Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Iconic Musicians with Star-Studded Ceremony

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hosted its annual induction ceremony Saturday, featuring a roster of legendary musicians and iconic performers. The event took place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland and delivered a night full of powerful performances and heartfelt speeches.

The ceremony opened with Dua Lipa and Cher thrilling the audience with a rendition of “Believe.” This year’s inductions included various musical legends such as Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, and the late Jimmy Buffett, among others.

Zendaya delivered an introduction for Cher, highlighting her unique legacy. “Where do I even begin?” Zendaya remarked. “Cher is not one person. Her name is just as legendary as her legacy.” Cher, at 78, continues to make headlines, having achieved No. 1 hits on a Billboard chart in seven consecutive decades. She performed “If I Could Turn Back Time,” crediting her mother for her perseverance, stating, “I never give up. I’m talking to the women – down and out, we keep going.”

Chuck D inducted Kool & the Gang, emphasizing it was a “long-due celebration” for the band. With 12 Top 10 Billboard hits, the group’s medley performance was brought to life by The Roots. Robert "Kool" Bell led the celebration, with confetti shot into the arena as the crowd joined in with their phone lights.

Mary J. Blige was inducted by Dr. Dre, who praised her for creating hip-hop soul. In her performance, she dazzled in a black glittering dress and performed hits like “Family Affair.” Blige expressed gratitude towards her mother and the artists who supported her career.

Dionne Warwick performed days after attending a memorial for Cissy Houston. The segment recognized Warwick’s third nomination, with Jennifer Hudson joining her on stage. “I am so pleased to be here,” Warwick said.

Comedian Dave Chappelle inducted A Tribe Called Quest, noting their unique fusion of jazz and soul into hip-hop. The celebratory atmosphere continued with performances from Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, and others who paid tribute to the group’s hits.

Foreigner, introduced by Sammy Hagar, was among the bands recognized for their enduring fan support. Despite touring without original members, their classic hits still resonated with audiences. Performing alongside talents like Demi Lovato and Slash, Foreigner received enthusiastic support from the audience.

Pete Frampton, inducted by Roger Daltrey, was applauded for his illustrious career, particularly his acclaimed album “Frampton Comes Alive!” In a joyful performance, Frampton was joined by Keith Urban and relished using his signature talk box effect.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President, John Sykes, articulated a vision to reconnect inseparably with rock’s origins. Sykes stated the goal is “to bring the inductions back to rock’s roots.”

The ceremony will be broadcast on ABC on January 1, providing audiences unable to attend a chance to witness the performance highlights and memorable moments from the star-studded event.