Sheryl Crow had a “surreal” experience at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event, which streamed live on Disney+, featured performances and speeches from a diverse group of musicians.
Crow kicked off the ceremony with a performance of “If It Makes You Happy,” joined by up-and-coming star Olivia Rodrigo. Later, Stevie Nicks made a surprise appearance to perform a duet of “Strong Enough” with Crow, and Peter Frampton joined in for a guitar solo during “Everyday Is a Winding Road.”
The ceremony also featured Andrew Ridgeley inducting the late George Michael. Ridgeley reminisced about the success of their band Wham! and praised Michael’s songwriting and voice. The lineup of singers who performed Michael’s songs included Miguel, Adam Levine, and Carrie Underwood.
New Edition paid tribute to The Spinners with dance and song, performing soul classics like “I’ll Be Around” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love.” Although none of The Spinners accepted their award on stage, New Edition brought the spirit of their music to life.
Country legend Willie Nelson was honored at the ceremony, with performances from Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, and Sheryl Crow. Nelson appeared on stage at the age of 90 to play his guitar and express his gratitude to the audience.
Elton John delivered a heartfelt speech about his longtime lyricist and friend, Bernie Taupin. John described Taupin as a “conjuror of cinema in words” and spoke about their enduring partnership in music.
The highlight of the ceremony was Missy Elliott’s electrifying performance. As the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock Hall, Elliott made history with a high-energy set that included songs like “Get Ur Freak On” and “Lose Control.” Queen Latifah inducted Elliott and joined her on stage for the celebration.
Overall, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a star-studded event that showcased the diversity and influence of music across genres. The performances and speeches highlighted the impact that these artists have had on the industry and their lasting contributions to music.