The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony brought together a dynamic mix of music styles, showcasing Cher’s iconic anthem “If I Could Turn Back Time” alongside the Dave Matthews Band’s upbeat hit “So Much to Say.” The event, which streamed live on Disney+ on Oct. 19 from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, celebrated a diverse lineup of inductees ranging from rock to R&B and hip-hop.

This lengthy, over 5-hour ceremony honored notable figures including Cher, Kool & The Gang, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Ozzy Osbourne, and Dave Matthews Band. Awards for musical excellence were presented to Dionne Warwick, MC5, Norman Whitfield, and Jimmy Buffett, who received a posthumous accolade. Additionally, several blues legends, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton, earned the musical influence award.

A 3-hour special broadcast will air on ABC on Jan. 1, with replays available on Hulu and Disney+ starting Jan. 2.

Here’s a recap of the notable performances, including heartfelt tributes to Buffett from James Taylor and Kenny Chesney, a surprise element from Foreigner, and a vibrant homage to a thrilled Ozzy Osbourne at this year’s event.

Cher: ‘Believe,’ ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’

Among the shining stars of this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction class, Cher stood out as a true luminary.

Before Cher’s grand entrance, Dua Lipa paid homage to her by delivering a powerful rendition of “Believe,” dressed in a bold outfit that showcased her fierce style, embodying Cher’s iconic presence. Cher, at 78, captivated the audience as she took over the stage with her classic song, showcasing her captivating voice and undeniable charm.

During her acceptance speech, Cher humorously remarked, “It was easier getting divorced from two men than getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” She then returned to deliver a spirited performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time,” accompanied by The Roots, while Jelly Roll in the audience could hardly contain his excitement watching her perform.

“The one thing I have never done, I never give up,” Cher shared with audience members. “I’m talking to the women. We’ve been down and out, yet we keep striving and we keep going. We are somebody. We are special.”

And there’s no denying that!

Kool & The Gang: Medley

After waiting 30 years since becoming eligible, Kool & The Gang finally received recognition for their outstanding contributions to music. As soon as Robert “Kool” Bell played the familiar bass line of “Hollywood Swinging,” the crowd was reminded of the brilliance of their hits beyond just the wedding staple “Celebration.”

James “J.T.” Taylor, who joined the group in 1979, delivered an unforgettable medley of songs, effortlessly blending “Get Down on It” and “Ladies Night” with a smooth performance that had even Dave Matthews dancing in the audience in front of the dazzling disco ball imagery. The performance wrapped with the classic “Celebration,” a fitting conclusion that also delighted the confetti cannon operator for a dramatic finale.

Dionne Warwick: ‘I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again,’ ‘Walk on By’

In a stylish black sequined pantsuit reminiscent of Warwick’s glamorous 1970s fashion, Jennifer Hudson delivered a powerful rendition of the soul classic from 1979, originally produced by Barry Manilow. After the initial verse, she gracefully yielded the stage to Warwick, who made her entrance from the back, sporting her own sparkling ensemble and a radiant smile.

Though Warwick and Hudson were occasionally off-key during their soaring notes, Warwick showcased her expertise in phrasing, especially during her solo rendition of “Walk on By,” demonstrating the strong command she still possesses over her voice.

At the beginning of her induction speech, Warwick remarked, “They finally got it right,” acknowledging her two past nominations with her signature witty tone.

Foreigner: Medley

Since last year, no original Foreigner member has performed with the band, following founding member Mick Jones’ departure due to Parkinson’s disease.

Thus, it was expected to see Slash, Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Demi Lovato perform “Feels Like the First Time.” Lovato’s rock vocals added a robust energy to the song, while Sammy Hagar introduced the band with an endearing and informal speech, contributing his strong vocals to “Hot Blooded.”

Slash replicated Jones’ iconic riffs, and Hagar generously shared the spotlight with Kelly Hansen, the band’s frontman since 2005.

It didn’t surprise anyone when Hagar commented, “Now the real singer is coming out,” as Kelly Clarkson delivered a powerful performance of “I Want To Know What Love Is,” showcasing her passion with closed eyes and her soaring voice aligned with a choir.

What did catch attendees off guard was Clarkson’s introduction of Lou Gramm, the band’s original powerful voice and co-founder with Jones.

Gramm, who has had an on-and-off relationship with Foreigner since 1990, brought his iconic voice back for the performance, gaining strength as he traded verses with Clarkson.

Dressed in a sleek dark suit with shoulder-length hair, Gramm seemed content as he concluded the song, embracing Clarkson warmly.

Peter Frampton: ‘Baby (Something’s Happening)’ and ‘Do You Feel Like We Do’

Even though Frampton had a string of rock hits in the 1970s, he chose to open his act with the more obscure title track from his 1974 album, “Baby (Something’s Happening).” Sitting with his guitar, a cheerful Frampton, who performed with Sheryl Crow at last year’s ceremony, welcomed Keith Urban to join him on stage.

Suffering from inclusion body myositis since 2015, Frampton has faced challenges with mobility, but his ability to play guitar remained strong, highlighted during his performance of his 1973 hit “Do You Feel Like We Do.”

Both Frampton and Urban, masters of the guitar, made their string-picking seem effortless, possibly inspiring a new generation of musicians.

However, the loudest cheers were reserved for Frampton’s renowned talk box, until he excitedly nearly launched himself off his seat while expertly playing a solo, with Urban matching his energy alongside him.

“Now that’s a rock star!” proclaimed Roger Daltrey, who inducted him, at the end of the performance. Indeed.

Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Kenny Chesney: Jimmy Buffett Tribute

Feeling somewhat anxious, Matthews took the stage solo with his acoustic guitar, his emotions clear as he closed his eyes and sang Buffett’s reflective “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” Matthews’

voice shifted from a rough tone to a softer one as he delivered a moving tribute.

James Taylor, a close friend of Buffett, honored the unforgettable musician who passed away in September 2023, before stepping onto the performance stage alongside Kenny Chesney and the esteemed session guitarist/producer Mac McAnally, who has also been a longstanding member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.

The trio showed visible emotion as they alternated verses of “Come Monday,” effortlessly harmonizing the final line in a sweet homage to Buffett.

A Tribe Called Quest: Guest Medley

The Roots kicked off the music following a painfully long induction speech by ATCQ’s Q-Tip, with Queen Latifah stepping onto the stage to ask a classic hip-hop question, “Can I Kick It?”

A star-studded lineup honored the group hailing from Queens, New York, including Roots co-founder Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, who performed a dynamic rendition of “Check the Rhime.”

Common made a surprise appearance, dancing and delivering the engaging lyrics of “Bonita Applebum,” bringing excitement that had Dionne Warwick on her feet, happily clapping to the infectious rhythm, which intensified with Busta Rhymes’ arrival.

The animated Busta, with his lively gestures and expressive face, transitioned smoothly with The Roots into “Scenario,” the track that helped launch Busta’s career in 1992.

Mary J. Blige: Medley

Wearing thigh-high black boots, matching elbow-length gloves, and a wide-brimmed hat that nearly hid her face but showcased her cinnamon-colored hair, Blige reaffirmed her title as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

Up-and-coming R&B artists Ella Mai and Lucky Daye joined her as she delivered her empowering recent hit “Good Morning Gorgeous” along with “Love No Limit” from her 1992 debut album “What’s the 411?”

In the audience, Jennifer Hudson sang along to “Be Happy” while Blige swayed gracefully on stage, expressing her emotions through hand movements.

The highlight of Blige’s performance came with the pulsating beat of “Family Affair,” where her voice intensified amidst clouds of steam, marking a fitting conclusion for a queen.

Ozzy Osbourne: Guest Medley

From his onstage throne, the iconic Osbourne roared the famous opening of “Crazy Train”: “All aboard!!!”

Chad Smith, returning on the drums, thundered into the song as Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, dressed in a sleek black suit, took on the gritty vocals. For the memorable riffs from Osbourne’s 1980 hit, Wolfgang Van Halen demonstrated an incredible solo that truly impressed. Guitarist and producer Andrew Watt and Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo completed this star-studded ensemble.

Longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde introduced “Mama I’m Coming Home” with his tender acoustic guitar, followed by the emotive Jelly Roll who infused his soulful voice into the classic rock ballad.

Wylde then ventured into the audience to kick off “No More Tears,” with a well-preserved Billy Idol delivering the lyrics alongside his musical partner Steve Stevens on guitar. As they rocked out to the intense song, Osbourne, alongside enthusiastic fan and inducer Jack Black, joyfully sang along, clearly reliving the excitement of his own music.

Dave Matthews Band: Medley

In 2019, the Dave Matthews Band was the first group to win the fan vote but not get inducted.

This time, the results were different.

As the winners of the 2024 fan vote, DMB showcased their talent, starting with the distinct snare drum sound that kicks off “Ants Marching.” With his guitar held high against his chest, his

With his eyebrows raised in a way that could either express curiosity or intimidation depending on the moment, Matthews showcased his distinctive singing style.

His unique delivery during “Crash Into Me” adds to the song’s appeal, complemented by his remarkable high notes that fluctuated from powerful to slightly squeaky. Meanwhile, the nostalgic “So Much to Say” evoked memories of the band’s formative years performing in bars across Virginia.

Carter Beauford, possibly the most underrated drummer in the music scene, filled the song with intricate rhythms and impressive high hat work.

But DMB had one last song to energize the seemingly worn-out crowd as they wrapped up their performance—a gritty rendition of the Talking Heads’ classic, “Burning Down the House.”