” early in the show. John Legend makes an appearance in a striking black coat for an intimate rendition of “Time After Time,” offering a smoother contrast to Lauper’s raw vocal style. Angélique Kidjo and Trombone Shorty bring a unique flair to the New Orleans classic “Iko Iko,” enhancing the song’s vibrant essence.
Shorty rejoins Lauper and Mitchell for the legendary “Carey.” This performance uniquely features Mitchell performing her own song instead of joining Lauper on one of hers, symbolizing Lauper’s reverence for the musical great. SZA adds a brilliant touch to the nearly closing duet “True Colors.” Renowned for her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, SZA shines in a more traditional showbiz atmosphere. And who could better complement “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” than Cher, who even sported a polka-dot pantsuit in sync with Lauper’s iconic style, effectively making it her own.
The sole collaboration that fell flat was with Jake Wesley Rogers, transforming one of Lauper’s classic hits, “Money Changes Everything,” into an extended overly-energetic finale. Even if the number wasn’t the highlight it could have been, it culminates in a playful wrestling match, likely a nod to Lauper’s early connection with the late Captain Lou Albano (who is mentioned earlier in the program). While wrestling didn’t define Lauper’s trajectory, it certainly set the tone for her unconventional approach as an artist, who has consistently fostered LGBTQ+ support.
Earlier, it was noted that the show leaned heavily toward musical performances rather than discussions; however, this comes with a significant caveat. Lauper infused her concerts this year with storytelling, closely resembling her unique take on a one-woman show, with a band supporting her while she shared tales from her life, professional milestones, and her insights on feminism. This “Grammy Salute” retained a decent amount of those storytelling segments, as many appear to be uncut. While some viewers might tire of the narrative interludes, those who appreciate the essence of Lauper’s eclectic and introspective nature will find it enriching.
As Lauper presents her solo pieces throughout the evening, no track can outshine the sheer joy that “She Bop” has consistently delivered over 42 years. When the camera shifts to a few young audience members during the reaction shots, it raises eyebrows about what the PMRC would think of exposing their youthful audience to such “controversial” content, had they survived. Meanwhile, her nostalgic performance of “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” while not essential, stirs fond memories and nostalgia as original cast members Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton appear in audience reactions. Lauper introduces “Who Let In the Rain” sharing a poignant story of writing it in 1989 during a career lull, where unsolicited advice came from individuals she had sought to escape in her younger days: “I found myself, instead of with those who propelled my fame, with the ones I ran away from home to escape.”
As she reflects on her early career struggles, Lauper advises, “You can’t let one chapter define your entire life.”
Lauper embodies a resilient spirit, even if her views might be perceived as too progressive by those unacquainted with her work. Carlile’s video testimonial beautifully articulates, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for all people, particularly women; we cannot express sufficient gratitude for what you’ve done for the LGBTQ+ community.” Lauper refrains from elaborating extensively, only noting her costume designer’s encouragement to amp up the glamour for her LGBTQ+ fans. But as she and SZA conclude “True Colors” with a giant pride flag enveloping them, it may raise eyebrows regarding the current sociopolitical climate in America, signaling a strong message of representation.
Subtle yet powerful themes resonate throughout Lauper’s performances, such as “Sally’s Pigeons.” In her introduction, she reflects on her neighbors, but die-hard admirers will recognize the underlying narrative relating to a childhood friend lost to a back-alley abortion. The originally recorded lyric from “21 years” was updated to “52 years,” emphasizing that the song’s context remains relevant, taking place just before Roe v. Wade was enacted. Though such topics are not directly imposed on casual viewers, feminists and LGBTQ+ advocates appreciate Lauper as a beacon of their movements, all while dazzling as a veteran performer.
One of the most poignant stories she shares involves the seamstress tradition in her Italian immigrant family. She muses, “If they can stitch fabrics together, perhaps I could do the same with music… I was into deconstruction before it was mainstream.” While she achieved fame blending various musical styles, she also dabbled in fashion; acknowledging her costumes (courtesy of Christian Siriano and Geoffrey Mack), she presents eclectic outfits that capture attention. From donning a quirky rooster ensemble to a fusion creation with both a black bodice and white dress shirt, to moments without her signature wig, her aesthetic choices reflect her artistic journey. While fashion may not be a primary concern for all spectators of “A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper,” it serves as a vivid metaphor for the complexities and explorations in Lauper’s storied career.
