Madonna & Cyndi: Rivalry or Reunion?
The year 1983 was pivotal in pop music, forever remembered for the debut of two iconic albums by Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Madonna’s “The First Album,” with hits like “Holiday,” “Dress You Up,” and “Borderline,” marked her entry into the music scene that summer, immediately capturing attention. By fall, Cyndi Lauper followed with “She’s So Unusual,” featuring timeless songs like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “She-Bop,” and “Time After Time.” Both women quickly rose to fame, becoming symbols of female empowerment and creative individuality.
Despite these shared qualities and their bold personalities, the music industry pitted Madonna and Lauper against each other, creating a fictional rivalry between two trailblazing artists. This manufactured animosity played into a common industry tactic, where women were positioned as competitors rather than celebrated for their unique contributions. Cyndi Lauper reflects on this tactic, revealing the pervasive sexism that influenced these narratives: “In the ’80s, they started to pit women against each other,” she explains, noting that this practice had begun much earlier. She dismisses the so-called rivalry as a fabricated narrative, expressing her genuine admiration for Madonna’s work.
Lauper’s respect for Madonna deepened when she saw her perform “Like a Prayer.” “I was like, ‘Oh my God. Ah, I love her!’” Lauper admits. Her admiration highlights how female artists should be allowed to celebrate each other’s success, rather than be confined to a narrative that only one can thrive. She humorously commented on this trope, saying, “As if you could only have one woman who is successful. What the hell is that about?”
Lauper’s career, now stretching over four decades, is currently leading to a fitting celebration: the “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour.” Reflecting on her journey, she reveals the practical approach that helped her sustain her voice and energy through the years. “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. It’s very boring,” she says, pointing out that as a singer, protecting her voice was always a priority. For Lauper, music itself has been an escape, taking her “to another planet” without the need for drugs or other vices.
Her practical approach extended to her first splurge after achieving fame—buying a washer and dryer. “I still love my washer-dryer closet!” she jokes, showing her grounded nature. Yet, she balances this practicality with her signature humor. In classic Lauper style, she quips, “Was it Joan Rivers who said cleaning a house doesn’t make you sexy? No man ever came home and said, ‘This is immaculate, you hot bitch. Let’s do it right here!’”
As Lauper and Madonna look back on their careers, they embody resilience, talent, and the strength to rise above industry-fueled rivalries. Lauper’s unwavering spirit and Lauper’s bold style both celebrate female empowerment and individuality. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of music’s ability to connect, uplift, and inspire, leaving a legacy that transcends any false narrative of competition.
