Last night’s 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony was absolutely legendary, and we’re still buzzing from all the incredible moments! Outkast absolutely brought the house down when Big Boi took the stage for explosive performances of ‘Ms. Jackson’ with Doja Cat and ‘Hey Ya!’ with Janelle Monáe. The energy was through the roof as these iconic artists blended generations of hip-hop and pop magic – proving why Outkast remains one of the most influential groups in music history.
But the emotional centerpiece of the evening belonged to Cyndi Lauper, who delivered what might be the most powerful Rock Hall moment ever. During her breathtaking performance of ‘True Colors,’ she paused for a full 30 seconds of silent, raised-fist solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. In a year when music’s role in social justice feels more vital than ever, this gesture resonated deeply throughout the entire industry and beyond.
The cross-generational love was real all night! Olivia Rodrigo showed off her rock roots with a beautiful, stripped-down duet of ‘I Think We’re Gonna Be Friends’ alongside Feist, paying homage to The White Stripes. Then Salt-N-Pepa brought pure 90s fire with ‘Push It’ and used their platform to call out their ongoing fight to reclaim their masters – reminding everyone that female artists have been fighting for ownership long before it became a mainstream conversation.
This wasn’t just an induction ceremony – it was a celebration of music’s power to unite generations, spark change, and create moments we’ll remember forever.
For Memphis listeners who grew up on the sounds of the 90s and early 2000s, this ceremony hit all the right notes. From Outkast’s Southern hip-hop legacy to the raw emotion of tributes to Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and Sly Stone – featuring stunning performances by Brandi Carlile and the legendary Stevie Wonder – it felt like a celebration of the diverse musical landscape that shaped our city’s own rich soundscape.
The tribute segments were particularly moving, with Brandi Carlile’s heartfelt homage to Chris Cornell giving us chills, and Stevie Wonder’s celebration of Sly Stone reminding us of funk’s enduring influence on today’s pop and R&B. Every performance felt like a love letter to music’s evolution and the artists who dared to push boundaries.
Last night proved that rock and roll spirit is alive and well – and we can’t wait to see which artists get the call next year!