Overview
- The induction streamed live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Disney+, with next‑day Hulu access and an edited ABC telecast set for Jan. 1.
- Performer inductees were Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, the White Stripes, Bad Company, Chubby Checker and Joe Cocker, while Warren Zevon and Salt‑N‑Pepa received Musical Influence honors, Lenny Waronker earned the Ahmet Ertegun Award and Thom Bell, Carol Kaye and Nicky Hopkins were recognized for Musical Excellence.
- Both members of Outkast appeared onstage for their induction but did not perform together, as Big Boi led a guest‑packed run of the duo’s hits while André 3000 watched from the audience after an emotional speech.
- Soundgarden’s surviving members performed a posthumous salute to Chris Cornell with guest vocalists Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile, and Cornell’s daughters joined the tributes, including Toni Cornell singing with Nancy Wilson.
- Notable absences included Meg White, Paul Rodgers, and Chubby Checker, and Salt‑N‑Pepa used their moment to say their music is unavailable on streaming services as they fight for their masters.