How to Watch A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live From the Hollywood Bowl

On a magical evening at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, the Recording Academy and CBS presented a star-studded tribute titled A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper, honoring the boundary-breaking, genre-defying, and culture-shaping career of one of pop music’s most beloved figures. With a dazzling lineup of artists, heartfelt performances, and reflections on Lauper's legacy, the event stood as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of her indelible impact on music, fashion, activism, and individuality.

A Night of Celebration

Held under the open skies of Los Angeles, A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper brought together a wide range of artists, including legends, Grammy winners, and rising stars. From the moment the show opened, it was clear that this was not just another awards show-style tribute — it was a celebration of Lauper’s unique voice, her fearless artistic vision, and the spirit of inclusion and empowerment she’s championed throughout her decades-long career.

Lauper, known for her kaleidoscopic sense of style and soaring, unmistakable vocals, was visibly emotional throughout the evening. Now in her 70s, she continues to be a force of creativity and activism, and this tribute captured the full spectrum of her artistry — from the rebellious pop of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to the haunting soul of “Time After Time” and the anthemic power of “True Colors.”

When does it air?

The special will air on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

What channel is it on?

You’ll be able to watch the show live on CBS.

Is it streaming?

It is indeed, but only for some. Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will have access to stream it via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

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Who else is performing?

Joni Mitchell, Cher, Angelique Kidjo, John Legend, SZA, Mickey Guyton, Trombone Shorty and Jake Wesley Rogers, with a video tribute from Brandi Carlile

How to Watch A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live From the Hollywood Bowl?

If the show isn’t available in your region or on your local streaming platform, you can still watch it easily with a VPN. Here’s how:

1. Download and install NordVPN 76% OFF Deal + Free eSIM Data— it’s fast, secure, and works well for streaming.
2. Open NordVPN and connect to a server located in the United States, where the broadcast is available.
3. Go to the CBS website or stream it on Paramount+, which typically airs Grammy specials.
4. You may need to create an account or sign in with a U.S. TV provider or subscribe to Paramount+.
5. Look for “A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper” and start streaming.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The tribute featured some of the biggest names in music, all eager to pay homage to a woman who inspired them musically and personally.

Pop sensation P!nk kicked off the evening with a powerhouse rendition of “True Colors,” capturing the emotional depth and universal message of acceptance that has made the song an enduring anthem. Dressed in radiant, rainbow-inspired attire, P!nk channeled Lauper’s spirit while bringing her own edge and rawness to the performance.

Following her, Brandi Carlile performed a stirring acoustic version of “Time After Time,” which earned a standing ovation from the crowd. Carlile spoke briefly before her performance, describing Lauper as “a lighthouse for misfits and dreamers,” a sentiment echoed throughout the night.

Billy Porter, never one to be outdone in style or stage presence, brought high drama to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” transforming it into a Broadway-style spectacle with backup dancers and a full brass section. Porter’s performance perfectly captured the irreverent joy and social commentary embedded in Lauper’s breakout hit.

Other performers included Janelle Monáe, Adam Lambert, Annie Lennox, Kesha, and Ben Platt, each bringing their unique voices and artistic interpretations to Lauper’s deep and varied catalog. The diversity of the performers — across genres, identities, and generations — was a testament to Lauper’s wide-ranging influence.

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A Legacy Beyond the Music

Throughout the evening, interludes featured testimonials and short video montages showcasing Lauper’s multifaceted contributions to the world — not just as a musician, but as a humanitarian, fashion icon, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate.

Born in Queens, New York, in 1953, Cyndi Lauper broke onto the mainstream music scene in the early 1980s with her debut solo album She’s So Unusual, which became a multi-platinum success and earned her the 1985 Grammy for Best New Artist. But her impact went far beyond commercial success. Lauper challenged industry norms with her punk-influenced style, gender nonconformity, and refusal to be boxed into conventional roles.

Her activism, particularly for LGBTQ+ rights, took center stage during the tribute. Long before it was popular — or safe — for celebrities to speak out, Lauper was championing equality. She co-founded the True Colors United foundation, which works to end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, and has remained a passionate advocate for marginalized communities for decades.

Cher, in a surprise appearance, delivered a moving speech about Lauper’s fearless authenticity and commitment to justice. “Cyndi never waited for permission to be herself,” Cher said. “She just was. And in doing that, she gave the rest of us permission too.”

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The Artist Herself

Lauper eventually took the stage herself, closing the night with a performance that reminded everyone why she remains a singular talent. Performing “Hat Full of Stars” and a stripped-down, piano-driven version of “I Drove All Night,” she brought the crowd to tears and to their feet. Her voice, slightly weathered by time but no less powerful, soared with emotion and defiance.

In her brief remarks, Lauper thanked the Recording Academy, her fellow performers, and fans. “This means a lot,” she said. “Not just because it’s a Grammy salute, but because I get to see how the songs have traveled — how they’ve helped people, meant something to them. That’s the greatest honor.”

A Cultural Trailblazer

More than a pop star, Lauper has long stood as a symbol of creative freedom. Her fashion — a blend of punk, vintage kitsch, and New York street style — challenged beauty standards and encouraged self-expression. Her music has always been inclusive and ahead of its time, weaving messages of resilience, love, and self-acceptance.

From the MTV era to Broadway — where she won a Tony Award for her work on Kinky Boots — Lauper has continuously reinvented herself while staying true to her values. Few artists have crossed so many boundaries, or inspired such a broad coalition of fans, artists, and activists.

An Unforgettable Tribute

A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live From the Hollywood Bowl was more than just a concert — it was a cultural event, a celebration of identity, artistry, and perseverance. It reminded viewers that behind every neon-colored wig, every quirky outfit, and every soaring chorus is an artist with a deep commitment to using her voice for good.

By the end of the evening, with fireworks lighting up the sky and the Hollywood Bowl echoing with applause, one truth rang clear: Cyndi Lauper is not just a pop icon — she’s a national treasure.

As the final notes faded, and Lauper took her final bow of the night, the audience knew they had witnessed something rare — a living legend being celebrated not just for her past, but for her ongoing influence on the world.

And in true Cyndi fashion, the message she left behind was simple but powerful: Be yourself. Love fiercely. And never stop having fun.