The 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony turned into a night of nostalgia, emotion, and powerhouse performances on Saturday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating artists who have shaped generations of music.
This year’s inductees included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, and Warren Zevon, among others, marking a genre-spanning mix from classic rock to hip hop. Salt-N-Pepa and Zevon received the Musical Influence Award, while Caroly Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell were honored for Musical Excellence. Veteran producer Lenny Waronker received the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The evening opened with a rousing tribute to the late Sly Stone, led by Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Beck, and Maxwell. Later, Elton John honored the late Brian Wilson, and a video montage celebrated Ozzy Osbourne.
Jack White accepted the induction for The White Stripes, sharing a heartfelt message from his reclusive bandmate Meg White. Though she wasn’t present, her spirit was felt through performances of the duo’s classics, as Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performed We’re Going to Be Friends, while Twenty One Pilots electrified the crowd with Seven Nation Army.
Outkast, inducted by Donald Glover, delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments. André 3000, fighting back tears, recalled their humble beginnings, saying, “Great things start in little rooms.” The tribute performance saw Big Boi joined by Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, Janelle Monáe, and others in a medley of hits including Hey Ya and Ms. Jackson.
Comedian Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, introducing Chris Cornell’s daughter Lily Cornell Silver, who spoke about her father’s legacy before a stirring performance by the band and guests Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile. Founding member Hiro Yamamoto delivered a moving speech reflecting on his family’s World War II internment and urging compassion in today’s world.
In a vibrant and emotional segment, pop icon Cyndi Lauper was inducted by rising star Chappell Roan. Lauper took the stage draped in a Pride flag to perform True Colors, followed by duets of Time After Time with Raye and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun with Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa. “The little kid in me still believes rock and roll can save the world,” Lauper told the cheering audience.
Missy Elliott and David Letterman also took part, inducting Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon, respectively. Letterman even played a guitar gifted to him by Zevon before his passing.
Closing the night, Salt of Salt-N-Pepa addressed the crowd about the trio’s ongoing battle for ownership of their music. “When we came up, we had cassette tapes, turntables, and dreams. We had to fight to be heard,” she said, as the audience erupted in support.
