The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is set to celebrate its newest inductees in a star-studded ceremony taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this Saturday. Among the notable guests, Chappell Roan will induct the iconic Cyndi Lauper, while Donald Glover will honor Outkast. A special performance in tribute to the late Brian Wilson will be given by none other than Elton John.
Traditionally, the Rock Hall keeps a close lid on the specifics of the event, but recent announcements have unveiled exciting details about who will be honoring the inductees this year. Along with Lauper and Outkast, the list of inductees includes renowned artists such as Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, Carole Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, and Warren Zevon.
As the ceremony approaches, anticipation grows around whether members of Outkast and The White Stripes will perform together, especially given their long absences from the stage. Outkast’s Andre 3000 and Big Boi last took the stage together in 2016, while White Stripes’ Meg White has remained out of the public eye since 2011. The ceremony may serve as a unique opportunity for both duos to reunite, adding an electrifying element to the event.
Several surprise guests are also expected. Comedian David Letterman is likely to induct the late Warren Zevon, while Jim Carrey is seen as a probable inductor for Soundgarden, showcasing his long-standing admiration for the band. Other guests include Missy Elliott, Beck, Brandi Carlile, Doja Cat, Killer Mike, Questlove, and Janelle Monáe, promising a diverse array of performances.
The ceremony typically features an induction presentation followed by musical performances from the inductees. If an inductee cannot attend, tribute performances of their songs are common, exemplified by last year’s ceremony where last-minute replacements brought down the house. This year, Avril Lavigne will join Lauper on stage, while fans hope to see surviving members of Soundgarden perform alongside notable guests honoring the late frontman Chris Cornell.
Additionally, with Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers announcing he will not attend due to health reasons, the ceremony will still carry the spirit of the band with guest musicians likely stepping in. Notably, Kaye has expressed her discontent with the organization and will not be present, further adding to the intrigue of this year’s event.
This year’s induction class includes nominees who either entered through the main voting process or received special recognition awards. Notable veteran Chubby Checker, who transformed “The Twist” into a cultural phenomenon more than six decades ago, is among the oldest inductees at the age of 84. Meanwhile, Outkast and The White Stripes, each composed of members in their 50s, stand among the youngest.
The induction ceremony will be streamed live on Disney+ and will be available on Hulu the following day. A highlights special will also air on ABC on January 1, allowing fans to relive the magic. With a mix of legends, up-and-comers, and extraordinary performances, this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony promises a memorable night celebrating decades of musical talent.