Overview
- Performers inducted were Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, the White Stripes, Bad Company, Chubby Checker and Joe Cocker, with special honors for Salt‑N‑Pepa and Warren Zevon and recognition for Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, Carol Kaye and Nicky Hopkins.
- Outkast appeared together for their induction but did not perform as a duo, with Big Boi leading a guest‑packed medley while André 3000 delivered remarks from the stage.
- Soundgarden’s surviving members played with guest vocalists Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile, and Chris Cornell’s daughter Toni performed with Nancy Wilson in a family‑touched tribute.
- Cyndi Lauper capped a standout set with collaborations featuring Avril Lavigne and Raye, while Salt‑N‑Pepa accepted a Musical Influence Award and publicly noted their ongoing effort to reclaim masters as much of their catalog remains off streaming.
- Meg White skipped the White Stripes’ induction as Jack White accepted and a tribute featured Olivia Rodrigo, Feist and Twenty One Pilots, while Paul Rodgers missed Bad Company’s moment for health reasons and Chubby Checker accepted via video; the Rock Hall museum in Cleveland is showcasing a new exhibit for the 2025 class.