CLEVELAND — Hollywood luminaries Julia Roberts and Zendaya capped off the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Saturday induction ceremony, bringing glamour to a diverse lineup that featured pop legend Cher, heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, hip-hop soul star Mary J. Blige, soft rock group Foreigner, and 83-year-old soul legend Dionne Warwick.
The event spanned over five hours and also acknowledged groundbreaking hip-hop artists A Tribe Called Quest, punk legends the MC5, the dance rhythms of Kool & the Gang, Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back tunes, and the jam band vibes of the Dave Matthews Band.
Dua Lipa kicked off the tribute by performing Cher’s hit “Believe,” which led to Cher joining her onstage. Zendaya highlighted Cher’s remarkable achievement as the only female artist to reach No. 1 on a Billboard chart across seven decades, stating, “Cher has got the goods.” Following this, Cher delivered a powerful rendition of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” In her acceptance speech, Cher expressed gratitude to her mother for instilling resilience in her: “I never give up,” she declared, encouraging women to keep persevering through tough times.
Roberts took the stage to induct the Dave Matthews Band, sharing her enthusiasm as a longtime fan. Wearing a T-shirt of the band, she described their appeal as “spontaneous abandon,” reminiscing about dancing to their music with her husband for the first time. The band then performed a medley of songs including “Ants Marching,” “Crash,” and “So Much to Say,” with the audience enthusiastically singing along despite the late hour of their performance.
Dr. Dre inducted Mary J. Blige, citing her groundbreaking influence in creating the hip-hop soul genre. Blige, clad in a striking black ensemble, delivered a powerful set that included her hits “Love No Limit,” “Be Happy,” and “Family Affair,” concluding with a dancer draping her in a cloak reminiscent of James Brown’s style. She encouraged everyone to “Move with grace. Trust the journey. You are worthy.”
Chuck D celebrated Kool & the Gang’s long-awaited recognition, noting their impressive history of Billboard hits. The band performed a lively medley that got the crowd dancing, with confetti showering the arena as they celebrated their legacy.
Dionne Warwick, who had recently mourned the loss of close friend Cissy Houston, received heartfelt recognition. Teyana Taylor praised her uniqueness, and Jennifer Hudson performed a duet with Warwick on “Walk On By,” with Warwick expressing her gratitude for the nomination.
Dave Chappelle honored A Tribe Called Quest, the sole hip-hop group included this year, and a host of hip-hop artists took to the stage for a medley of the group’s classic tunes.
Sammy Hagar inducted Foreigner, recalling their long-standing fan support for this moment. The band played several of their hits, thrilling the crowd as original singer Lou Gramm joined Kelly Clarkson for a rendition of “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Peter Frampton, inducted by Roger Daltrey, reflected on his illustrious career, with Daltrey noting Frampton’s joyful stage presence. Frampton treated the audience to an energetic performance of “Do You Feel Like I Do,” showcasing his iconic guitar skills.
The night also honored the late Jimmy Buffett with a tribute featuring acoustic performances from Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Kenny Chesney, and others, celebrating Buffett’s uplifting music.
Jack Black toasted Ozzy Osbourne, praising his legendary status in rock. Osbourne, acknowledging his wife and the late guitarist Randy Rhoads, performed alongside a tribute band that included several prominent musicians.
The ceremony concluded with an In Memoriam segment honoring notable figures in music, including Kris Kristofferson and Cissy Houston, as the Dave Matthews Band played “Burning Down the House.”