Cyndi Lauper Enlists SZA, Cher and Joni Mitchell for an Unusual ‘Grammy Salute’ That Benefits as Much From Her Farewell-Tour Chatter as Her Famous Guests: TV Review

CBS has completely overhauled its "Grammy Salute" programming, shifting from star-studded casts to full concerts headlined by the celebrated artists. This new format, which debuted with an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute, is exemplified by "A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live from the Hollywood Bowl," a two-hour special that captures the pop legend's powerful stage presence. The event was recorded over two nights in late August, coinciding with the finale of Lauper's farewell tour at the iconic Hollywood Bowl—a Los Angeles amphitheater that has hosted legendary performances from The Beatles to Beyoncé since its opening in 1922. The production was helmed by Grammy veteran Ken Ehrlich, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., and Lauper herself.

Essentially documenting the last stop of her nationwide tour, the program is amplified by a series of high-profile duets. The musical momentum is only briefly paused for video messages from Brandi Carlile and Billie Eilish, which together last less than a minute. This concert-centric approach, which deliberately omits interviews, allows the music to be the undisputed focus. This strategic choice is particularly logical given that Lauper's personal journey was extensively detailed in her 2023 Paramount+ documentary, "Let the Canary Sing," making the performance-driven format a significant evolution for televised tributes.

The guest lineup was curated for musical chemistry. Mickey Guyton lends her country-inflected voice to create beautiful harmonies on the lesser-known track "Who Let in the Rain," while John Legend, in a glittering coat, provides a smooth counterpoint to Lauper's raw vocal style during a heartfelt "Time After Time." Angélique Kidjo and Trombone Shorty inject authentic energy into the New Orleans staple "Iko Iko." A standout moment of cross-generational respect occurs when Lauper and Trombone Shorty perform Joni Mitchell's "Carey." SZA delivers a vibrant "True Colors," and Cher proves an inspired partner for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," commanding the stage in a matching polka-dot pantsuit. The sole collaboration that feels slightly less cohesive is with Jake Wesley Rogers on "Money Changes Everything," which features an extended, shouty finale, though it ends with a playful nod to Lauper's early 1980s involvement with WWE.

Lauper's signature, storytelling song introductions remain a central element, where she shares anecdotes about her upbringing and feminist ideals. While these longer monologues might test the patience of casual viewers, they offer dedicated fans a richer understanding of her unique artistry. Her solo segments blend timeless hits with nostalgic deep cuts; the pleasure-anthem "She Bop" remains a potent crowd-pleaser four decades on, and "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" is delivered with joyful reverence, complete with reaction shots from the film's original stars, Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton.

The special is also layered with potent social commentary. During "True Colors," Lauper and SZA stand before a massive pride flag, visually affirming Lauper's decades-long, steadfast advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community—a commitment that began in the 1980s when she was among the first major pop stars to consistently champion gay rights. Similarly, her performance of "Sally's Pigeons," a song about a friend lost to an illegal abortion, carries immense contemporary resonance, with updated lyrics referencing the "52 years" before Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. Her eclectic wardrobe, featuring designs by Christian Siriano and Geoffrey Mack, serves as a continuous visual metaphor for her lifelong dedication to self-expression. As music historian Dr. Evelyn Shaw observes, "Lauper's career is a masterclass in using pop culture as a vehicle for social change, making her legacy about so much more than just the music." This special powerfully affirms that Cyndi Lauper's lasting influence stems from her fearless authenticity and unwavering support for marginalized communities.