CLEVELAND – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame expanded its pantheon of musical icons Saturday night, enshrining Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Outkast, and a diverse array of influential figures in a ceremony held at cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The event celebrated the enduring legacies of grunge pioneers, garage rock revivalists, and hip-hop innovators, alongside honorees recognized for their contributions as songwriters, producers, and instrumentalists.
This year’s class reflects the Hall’s ongoing effort to broaden its scope, recognizing the evolving landscape of popular music and acknowledging the profound impact of genres beyond conventional rock. The induction ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of presenters and performers, paying tribute to the inductees’ artistry and influence.
Outkast, the groundbreaking hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, where inducted by Janelle Monáe, who performed a medley including “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move” with Sleepy Brown. The duo also shared the stage with Tyler,the Creator,and Killer Mike for performances of “O.B.” and “The whole World,” respectively.
Soundgarden, central to the 1990s grunge movement, was represented by surviving members Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron. Chris Cornell‘s legacy was honored throughout the evening.
The White Stripes, Jack and Meg White’s minimalist garage rock duo, were inducted, celebrating their raw energy and influential sound.
Beyond the headlining acts, the ceremony also honored several musical pioneers in special categories. Warren Zevon, Lenny Waronker, Carol Kaye, Thom Bell, and Nicky Hopkins were inducted for their significant contributions to the industry. Paul Rodgers of Bad Company was unable to attend due to illness, with performances of “Feel like Makin’ Love” and ”Can’t Get Enough” led by drummer Simon Kirke and featuring assistance from Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Bryan Adams, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and Nancy Wilson. Joe Cocker was remembered by Bryan Adams, who lauded Cocker’s ability to transform songs, while Elliott welcomed Salt-N-Pepa as the first female rap group inducted into the Hall.
Cyndi Lauper was also inducted, with Roan delivering the induction speech and performing alongside Lauper on ”True Colors,” “Time After Time” with RAYE, and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” featuring Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa. Lauper emphasized the importance of women in the industry, stating, “My shoulders are broad enough to have the women that come after me stand on mine, and the little kid in me still believes that rock’n’roll can save the world.”
The evening began with a tribute to Sly Stone featuring Wonder, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Flea, Beck, Maxwell, and Jennifer Hudson performing a medley of Stone’s hits. Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys was also honored with a performance of “God Only Knows” by John, Tom Petty keyboardist Benmont Tench, drummer Kenny Aronoff, and bassist Don Was.