The evening got off to an electrifying start with a salute not to a current inductee but to 1993 honoree Sly Stone, who died in June. Launching with the undeniable bass-heavy thump of 1967’s “Dance to the Music” courtesy of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea and Stevie Wonder on vocals, the band, which also included Beck, Questlove, and Leon Thomas III, then flowed into “Everyday People” with Maxwell, who also sang “Thank you (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” before Jennifer Hudson coming out for “Higher,” hitting ear-shattering high notes. It set the bar almost impossibly high for any performance coming afterward.

After an exhilarating performance of their ‘80s and ‘90s hits “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “Whatta Man” (joined by En Vogue) and “Push It,” during the trio’s acceptance speech, Salt-N-Pepa’s Cheryl “Salt” James brought it back into the present by bringing up the group’s lawsuit filed in May against Universal Music Group to regain control of their masters. She alleged that the record company has not honored Salt N’ Pepa’s copyright clawback rights and has punished them by taking their music off streaming. “We’re in a fight for our masters that rightfully belong to us…After 40 years, our streaming music has been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry doesn’t want to play fair,” she said as the crowd cheered in support before adding, “Salt-N-Pepa has never been afraid of a fight.”

Olivia Rodrigo may only be 22 but she’s proved an old soul when it comes to her love for music made before she was born. In her third time paying tribute to an inducted artist following Carly Simon in 2022 and Sheryl Crow in 2023, she returned this year to honor The White Stripes. In a video, she declared the duo’s “Seven Nation Army” “iconic,” before taking the stage to perform a lovely harmony-filled version of their 2001 tune “I Think We’re Gonna Be Friends” with Feist, trading verses and then singing beautifully together. Once she returned to her seat, she could be seen singing along to almost every performance.

Outkast’s Big Boi and Andre 3000 shared the stage for their acceptance speech but unfortunately no musical reunion was forthcoming as only Big Boi participated in the musical tribute. But it was gloriously high-octane nonetheless. Backed by a 13-piece band including a vibrant horn section, Big Boi and guests raised the roof as they ran through a medley of Outkast’s greatest hits starting with “ATLiens,” where Big Boi was joined by J.I.D. A graceful Doja Cat joined for “Ms. Jackson” before Tyler, The Creator bounced around delivering a ferocious “Bombs Over Baghdad.” Janelle Monae turned the segment into a full-on dance party with “Hey Ya,” accompanying herself on an acoustic guitar before Sleepy Brown joined for a group sing-along for “I Love the Way You Move” that had the crowd on its feet.

Sly Stone wasn’t the only past honoree given his own segment: Elton John took to the stage for a tender tribute to Brian Wilson who was inducted in 1988 with his band The Beach Boys and who died in June two days after Stone. He recalled meeting Wilson in 1970 when he and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin went to his house. “We were scared sh-tless,” John said. “He was my idol. He influenced me more than anyone else when it came to writing songs on piano. Throughout my career and my life we became friends; we sang on each other’s records; we loved each other; and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather pay tribute to.” Backed by Benmont Tench and Don Was, John then played a delicate version of Wilson’s finest tune,Pet Sounds’“God Only Knows.”

After being inducted by Chappell Roan, Cyndi Lauper provided the evening’s most emotional moment during her performance’s beginning. Singing “True Colors,” with stage bathed in rainbow colors she stopped singing and simply held her fist in air in silence for at least thirty seconds in solidarity with gay community. It was stirring heartfelt moment before she asked everyone turn on lights their phone adding “there’s community light. Don’t forget that if it gets really dark,” before segueing into “Time After Time” with British singer RAYE. Her performance felt loosest most relaxed night as she was joined by Avril Lavigne then Salt-N-Pepa for jubilant “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” In her acceptance speech she thanked those who came before her. “I know that I stand on shoulders women industry that came before me and my shoulders are broad enough have women come after me stand mine,” she said adding “the little kid me still believes rock roll can save world.”

The presence of artists inducted posthumously loomed large throughout night as David Letterman gave moving tribute his friend Warren Zevon bringing blue electric guitar Zevon gave him twenty-two years ago after Zevon’s last appearance Late Night David Letterman. Zevon who knew he was dying lung cancer told Letterman “Take care this me,” Letterman recounted adding “By god tonight it’s going back work.” And sure enough it did with Killers’ Dave Keuning playing solid version “Lawyers Guns Money.” Jim Carrey who was close Cornell eloquently described intense affection band’s music during induction Soundgarden even talked about being unable look Cornell directly his piercing blue eyes. Similarly members Soundgarden sent love Cornell original bassist Hiro Yamamoto saying “Chris Cornell we are so missing you tonight stage.” Drummer Matt Cameron accepted award “on behalf fans our music also misfits loners interlopers who found comfort solace layers music my hero bandmate Chris Cornell.” Guitarist Kim Thayil gave Cornell credit adventurous spirit “If one us ever hesitated sharing idea Chris would be first say ‘Let’s just try it out.’ I miss him I love him.” Bryan Adams inducted Joe Cocker great fondness recalled drinking “Joe Colas” him potent mixture Coca Cola rum would quickly end any recording session.

The members Soundgarden were then joined by Pretty Reckless’s Taylor Momsen who has performed band number times over last six or so years howling bone-rattling version “Rusty Cage” before Brandi Carlile joined driving take their signature hit “Black Hole Sun.” Like Momsen Carlile has played band several times including Cornell tribute concert twenty nineteen. It wasn’t hard imagine how great would be see two women trade off lead vocals full Soundgarden show.

Even though Cocker was obviously not attendance there was never really any doubt evening would conclude his induction if no other reason than be able close night “With Little Help from My Friends” Beatles’ tune made famous nineteen sixty-nine. Before finale though Tedeschi Trucks Band were joined Nathaniel Rateliff Teddy Swims rollicking burly versions “The Letter” “Feelin’ Alright.” Then Lauper Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson Bryan Adams (latter two had taken part Bad Company tribute earlier evening) returned finale which closed evening just right note.