The 39th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony transformed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, into a celebration on Saturday (Oct. 19) night. Marking its return to the Rock & Roll Museum's hometown for the first time since 2021, the event was packed with highlights. This year’s most coveted honor in the performer category went to iconic artists, including Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest, along with Kool & The Gang, who were on the ballot for the first time.

Here are some standout moments that made this year's ceremony memorable.

Mary J. Blige’s Show-Stopping Performance with Lucky Daye and Ella Mai

Mary J. Blige took center stage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, delivering a performance of her greatest hits, including “Love No Limit,” “Be Happy,” and “Family Affair,” with help from Lucky Daye and Ella Mai. Dr. Dre and Method Man honored Blige for her influence, with Dre stating that she “single-handedly created an entirely new genre of music” with her album What’s the 411? In return, she expressed her mutual admiration for both rappers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Common, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, and Busta Rhymes Honor A Tribe Called Quest with an Unforgettable Performance

The evening’s high point came when Dave Chappelle took the stage to deliver an induction for A Tribe Called Quest. He shared a Chinese proverb that resonated with their friendship: “The best meal you can cook is made with ingredients that you already have.” With Q-Tip and Jarobi White present alongside Phife Dawg's family, a tribute by Native Tongues members, including Busta Rhymes, The Roots, Queen Latifah, and Common, followed. They performed classics like “Scenario,” “Bonita Applebum,” and “Can I Kick It?” 

Dionne Warwick Calls Teyana Taylor Her “Alter Ego” on Stage

Teyana Taylor took the stage in a look inspired by Dionne Warwick's 1960s style, complete with a bee-hive hairdo and olive-colored gown. As she prepares to portray Warwick in an upcoming biopic, Taylor expressed her admiration, saying, “It wasn’t until I got the role of a lifetime to play her in the upcoming biopic that I came to understand the depths of her talent.” She praised Warwick’s impact, calling “Don’t Make Me Over” an anthem for women and noting her success in bumping The Beatles off the charts. “Ms Warwick did not come to play, period,” Taylor added. When Warwick accepted her award from Taylor, she called her “her alter ego,” highlighting their connection. Jennifer Hudson also joined Warwick for a rendition of “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” which earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

Kool & the Gang Reunite for a Medley of Their Biggest Hits

Kool & the Gang’s original members, James J.T. Taylor and Robert “Kool” Bell, reunited on stage during the ceremony. Dressed in shirts and collars, the duo performed a medley of their greatest hits like “Hollywood Swinging,” “Get Down on It,” “Ladies Night,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Celebration.”