Missy Elliott, the late George Michael, and Kate Bush were among the stars inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Friday night.
Another inductee, Sheryl Crow, and popstar Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the 2023 ceremony by performing - with Missy, the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted, closing the event.
In between there was a poignant tribute to George, who died in 2016, from former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley as he inducted his late pal.
"His music was key to his compassion," Ridgeley said. "George is one of the greatest singers of our time."
In George's absence, Miguel, Carrie Underwood, and Adam Levine, each performed the hits Careless Whisper, Faith, and One More Try.
Chaka Khan, who performed alongside Common, H.E.R., Sia, and Jazmine Sullivan was also inducted. As were Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, the Spinners, and DJ Kool Herc in a 50th anniversary class of inductees that featured numerous female and Black artists.
Queen Latifah introduced Missy Elliott, saying: "Nothing sounded the same after Missy came onto the scene. She is avant-garde without even trying."
Bush, meanwhile was introduced by Outkast's Big Boi - who praised her music for sounding as contemporary today as when it was released.
Elton John's songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin was another inductee and said he was honoured to join a class full of "profoundly articulate women" and "articulate Black artists". These were a nod to comments made by Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner that resulted in being removed from the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors.
The other inductees were Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Al Kooper, and Link Wray.
Another inductee, Sheryl Crow, and popstar Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the 2023 ceremony by performing - with Missy, the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted, closing the event.
In between there was a poignant tribute to George, who died in 2016, from former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley as he inducted his late pal.
"His music was key to his compassion," Ridgeley said. "George is one of the greatest singers of our time."
In George's absence, Miguel, Carrie Underwood, and Adam Levine, each performed the hits Careless Whisper, Faith, and One More Try.
Chaka Khan, who performed alongside Common, H.E.R., Sia, and Jazmine Sullivan was also inducted. As were Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, the Spinners, and DJ Kool Herc in a 50th anniversary class of inductees that featured numerous female and Black artists.
Queen Latifah introduced Missy Elliott, saying: "Nothing sounded the same after Missy came onto the scene. She is avant-garde without even trying."
Bush, meanwhile was introduced by Outkast's Big Boi - who praised her music for sounding as contemporary today as when it was released.
Elton John's songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin was another inductee and said he was honoured to join a class full of "profoundly articulate women" and "articulate Black artists". These were a nod to comments made by Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner that resulted in being removed from the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors.
The other inductees were Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Al Kooper, and Link Wray.