‘80s Grammy Winning Pop Legend, 72, Just Stunned Fans With Bold New Political Statement
Some artists never lose their power to inspire change, and Cyndi Lauper just proved that activism only gets stronger with age. The beloved "Time After Time" singer has left fans absolutely mesmerized with a powerful TikTok that transforms a lighthearted social media trend into a profound statement about fundamental rights and social justice.
Using the popular "just a few things I'm falling for" trend, the 72-year-old icon delivered what she calls "propaganda I'm falling for" in the most Cyndi way possible – wrapped in stunning visuals and set to Elton John's "Rocket Man." Dressed in a flowing yellow evening gown with a dramatic feathered overcoat and sparkly boots, she looked absolutely majestic while making her boldest statements yet.
Her list of things she's "falling for" reads like a manifesto of hope and resistance: "girls just want to have fundamental rights," "a little 'she-bopping' is good for the soul," "nobody's free until everybody's free," and "voting in every election." Each statement carries the weight of her decades-long advocacy while maintaining her signature playful spirit.
What makes this moment particularly powerful is how Lauper cleverly reimagines her own iconic song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" as "girls just want to have fundamental rights." The wordplay isn't just clever – it's a rallying cry that connects her musical legacy with current political realities.
Fans were absolutely blown away by her courage and creativity. Comments poured in praising her as an "icon" and "queen," with one particularly moving response from a Cincinnati concertgoer who noted how emotional it was to hear the reimagined lyrics live: "Girls just want fundamental rights made me tear up."The Grammy winner's decision to use TikTok – a platform often associated with lighthearted content – to deliver such meaningful messages showcases her understanding of how to reach audiences across generations. Her ability to blend entertainment with activism has always been her superpower, and this video proves she's still mastering that balance.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Lauper's statement "nobody's free until everybody's free" particularly resonated with supporters who've followed her LGBTQ+ advocacy and human rights work throughout her career. At 72, she continues using her platform to amplify voices and causes that need champions.
This isn't just another celebrity political post – it's Cyndi Lauper proving that true icons never stop fighting for what's right, and they never lose their ability to inspire others to join the fight.
'80s Grammy Winning Pop Legend, 72, Just Stunned Fans With Bold New Political Statement first appeared on Parade on Aug 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
9 minutes ago
- Business Insider
Brain rot summer
We like to see ourselves as individual free thinkers. But when a hot summer trend hits — a style, a song, or even a meme — we can't resist wearing it, blasting it, and posting it. But what about this summer? It's August — schools are reopening, football is returning — and no big trend has taken hold. Summer 2025 feels squishy, undefinable, and chaotic. This season's most anticipated movies are all franchise revivals, like "Jurassic Park," "Superman," "Lilo & Stitch," and the "Fantastic Four." Netflix just set a record for biggest opening of any in-house film: the sequel to the 1996 classic "Happy Gilmore." Where indelible songs of the summer have consistently broken through in years past — "It's Gonna Be Me" in 2000, "Gangnam Style" in 2012, "Espresso" in 2024 — this year lacks a clear winner. At this writing, "Ordinary" by YouTuber-turned-crooner Alex Warren is atop the Billboard Hot 100, a moody tune poised more for overuse as a wedding first dance than it is to be a poolside bop. The most hyped tour of the summer was Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, which promoted an album that dropped 16 months ago. "Should we be concerned that it's August in a week and so far the song of the summer is 'nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday '?" one TikToker asked, referencing the viral sound meme that uses the audio vacation ad from British company Jet2holidays. It has appeared in millions of videos to juxtapose a fun vacation melting down into disaster. Even fashion and visual aesthetic trends have come undone. 2024 was lime green Brat summer, 2023 was bubble gum pink thanks to Barbenheimer and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Beyonce's "Renaissance" chrome shone in 2022. As Vogue recently noted, "There is almost always one color that dominates. That said, this season seems to be the exception to the rule. There wasn't one single shade that reigned supreme." Welcome to brain rot summer. AI slop has infected TikTok, Facebook, and X, and people can't tell that even a herd of bunnies jumping on a trampoline is AI generated. The biggest monoculture moment we've seen so far was the Coldplaygate affair, a moment so cringe it cut through all our FYPs. I'm watching snippets of vacations gone wrong on TikTok and the Jet2holidays ad is living rent free in my head. The internet is piling on Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle with accusations that an ad for jeans was actually a Nazi dog whistle, and in the past few months Katy Perry has gone to space with Lauren Sánchez and Gayle King, split with Orlando Bloom, and is hanging out with Justin Trudeau, a summer romance gossip that feels like a Mad Libs concoction. It's easy to feel the absence of a universal vibe this summer, but the lack of a ubiquitous pop culture hit may be the result of a longer shift, says Joel Penney, a professor in the College of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. "There's been this huge pattern of media fragmentation that's been going on for a very long time." Because more people stream music and TV, "the catalog becomes just as important as anything new," Penney says. Sequels are safer bets for Hollywood to make, and Spotify spins up personalized playlists that feature older songs. Popular content creators with podcasts or large social media followings may seem big, but they also filter us into smaller media bubbles. The privilege of crystallizing and spreading our trends to massive audiences used to rest with late-night hosts, but their influence is waning: Stephen Colbert performed the viral "Apple" dance to go along with the "Brat" song last summer, but this summer his show is facing cancellation. There's been this huge pattern of media fragmentation that's been going on for a very long time. Joel Penney The news cycle, also popular late-night fodder, is fast paced and relentless. President Donald Trump is dominating news headlines in ways few other politicians ever have, from speculation around what's in the Jeffrey Epstein files to how tariffs will affect the economy to his posts on Sydney Sweeney. "Trump takes up all of the oxygen," Penney says. That's been true since he took office for the first time, with a report from Harvard' Shorenstein Center finding Trump was the topic of 41 percent of all news stories, tripling the coverage of past presidents. "There's just so much Trump all the time in the news that it kind of becomes pop culture," leaving little room for other pop culture moments to reach escape velocity. The big summer trends are often driven by, or at least seized by, marketers. "Barbie" had a $150 million marketing budget, more than the budget for the movie itself, and it paid off: The movie earned nearly $1.5 billion globally. If today we don't have one pop princess or color reigning supreme, maybe it's just an off year when no major, resonating work dropped just as the weather warmed up. But it could be an indication that people are growing tired of the mainstream, and weary of their social feeds being driven by algorithms over people. "The brain rot is super real," says Andrew Roth, founder and CEO of the Gen Z-focused research firm DCDX. "This summer is almost an escape from all of that, where people are going offline." DJs are turning coffee shops into spaces to vibe. Friendship and IRL dating apps are becoming popular as young people shirk traditional swiping. The hottest item to buy this summer is a Labubu; a toy made for adults whose appeal lies part in childhood nostalgia, and part in the IRL anticipation of opening a box without knowing exactly what you'll get. "Niche passions in communities are rising up to be an escape from that mainstream narrative that's everywhere," Roth says. "It doesn't feel like everyone wants to be a part of the same Barbenheimer or Brat summer experience. It's more of an individualized, spontaneous one." Maybe after two summers with blockbuster trends, we're feeling burned out and relishing in a break from monoculture. Critics and consumers alike have been feeling like the 2020s are culturally shallow for years, and attitudes about our entertainment landscape are pessimistic. A 2024 YouGov poll found people were most likely to say the 2020s has the worst TV, sporting events, radio programming, music, fashion, and movies, compared to every other decade over the past century. These opinions could be more nostalgia-driven than honest (the 2020s have spurred a deluge of water-cooler talk around highly acclaimed television series like "Severance" and "Succession"), or they could capture the growing frustration with the massive amounts of content we now have to choose from, and the age-old adage that quantity does not trump quality. Trends have shorter lives in our world where short-form video and algorithms dictate who sees what. Brat summer was maybe not just the winner of 2024, but such a massive hit that it became the exception and dragged on for so long that Charli XCX had to declare it over herself. In April, she suggested a litany of artists who could take up the torch. None have. No forced marketing campaign has led to the mass proliferation of one style, song, or movie. So how will we remember the Summer of 2025? Will it be the Astronomer affair? The coupling up of "Love Island's" Nicolandria, or the very public breakup of Elon Musk and Trump? Maybe we'll all have different memories of what defined the season and what we watched and listened to this summer — a patchwork that reflects the chaos that summer brought.
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wellness Starts from Within: Activia Gut Glow-Up Campaign Marks New, Modern Chapter with Launch of Activia Proactive Yogurt and Product Refresh
Activia's got you — and your glow-up — covered with tips, tools, and tasty gut health support Activia launches the Gut Glow-Up campaign — a science-backed, modern movement designed to help people shine from the inside out, introducing the first-ever Gut Glow-Up Guru, Dr. Amy Shah to showcase the impact of putting your gut first — and the overall good it can do. An ode to its 20-year heritage, Activia is also making its big screen debut with a cameo in Disney's Freakier Friday film – celebrating the movie's modern twist with a limited-edition, Glow-Up Bag complete with everything needed for your own red carpet moment, including tickets to see Freakier Friday, in theaters August 8th. Activia is getting a glow-up of its own: revamped recipes with simpler ingredients, sleek new and modern packaging and the launch of Activia Proactive. The newest morning essential - Activia Proactive, is a thick and creamy yogurt with billions of live and active probiotics—plus 10g of protein and 3g of prebiotic fiber per serving to help feed the good bacteria in your gut. WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. and LOUISVILLE, Colo., July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Activia, a trusted name in probiotic yogurt for more than 20 years, is entering a bold new era this summer—championing gut health as the foundation for feeling your best from the inside out. Activia has teamed up with nutritionist and wellness expert, Dr. Amy Shah, to introduce the Gut Glow-Up—a science-backed initiative designed to showcase the powerful impact of putting your gut first. Whether a night in with the girls or getting ready for your own red-carpet strut – your glow-up all begins in the gut. As part of the campaign, Activia is celebrating a glow-up of its own with revamped Activia probiotic yogurt cups recipes with simpler ingredients12, sleek new and modern packaging, and the launch of new Activia Proactive. With #GutHealth and #GutTok collecting more than 6 billion views on TikTok3, gut health has gone viral. Yet a recent Danone study found that half of Americans are unaware that the gut microbiome can impact gut health, and even more are unaware of how it may impact overall wellness — including immunity, mood, and sleep. Research has also shown 63% of Americans are looking for science-backed information as it relates to gut health.4 "We've seen an organic glow-up among Gen Z and Millennials in particular, who are embracing a healthier mind-and-body approach to wellness," said Derek Neeley, VP of Marketing, Gut Health at Danone North America. "As a premier probiotic yogurt brand that has been dedicated to educating and supporting consumers for more than two decades, we're energized by the growing awareness of gut health as a foundation for overall wellness. This momentum presents a unique opportunity to reintroduce Activia—cutting through the noise and helping people feel confident amid the trending conversation around gut health, while also connecting with a new generation discovering our brand for the first time." New Look, Same Gut-Health GoodnessAn ode to its 20-year heritage, Activia is making its big screen debut with a cameo in the upcoming Freakier Friday film this August. The reformulated Activia Probiotic Low Fat Yogurt features a new look, simpler ingredients and 25% less sugar per 4 oz serving** all while delivering the same great taste and science-backed benefits consumers know and love. Still powered by Activia's exclusive probiotic strain that survives the journey to the gut, the updated formula is rich and creamy, and packed with billions of live and active probiotics. Available in a variety of delicious fruit-forward and classic vanilla flavors, it's a gut-friendly staple made to support your day from the inside out. Glow-Up with Activia and Disney's Freakier FridayTo help fans kick off their own glow-up and celebrate the premiere of Disney's Freakier Friday, Activia is debuting a limited-edition, crystal ball inspired Glow-Up Bag that will help you see into a gut-healthy future — filled with everything needed to connect your inner gut health with your outer glow. Contents include a coupon for 14 days of Activia—because research shows consuming Activia twice a day for 2 weeks can help support your gut health***, a custom compact, sleep mask, jade roller and tickets to see Freakier Friday in a theater near you. Fans can claim their clutch for free at on Friday, Aug. 1 while supplies last, with a second drop happening on Friday, August 8. As part of its mission to make gut health more accessible and empowering, Activia has teamed up with renowned wellness expert, Dr. Amy Shah, to offer approachable, science-backed guidance to help people support their gut health and feel their best. Getting ready for her own red-carpet moment, Dr. Shah attended the world premiere of Freakier Friday in Los Angeles this month – Check out the action here. Together, Activia and Dr. Shah aim to cut through the clutter of wellness advice — making gut health feel modern, personal, and refreshingly easy to digest. "Wellness should feel empowering — not overwhelming. So many aspects of our overall health — energy, mood, digestion, even immunity — begin in the gut," said Dr. Amy Shah. "That's why I'm excited to partner with Activia to bring a fresh, modern approach to gut health — one that's rooted in science, grounded in real-life habits, and designed to spotlight the importance of inner health, not just outer glow." Introducing NEW Activia Proactive Meet your newest gut glow-up essential: Activia Proactive, a thick and creamy low fat yogurt with billions of live and active probiotics—plus 3g of prebiotic fiber per serving to help feed the good bacteria in your gut. As the newest addition to the Activia lineup, NEW Activia Proactive helps support gut health*** the Activia way—deliciously good and backed by 20 years of science—and also has: 10g of complete protein per 5.3oz serving 0g of added sugar* and no artificial sweeteners A good source of calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones 3g of prebiotic fiber to help feed the good bacteria in your gut Activia Proactive is available now in Vanilla, Strawberry, Mixed Berry, and Peach Mango in 4ct multipacks retailers nationwide for $4.69 MSRP. To find Activia Proactive at a store near you, visit Start glowing from within with tips, tricks and the latest from Activia! Follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok. *Not a low calorie food.** Reformulated Activia probiotic and fiber yogurts have at least 25% less sugar (8-9g total sugar per 4oz serving) than the previous formula (11-12g per 4oz).*** Enjoying Activia twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort, which includes gas, bloating, rumbling, and abdominal discomfort. About Danone North America Danone North America is a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. As a Certified B Corporation®, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through regenerative agriculture. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®. With approximately 6,000 employees and 15 production locations across the U.S. and Canada, Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. For more information on Danone North America, visit About Disney's Freakier Friday: "Freakier Friday," the eagerly anticipated sequel to the Disney classic starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, will be released in theaters nationwide August 8, 2025. In the film, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice. "Freakier Friday" is directed by Nisha Ganatra, and the screenplay is by Jordan Weiss, with a story by Elyse Hollander and Jordan Weiss, based on the book "Freaky Friday" by Mary Rodgers. The film, which also stars Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon, is produced by Kristin Burr, p.g.a., Andrew Gunn, p.g.a., and Jamie Lee Curtis, with Ann Marie Sanderlin, Mario Iscovich, Nathan Kelly, and Lindsay Lohan serving as executive producers. Contact: Haley McDillhmcdill@ ______________________________ 1 Reformulated Activia probiotic and fiber yogurts have at least 25% less sugar (8-9g total sugar per 4oz serving) than the previous formula (11-12g per 4oz). 2 Recipe updates to cups do not include Zero Added Sugar cups. 3 4 Source: Cleveland Clinic, CRF View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Danone North America
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
George Clooney Hits Back at Biggest Criticism of His Acting
George Clooney doesn't 'give a s--t' about what his critics—including Hunter Biden—think of his acting, he declared in a recent interview. Clooney addressed the criticism that his roles lack 'versatility' in a profile for Vanity Fair out Monday. 'Do people say that I only play myself? I don't give a s--t,' he told the magazine. 'There aren't that many guys in my age group that are allowed to do both broad comedies like O Brother [Where Art Thou/], and then do Michael Clayton, or Syriana. So if that means I'm playing myself all the time, I don't give a s--t.' As a high-profile Democratic fundraiser and activist, Clooney has butted heads with a number of political figures on both sides of the aisle—drawing criticism for his acting work nearly every time. Last June, Russian security head Dmitry Medvedev threatened Clooney over the Clooney Foundation's work in the country, as he called him a 'mediocre actor' in a post to X. Most recently, Joe Biden's son Hunter took aim at the actor on the At Our Table podcast after Clooney wrote an New York Times op-ed pushing the then-president not to seek re-election. 'I love George Clooney's movies, but I don't really give a s--t what he thinks about who should be the nominee for the Democratic Party,' Biden said at the time. He then slammed Clooney's acting abilities in his expletive-filled tirade, 'I was about to say I really like George Clooney as an actor, but the truth of the matter is, the truth is, I'll be honest, I really don't like George Clooney as an actor or as a person.' 'F--- him! F--- him and f--- everybody around him,' he also said, 'I agree with Quentin Tarantino. George Clooney is not a f---ing actor... He's a brand.' Others have criticized Clooney's filmography by arguing he should stick to playing 'suave,' as his 'range of emotions is limited.' Clooney told Vanity Fair he doesn't see any validity in the critique. 'I've been the beneficiary of having my career not be massively successful in lots of different directions,' Clooney said. 'I didn't really get successful, in the kind of success that can be blinding, until I was 33 years old. I'd been working for 12 years at that point. I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly.' Clooney will soon star alongside Adam Sandler in Noah Baumbach's new film for Netflix, Jay Kelly, which is expected to be an awards season contender. Solve the daily Crossword
