Cyndi Lauper's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 9, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Cyndi Lauper.

Cyndi Lauper is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and actress recognized for her unique style, colorful appearance, and impressive four-octave vocal range. Having sold over 50 million records globally, she's a prominent figure in the music industry. Beyond her artistic achievements, Lauper is a dedicated humanitarian and a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights in the United States.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: MTV Video Music Awards Established

In 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards were established by MTV to honor the best music videos of the year. Cyndi Lauper would later win one award out of 14 nominations, securing her first Best Female Video award.

1984: MTV Video Music Award

In 1984, the music video for Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" won the Best Female Video Award at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards.

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1985: Magazine Covers and Recognition

In 1985, Cyndi Lauper appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Time, and Newsweek, was featured twice on the cover of People, and was named a Ms. magazine Woman of the Year.

1985: Grammy Win and Nominations

In 1985, Cyndi Lauper won Best New Artist at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards. Her album "She's So Unusual" also received nominations for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Song of the Year.

1985: Grammy Award for Best New Artist

In 1985, Cyndi Lauper won the Best New Artist award at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards.

1986: "We Are the World" wins multiple Grammy Awards

In 1986, "We Are the World," featuring Cyndi Lauper, won Song of the Year (credited to songwriters Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie), Record of the Year, Best Music Video, Short Form (directed by Tom Trbovich and produced by Quincy Jones), and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (produced by Quincy Jones).

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1986: Grammy Nomination for "What a Thrill"

In 1986, Cyndi Lauper received a Grammy nomination in the Best Female Rock Vocal Performance category for her song "What a Thrill".

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1988: Grammy Nomination for Cyndi Lauper in Paris

In 1988, Cyndi Lauper received a Grammy nomination in the Best Long Form Music Video category for "Cyndi Lauper in Paris".

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1990: Grammy Nomination for I Drove All Night

In 1990, Cyndi Lauper received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "I Drove All Night".

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2013: Tony Award for Kinky Boots

In 2013, Cyndi Lauper won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for composing the Broadway musical "Kinky Boots", becoming the first woman to win the category by herself. The musical also won several other Tonys, including Best Musical.

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2014: Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album

In 2014, Cyndi Lauper won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast recording of "Kinky Boots".

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2015: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2015, Cyndi Lauper was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2016: Laurence Olivier Award for Kinky Boots

In 2016, the West End production of "Kinky Boots" won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

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2019: Commencement Address and Honorary Degree

In 2019, Cyndi Lauper gave the commencement address at Northern Vermont University – Johnson, and was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.