Joni Mitchell, Cher, John Legend, and SZA Join Cyndi Lauper for Epic Farewell Tour Finale

An unforgettable farewell tour finale as Cyndi Lauper shares the stage with Joni Mitchell, Cher, John Legend, and SZA at the Hollywood Bowl.

A Star-Studded Goodbye at the Hollywood Bowl

When the news broke that Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour would culminate with not one, but two grand shows at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, fans were buzzing with anticipation. And let me tell you, the final night on August 30, 2025, delivered magic beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

Lauper, the queen of quirky pop and powerhouse vocals, didn’t just close the curtain quietly. She threw a star-studded celebration, inviting legends and contemporary icons alike to join her on stage. Yes, we're talking about the legendary Joni Mitchell, the ever-glamorous Cher, the soulful crooner John Legend, and the mesmerizing SZA.

The atmosphere was electric. It felt like the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh energy, a night where generations of music lovers came together to celebrate an icon who has defined pop for decades.

Musical Highlights: Duets That Stole the Show

Each guest brought their own unique flair to the night. Joni Mitchell, making just her second public appearance of 2025, graced the stage to perform a heartfelt rendition of ‘Carey’ alongside Lauper. The emotional resonance of these two voices blending was a moment fans will replay for years.

John Legend took the spotlight next, pairing with Cyndi on the timeless classic ‘Time After Time’. His soulful style brought new depth to the beloved track—a fresh take that reminded everyone why this song has endured.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, SZA floated in for a stunning performance of ‘True Colors’ during the encore, her vocal control and emotive delivery a beautiful tribute to Lauper’s legacy.

The grand finale? The iconic Cher made a surprise appearance, joining Cyndi in an electrifying duet of ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’—a perfect, joyous send-off that had the entire Hollywood Bowl on its feet.

Opening Acts and More Surprises

The night wasn’t just about the legendary guests. Rising star Jake Wesley Rogers, who opened the show, also got in on the action. He joined Lauper to perform a cover of The Brains’ ‘Money Changes Everything’, adding a fresh, youthful energy that balanced the evening’s retrospective vibe.

Fans captured these magical moments, flooding social media with clips and heartfelt reactions:

“what do you MEAN Cyndi Lauper brought out SZA for her final show 😭😭 Singing True Colors I love her so much 😭”
— Anthony (@eternal_solana)

“more of cyndi lauper and joni mitchell last night 🚨”
— joni mitchell archive (@joniarchive)

The Setlist: A Journey Through Cyndi’s Career

Cyndi Lauper’s setlist was a lovingly crafted trip through her musical milestones, with some special covers and collaborations thrown in for good measure. Here’s what she performed on that unforgettable night:

• ‘She Bop’
• ‘The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough’
• ‘I Drove All Night’
• ‘Who Let in the Rain’
• ‘Iko Iko’ (Sugar Boy and His Cane Cutters cover, with Trombone Shorty)
• ‘Into the Nightlife’
• ‘Sally’s Pigeons’
• ‘I’m Gonna Be Strong’ (Frankie Laine cover)
• ‘Sisters of Avalon’
• ‘Change of Heart’
• ‘Carey’ (Joni Mitchell cover, with Joni Mitchell)
• ‘Time After Time’ (with John Legend)
• ‘Money Changes Everything’ (The Brains cover, with Jake Wesley Rogers)

Encore:

• ‘Shine’
• ‘True Colors’ (with SZA)
• ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ (with Cher)

The diversity of songs truly showcased Lauper’s versatility—from the playful to the poignant, every track had a moment to shine.

Reflecting on a Farewell Tour and Future Adventures

Cyndi Lauper's farewell tour began late last year with a North American leg that saw its own share of surprises. Notably, she performed ‘Time After Time’ with Sam Smith at Madison Square Garden and teamed up with Paramore’s Hayley Williams in Nashville for ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ — proving that her appeal crosses genres and generations.

While this tour marks the end of an era, Lauper has been clear that she’s not retiring. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, she explained that she’s stepping back from the hectic travel lifestyle but remains open to arena tours and hometown shows when the time is right.

She humorously acknowledged the realities of aging, joking about using a walker someday but emphasizing her desire to celebrate with fans while she still feels strong:

“For me, I wanted to have a chance to do this when I’m feeling strong. I want to celebrate with people. Really celebrate with people, and make it fun.”

This honesty and warmth only deepen the bond between Lauper and her audience—a relationship built on decades of unforgettable music and vibrant performances.

Looking Ahead: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Beyond

Adding to the celebratory mood, Cyndi Lauper was recently nominated for induction into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A fitting honor for an artist who has influenced so many and shattered so many molds.

Her farewell tour may be drawing to a close, but Lauper’s influence and legacy are anything but finished. This final run was a joyful tribute to a career that has brought color, courage, and fun to the music world.

What was your favorite Cyndi Lauper moment from this farewell tour? Which guest performance left you starstruck? Share your thoughts and memories!

FAQ

• What made Cyndi Lauper’s final farewell show special? The show featured surprise guest appearances from Joni Mitchell, Cher, John Legend, and SZA, creating unforgettable duets and moments.
• Did Cyndi Lauper retire after this tour? No, she clarified that she’s not retiring but will slow down on touring, preferring occasional arena or hometown shows.
• Which songs did Cyndi Lauper perform with her special guests? Highlights include ‘Carey’ with Joni Mitchell, ‘Time After Time’ with John Legend, ‘True Colors’ with SZA, and ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ with Cher.
• Who opened for Cyndi Lauper at the farewell tour? Singer-songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers opened the show and joined Cyndi for a cover of ‘Money Changes Everything’.
• Has Cyndi Lauper been recognized for her contributions to music recently? Yes, she was nominated to be inducted into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, highlighting her enduring impact.

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