WASHINGTON – Cyndi Lauper might as well title her next album “Anyway, I Digress.”

The powerhouse vocalist journeyed through over 40 years of her diverse music on her aptly named Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour, all while reinforcing her image as the beloved eccentric aunt everyone loves from New York.

On Sunday, at the fifth stop of a 24-city arena tour aimed to conclude in the U.S. on December 7 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, before shifting to Europe, Australia, and Japan next year, Lauper, 71, entertained and engaged a sold-out Capital One Arena for almost two hours.

It took just one song – the cheekily suggestive “She Bop,” which stirred controversy for Tipper Gore back in the ’80s – before Lauper was off on one of her signature winding stories, typically punctuated with the phrase “Anyway, I digress …” as her topics jumped around.

“How are you doing tonight?” she inquired, leaning her elbow on her microphone stand, her teal wig styled in playful tendrils. She expressed her desire to “say goodbye in a really pretty way” while appreciating her stunning, well-lit stage setup before she might no longer be able to perform energetically.

“I still practice yoga because Cher told me, ‘Never stop doing yoga,’” Lauper joked with a smile and a playful shrug.

Cyndi Lauper showcases a vibrant, elaborate stage production

Her dedication to yoga, combined with her well-maintained voice, proved to be a winning combination as Lauper, along with her chic black-and-white attired band and two backup singers, energetically performed a set list that highlighted her ability to adapt across numerous musical styles.

From the lighthearted groove of “The Goonies R Good Enough” to the deep emotion in “I Drove All Night,” Lauper’s impressive vocal range still effortlessly transitions from soft whispers to powerful belts.

However, this should come as no surprise to those who have witnessed Lauper perform live over the years.

What makes this tour stand out, besides the genuine feel of a farewell, is the impressive scale of the production. Remarkably, this marks Lauper’s first time headlining an arena tour (which features a hometown show at Madison Square Garden this Wednesday).

Her artistic concept includes a series of video panels set up behind and above the stage, arranged like a sequence of folded frames, sometimes displaying nostalgic MTV-era clips and other times showcasing vibrant color patterns. Even while she engaged in conversation, a swirling mix of colors created a psychedelic backdrop behind her.

A smaller square stage in the concert hall’s center was only utilized during the encore, save for the poignant “Sally’s Pigeons,” a ballad reflecting on a childhood friend who lost her life seeking an illegal abortion.

“I never expected we would be fighting for our rights at this time,” Lauper remarked before the song began.

Her voice carried a deep sense of sorrow as a delicate white fabric billowed and danced above the secondary stage, gently suspended by strategically placed fans.

Cyndi Lauper delights fans with beloved hits

The lively New Orleans classic “Iko Iko,” driven by rhythm courtesy of longtime collaborator Mona Tavakoli on a cajón, made a rare appearance in Lauper’s performances since the late ’80s. Dressed in a vibrant canary-yellow wig, Lauper enthusiastically played her washboard to create the beat.

Additionally, Lauper delivered a powerful rendition of “I’m Gonna Be Strong,” the 1964 hit by Gene Pitney that she recorded with her early rock band, Blue Angel, in 1980. Her passionate performance, complete with dramatic tosses of her microphone stand, earned her roaring applause – a sentiment echoed again after her exhilarating conclusion of “Money Changes Everything,” as fans marveled at her remarkable vocal endurance.

Lauper surprised her audience with a rendition of her cherished song, “Time After Time.” She shared the inspiration behind the song’s title, which came from the 1979 movie starring Mary Steenburgen, before inviting Amanda Shires on stage to assist with vocals and fiddle on this heartfelt number.

Shires, who was an opener for Sunday’s performance alongside other supporting acts like Elle King, Emily Estefan, and AJ and Aly, appeared a bit uncertain about when to join in. However, Lauper and Shires quickly found their rhythm as phone lights illuminated the venue.

Cyndi Lauper’s Call for Civic Engagement

Lauper has long been a passionate supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights. She emphasized the significance of participating in the upcoming November elections.

“If you don’t participate, you can’t complain,” she expressed after performing a touching version of “True Colors” on a smaller stage, her sleek blonde wig and a vibrant ribbon swirling around her. She took a moment to say, “I don’t have to remind you, but I’ll be voting for (Kamala) Harris,” prompting thunderous cheers from the audience.

Though she is stepping away from regular tours, Lauper is not slowing down. Her long-anticipated musical adaptation of “Working Girl” is set to hit Broadway in 2026. This year has already seen the release of her documentary, “Let the Canary Sing,” and this successful arena tour. So, how about it, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? It’s high time to recognize this true pop icon on the ballot once more.