2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In a poignant introduction at the ceremony, Missy Elliott lauded Salt-N-Pepa, along with their DJ, Spinderella, for their indelible contributions to hip-hop. “These three women are the bricklayers to that foundation that holds hip-hop together,” Elliott declared, expressing gratitude for the lessons they imparted about self-expression and resilience. Elliott, who made history as the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, emphasized the significance of their mentorship in her own artistic journey.

Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at W Hollywood, where DJ Kiss electrified the atmosphere with a vibrant mix of tunes, catering to the eclectic crowd filled with music legends. Sources revealed that the icons enjoyed their own exclusive VIP areas, elevating the night’s festivities. An intimate moment unfolded as Elliott engaged in a deep conversation with Mona Scott-Young and Pepa, who was visibly emotional following the recent passing of her mother. “I want to honor my mom, who just passed away. She was my strength, my guidance. She taught me love and how to persevere,” Pepa expressed earlier in the evening, showcasing the deep personal connections that intertwine with professional achievements.

The ceremony was not only a celebration of hip-hop but also a celebration of a diverse range of musical talents. Donald Glover took the stage to induct fellow hip-hop legends Outkast, whose acceptance speeches resonated with nostalgia and emotion. Andre 3000, visibly moved, reminisced about their humble beginnings, stating, “Great things start in little rooms. That’s it.” His words echoed the sentiment that success is often rooted in the most unassuming places.

Big Boi joined Andre on stage, sharing his heartfelt tribute to his late uncle, who was tragically killed in a road rage incident. Surrounded by fellow artists including J.I.D, Janelle Monáe, Doja Cat, Tyler the Creator, Sleepy Brown, and Killer Mike, Big Boi’s acknowledgment of his uncle added a layer of poignancy to a night filled with celebration.

Monáe energized the crowd with a performance of “Hey Ya!” that left an impression on attendees, including CeeLo Green, who was later spotted singing the infectious tune in a men’s restroom, a testament to the impact of the evening’s music.

In an amusing incident, singer Teddy Swims became a topic of conversation after an encounter in the restroom. After a fan requested a safety pin from his jacket while at the urinal, Swims graciously obliged. He also honored 2025 inductee Joe Cocker with a heartfelt rendition of “Feelin Alright.” The night concluded with an uplifting performance featuring Cyndi Lauper, who belted out “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” after being inducted by Chappell Roan.

The evening kicked off with an electrifying tribute to Sly and the Family Stone, featuring performances by music icons including Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Flea, Beck, and Omar’s band. The energy in the room was palpable as these legendary artists celebrated the legacy of Sly and his groundbreaking contributions to music.

Mick Fleetwood took the stage to induct Bad Company, while David Letterman had the audience in stitches with his humorous reflections on Warren Zevon, showcasing the lighter moments of the evening. The camaraderie among artists was evident as they celebrated not just their accomplishments, but also the bonds formed through shared experiences in the music industry.

Iggy Pop’s induction of The White Stripes culminated in an emotional acceptance speech from Jack White, who reflected on the band’s journey and the significance of their music. Jim Carrey brought humor to the proceedings while inducting Soundgarden, and the emotional highlight came when Lily Cornell, daughter of the late Chris Cornell, joined him on stage. Together, they introduced a lineup of performers including Taylor Momsen, Mike McCready, Brandi Carlile, and Jerry Cantrell, who played alongside Soundgarden’s original members.

As the night unfolded, backstage conversations revealed a lighter side to the event. Carey, alongside “Gossip Girl” star Momsen, was overheard discussing crochet skills, with Momsen promising to create a blanket for Carey, a quirky yet heartwarming interaction amidst the evening’s grandeur.

Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes encapsulated the atmosphere of the night, declaring it the “second best thing to happen in LA this week.” His enthusiasm for the ceremony returning to Southern California was met with mixed reactions from the audience, with one attendee jokingly expressing offense at the suggestion of relocating the event from its traditional home in Cleveland.

As the celebrations carried on into the night, the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony not only honored the past but also showcased the resilience and influence of artists across generations, particularly highlighting the powerful contributions of women in hip-hop. Time will tell whether this night will inspire a return to LA for future ceremonies, but for now, the legacy of the artists honored and the bonds forged in that room will resonate for years to come.

In this moment of reflection and celebration, the essence of music—its ability to connect, inspire, and heal—shone brightly, reminding all those in attendance that while the night may have ended, the impact of these artists will echo through time.