Los Angeles, California — Salt-N-Pepa brought a wave of nostalgia and energy to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, performing a lively version of their iconic track “Push It.” Dressed in vibrant leather jackets reminiscent of their historic music video, the hip-hop trio electrified the audience at the Peacock Theatre on Saturday.

Cheryl “Salt” James, while accepting the prestigious Musical Influence Award, made a powerful statement, declaring, “This is for every woman who picked up a mic when they were told they couldn’t.” Her words resonated with the crowd as she highlighted the group’s ongoing battle to regain their master recordings from Universal Music Group, underscoring the challenges that artists often face in the music industry. “The industry still doesn’t want to play fair, but Salt-N-Pepa have never been afraid of a fight,” she emphasized.

The evening continued with a montage of the group’s hits, beginning with “Shoop,” seamlessly transitioning into “Let’s Talk About Sex,” before En Vogue joined them on stage for their collaborative hit, “What a Man.” The performance peaked with “Push It,” uplifting the crowd’s spirit. Notably, DJ Spinderella became the first female DJ to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making history alongside her peers.

Missy Elliott, who inducted the group, praised their pioneering role in paving the way for future female rappers who had to prove their mettle in a male-dominated industry. Later in the event, notable acts like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and the White Stripes were also honored for their contributions to music.

The ceremony kicked off with a dynamic tribute to the late Sly Stone, led by the legendary Stevie Wonder. Joined by artists such as Questlove, Maxwell, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wonder performed timeless hits like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People.” Jennifer Hudson later joined them on stage, delivering a soulful rendition of “Higher.” Stone, who passed away in June, was remembered fondly, and a tribute to Brian Wilson, who died shortly after, was planned by Elton John.

Mick Fleetwood took center stage for the formal induction of Bad Company. He referred to the band, formed in 1973 by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs, as “classic rock legends” and highlighted their dedication to music. Unfortunately, Rodgers was unable to attend due to health issues, and Ralphs passed away earlier in the year. Drummer Simon Kirke represented the band, joined by an impromptu ensemble that featured covers of their biggest hits, including “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough.”

David Letterman inducted the late Warren Zevon, fondly recalling the singer-songwriter’s frequent appearances on his show. A poignant clip from Zevon’s final appearance reminded the audience of his humor and profound insight about life. Letterman expressed his lasting admiration for Zevon’s work, which has influenced countless artists over the years.

As part of the ceremony, The Killers performed Zevon’s second-biggest hit, “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” celebrating the legacy of an artist who left an indelible mark on the music scene. Zevon also received the Musical Influence Award, highlighting his significant impact on diverse musicians spanning decades.

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class represents a wide range of musical eras, with artists ranging from Chubby Checker to the White Stripes being honored. Upcoming inductors include Chappell Roan for Lauper and Donald Glover for Outkast, further enriching the ceremony’s diversity and legacy.