Overview
- The induction streamed live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+, with a Hulu streaming window the next day and an edited ABC special on Jan. 1, 2026.
- Stevie Wonder led an opening salute to Sly Stone, joined by Questlove, Beck, Flea, Leon Thomas, Maxwell and Jennifer Hudson on classics including Dance to the Music, Everyday People and Thank You.
- Mick Fleetwood inducted Bad Company as drummer Simon Kirke accepted and performed in place of absent singer Paul Rodgers, joining an ad hoc lineup featuring Joe Perry, Nancy Wilson, Chris Robinson and Bryan Adams.
- Soundgarden’s segment featured an introduction by Jim Carrey, remarks from Chris Cornell’s daughter Lily, performances by Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile, guest guitars from Mike McCready and Jerry Cantrell, and a poignant Fell on Black Days by Toni Cornell with Nancy Wilson.
- Non-performer honors included Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for Musical Influence, Carol Kaye, Thom Bell and Nicky Hopkins for Musical Excellence, and Lenny Waronker with the Ahmet Ertegun Award, with Missy Elliott inducting Salt-N-Pepa.