Nicki Minaj’s electrifying performances at Barclays Center this week have been a star-studded affair, with surprise appearances galore, including her former label mate Drake. (Remember those YMCMB days? Good times, right?)

Adding to the excitement, Wednesday’s show witnessed an unexpected guest: Cyndi Lauper herself. While Minaj’s connection with Drake is well-known, her history with Lauper is also noteworthy. Back in 2010, Minaj and Katy Perry teamed up to cover Lauper’s hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” for the VH1 Divas Salute The Troops special. Their collaboration sparked a friendship, evident when Minaj expressed admiration for Lauper as one of her fashion inspirations during a chance encounter at the Grammys later that year. Lauper reciprocated the appreciation in 2013, revealing her fandom for Minaj in an interview with Sway.

Their musical synergy reached new heights with Minaj sampling “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” on her track “Pink Friday Girls” from her December release, Pink Friday 2.

As the duo wrapped up their rendition of “Pink Friday Girls” on stage, Minaj paid homage to Lauper, bowing in gratitude for her presence. A video shared on social media captured Minaj’s heartfelt words, acknowledging Lauper’s influence on her career since her early days in the rap game.