The 39th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place in Cleveland, Ohio, with a star-studded lineup that included Hollywood celebrities Julia Roberts and Zendaya. The eclectic inductees ranged from pop icon Cher and heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne to hip-hop soul queen Mary J. Blige and soft rockers Foreigner. The ceremony was a five-hour-plus event honoring various music genres, including A Tribe Called Quest, MC5, Kool & the Gang, Dave Matthews Band, and more.
The star-studded event featured performances and speeches from the likes of Cher, who rocked the stage with her hit song “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and Mary J. Blige, who was inducted by Dr. Dre and performed her popular songs like “Family Affair” and “Be Happy.” Other honorees included Dionne Warwick, who sang classics like “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” with Jennifer Hudson, and Kool & the Gang, who performed their chart-topping hits such as “Celebration” and “Cherish.”
Celebrity presenters like Julia Roberts and Zendaya added a touch of glamour to the event by inducting Dave Matthews Band and praising their unique musical style. The jam band, known for their fusion of funk, folk-rock, jazz, blues, and pop, entertained the audience with hits like “Ants Marching” and “So Much to Say,” showcasing their dynamic sound and infectious energy.
Foreigner, introduced by Sammy Hagar, finally made it into the Hall of Fame after decades of eligibility. The English-American rockers delivered a powerful performance with guest appearances by Demi Lovato, Slash, and Kelly Clarkson. The event also saw an emotional tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who credited his late guitarist Randy Rhoads and wife Sharon for his success, as well as a tribute band performing his iconic hits.
The ceremony concluded with an In Memoriam section paying tribute to music legends like Kris Kristofferson, Cissy Houston, David Sanborn, and Liam Payne. Dave Matthews Band closed the night with a rendition of “Burning Down the House” by the Talking Heads, leaving fans with a memorable and impactful experience. The event was a celebration of music across genres and generations, showcasing the diverse talent that has shaped the landscape of rock and roll over the years.
