Rock Hall ceremony hits high notes in LA, setting stage for Cleveland's 2026 expansion
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Avril Lavigne performs with inductee Cyndi Lauper at the 2025 Rock Hall ceremony in Los Angeles. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame took Hollywood by storm Saturday night for its 40th induction ceremony.
Why it matters: The ceremony, held at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, streamed live to millions on Disney+ while honoring some of the biggest music artists of the last 50-plus years.
The intrigue: The ceremony opened with a surprise, all-star tribute to the late Sly Stone, featuring Stevie Wonder, Questlove (of the Roots), Flea (of Red Hot Chili Peppers), Beck, Jennifer Hudson and others.
- Tributes were a theme throughout. Elton John paid homage to the late Brian Wilson, while The Killers performed hits by late inductee Warren Zevon.
State of play: Other highlights included Soundgarden's Seattle-centric induction featuring Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) and Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains).
- Outkast members André 3000 and Big Boi reunited to accept their induction, while singer Teddy Swims and Tedeschi Trucks Band led a star-studded tribute to inductee Joe Cocker.
Between the lines: Women were also well represented. Pop star Chappell Roan inducted Cyndi Lauper, who performed her biggest hits.
- Rapper Missy Elliott handled the honors for Salt-N-Pepa, who announced backstage they'd be reuniting for an upcoming tour.
What they're saying: Chubby Checker mentioned Cleveland during his pre-recorded acceptance speech.
- "When I go through Cleveland in the car, I'll think totally different than before because a light has gone on in my life," he said. "I'll just be illuminated by all the good things that have happened to me in my lifetime."
What's next: 2026 should be a huge year for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
- The ceremony is scheduled to return to Northeast Ohio in 2026 just in time for the museum's unveiling of its $135 million expansion.
Driving the news: "Our stunning expansion is well underway, on time and on budget," museum CEO and president Greg Harris told reporters backstage Saturday's ceremony.
- Harris confirmed confirmed will debut next fall.
By the numbers: The 50,000-square-foot project will create 40% more exhibition space at the museum, a larger indoor concert area and new space to house its education programs.
How it works: The Rock Hall ceremony takes place in Cleveland every even year and alternates between New York and Los Angeles during odd years.
- The inductions last took place in Cleveland in 2024.
What's next: The 2026 ballot is expected to be announced in February.
- Next year's list of newly eligible artists includes Alicia Keys, The Strokes, Norah Jones and more.
How to watch: The 2025 Rock Hall ceremony is available to stream on Disney+.
- ABC will air a highlight special at 8pm on Jan. 1.