Iconic singer Cyndi Lauper has announced that her upcoming U.S. tour will be her last, much to the dismay of her legions of fans. The “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour” will run between October and December this year, covering major cities across North America. This tour marks a significant milestone in Lauper’s career, which spans four decades, beginning with her breakout hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” in 1983.
Lauper’s announcement has ignited a frenzy among fans, especially with the speculation that an A-list singer might join her on stage. Social media platforms buzzed with fans suggesting that rapper Nicki Minaj could be the special guest. Minaj’s recent release, “Pink Friday Girls,” samples Lauper’s iconic song, adding fuel to the speculation. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) exclaimed, “We want Nicki Minaj as a special guest.” Another fan echoed the sentiment, noting the chemistry between the two artists in their previous performances together.
Despite turning 70 this year, Lauper shows no signs of slowing down. She will participate in a handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Tuesday night, followed by an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday evening. Earlier this year, Lauper expressed excitement about her new venture with Pophouse Entertainment Group, the Swedish company behind the holographic show Abba Voyage, which now owns the majority share of her master recording revenue. Lauper praised Pophouse’s vision and commitment to preserving and building upon her legacy.
The tour announcement coincides with the release of “Let the Canary Sing,” a documentary about Lauper’s life and career, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival and is now streaming on Paramount+. Directed by Alison Ellwood, the documentary delves into Lauper’s challenging path to stardom and her unyielding spirit. Initially reluctant to participate, Lauper was convinced by Ellwood’s argument that her story and music deserved to be celebrated. “I’m not dead yet! Why do you need a documentary about me?” Lauper reportedly asked, to which Ellwood replied, “Because it’s a great story and the music’s great.”
“Let the Canary Sing” showcases Lauper’s journey from her early days with the band Blue Angel to her solo success, highlighting her resilience and dedication. The documentary reveals lesser-known aspects of her life and career, providing a deeper understanding of the artist behind the music. Ellwood’s film captures Lauper’s humor, strength, and unwavering commitment to her craft, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Lauper’s farewell tour will cover 23 cities, starting on October 18 in Montreal and concluding on December 5 at Chicago’s United Center. Major stops include New York’s Madison Square Garden, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, and San Francisco’s Chase Center. Tickets for the tour go on sale with an artist presale on Tuesday, followed by general sales on Friday via LiveNation.com.
As Lauper embarks on this final tour, she reflects on her decision, acknowledging that she wants to perform while she can still deliver the high-energy shows her fans expect. “I don’t think I can perform the way I want to in a couple of years,” Lauper stated. “I want to be strong.”