Stevie Wonder opens Rock Hall 2025 with a joyful, all-star salute to Sly Stone – and Jennifer Hudson takes it sky-high
At the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Stevie Wonder opened the night with a powerful salute to his late friend Sly Stone.
Backed by an all-star lineup including Flea, Beck, Questlove, Maxwell, and Leon Thomas, he tore through classics like: “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”
The emotional tribute blended nostalgia with pure funk energy, reminding fans how deeply Stone’s music shaped rock and soul.
The crowd erupted when Jennifer Hudson stepped in for a soaring performance of “I Want to Take You Higher,” delivering a finale that left the arena buzzing.
The moment set the tone for the entire ceremony, celebratory, soulful, and a testament to Sly Stone’s lasting legacy in American music.
