Star-Studded Night at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
On a vibrant Saturday night, the 39th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony lit up Cleveland with a dazzling display of star power. Cher made a stunning entrance on stage, joining the talented Dua Lipa, who kicked off the festivities with a captivating performance of “Believe,” the iconic dance-pop anthem from 1998 that marked a significant resurgence in Cher’s illustrious career.
In a heartfelt and candid acceptance speech, Cher reflected on her long journey to this honor, humorously noting the lengthy wait for her induction. “It was easier getting divorced from two men than it was getting in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” she quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and viewers tuning in online. Cher took a moment to evaluate her own vocal talent, stating, “I’m a good singer. I’m not a great singer,” but later added, “I changed the sound of music forever,” acknowledging her profound impact on the music landscape.
The 78-year-old icon shared her experiences of reinvention that have shaped her six-decade career, saying, “My life has been a roller coaster, and the one thing that I have never done is I never give up.” Addressing women directly, she encouraged them with powerful words: “We’ve been down and out, and we keep striving, and we keep going, and we keep building, and we are somebody. We are special.”
Perseverance emerged as a central theme throughout the lengthy five-and-a-half-hour ceremony, which also celebrated two influential bands from the ’70s and ’80s: the funk and disco sensation Kool & the Gang, alongside the hit-making rock group Foreigner. Peter Frampton, now 74 and courageously battling the degenerative muscle disease inclusion body myositis, expressed gratitude toward the late David Bowie for uplifting him during a challenging time, stating, “I had no idea what a huge gift David was giving me.” He also performed a brief set while seated, showcasing his enduring talent.
Mary J. Blige, 53, shared her journey of faith and resilience through life’s ups and downs, declaring, “You don’t have to wait until you’re perfect to feel worthy. You are worthy,” before delivering a stunning three-song performance that captivated the audience.
In a dramatic appearance, Ozzy Osbourne, 75, who has recently paused his touring due to health issues, made a grand entrance on a striking black throne embellished with skulls and bat wings. He expressed his gratitude in a brief yet impactful speech and introduced a raucous rendition of his signature anthem “Crazy Train,” punctuated by his iconic shout, “All aboooooard!”
Adding to the night’s excitement, Jack Black passionately delivered a speech in honor of Osbourne, celebrating the metal legend’s remarkable contributions to music.
