The 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony delivered an unforgettable celebration of music legacy and cultural impact. Held on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the star-studded four-and-a-half-hour event streamed live on Disney+, featuring emotional tributes, powerhouse performances, and once-in-a-lifetime collaborations that spanned generations and genres.
This year’s class of inductees represented one of the most diverse lineups in the Rock Hall’s history, honoring Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Additional honorees included Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon (Musical Influence), Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye (Musical Excellence), and Lenny Waronker (Ahmet Ertegun Award).
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The ceremony opened with a dazzling Sly Stone tribute led by Stevie Wonder, Flea, and Beck.
Among the evening’s standout moments, Outkast’s induction — introduced by Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) — became a full-fledged celebration of hip-hop innovation.
Big Boi performed a show-stopping medley alongside Janelle Monáe, JID, Doja Cat, Killer Mike, Sleepy Brown, and Tyler, the Creator, igniting the crowd with electrifying renditions of “Ms. Jackson” and “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad).”
Cyndi Lauper’s induction by rising pop powerhouse Chappell Roan was another emotional highlight. Lauper later took the stage for a moving performance of “Time After Time” with RAYE and Avril Lavigne.
In one of the night’s most anticipated segments, Soundgarden were inducted by Jim Carrey. Surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, and Hiro Yamamoto reunited for the first time in years, joined by Brandi Carlile, Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Taylor Momsen, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), and Nancy Wilson (Heart). Their performances of “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun” served as a powerful homage to the late Chris Cornell.
The White Stripes, inducted by Iggy Pop, celebrated their legacy of garage rock revivalism. Jack White, who accepted the honor solo, later joined Twenty One Pilots for a surprise jam session that blended classic and modern rock energy.
Other performances included Feist and Olivia Rodrigo, who delivered an intimate, stripped-down duet. Salt-N-Pepa, inducted by Missy Elliott, brought infectious energy with a medley of “Push It” and “Let’s Talk About Sex,” joined by En Vogue for a finale celebrating female empowerment in hip-hop.
Bad Company, inducted by Mick Fleetwood, performed their timeless hits before the evening concluded with an all-star Joe Cocker tribute featuring Teddy Swims, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bryan Adams, Cyndi Lauper, Chris Robinson, and Nathaniel Rateliff. The medley — including “The Letter,” “Feelin’ Alright,” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” — closed the ceremony on an emotional high.
Beyond the music, the red carpet offered plenty of headline-worthy fashion moments. Chappell Roan turned heads in a crystal-embellished chandelier headpiece, while Taylor Momsen embodied rock glamour in sheer black lace. RAYE stunned in an elegant, form-fitting gown, and Donald Glover channeled retro cool in a mint velvet smoking jacket. Jack White, ever the style icon, stood out in a red blazer paired with a white tie and polka-dot pocket square.
For those who missed the live broadcast, ABC will air a primetime special featuring highlights and exclusive backstage footage on January 1, 2026, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
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