The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, proved to be a night of nostalgia, celebration, and powerful musical reunions—none more buzzworthy than the red-carpet meeting of Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen. The two, who once played the memorable duo of the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, were photographed together a full quarter-century after the film’s release. But the evening’s significance extended far beyond movie memories, as both Carrey and Momsen played key roles in honoring Soundgarden’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
For fans of both film and music, the convergence of these two cultural icons was almost surreal. Carrey, now 63, arrived in a black graphic T-shirt with a black-and-white striped blazer, while Momsen, 32, channeled her rock persona in a black dress with lace accents, a black leather coat, calf-high boots, and dark, dramatic makeup. Their reunion was more than just a photo opportunity—it was a bridge between generations of pop culture, with both stars now firmly entrenched in new chapters of their creative lives.
According to Consequence, the night’s main event was the induction of Soundgarden, the legendary Seattle band, into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. Joining Soundgarden in this year’s class were Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and the White Stripes. The ceremony was broadcast live on Disney+, ensuring that fans around the world could witness the festivities.
Jim Carrey’s connection to Soundgarden runs deeper than many might realize. As reported by People, Carrey hosted the 1996 episode of Saturday Night Live that featured Soundgarden as the musical guest. At the induction ceremony, Carrey took to the stage to deliver a heartfelt tribute, officially inducting the band. His speech was a nod to the enduring influence of Soundgarden and the lasting friendships formed in the world of entertainment.
Meanwhile, Taylor Momsen’s relationship with Soundgarden has evolved from childhood stardom to rock frontwoman. As the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, Momsen’s band had the honor of opening for Soundgarden’s final tour before the tragic death of frontman Chris Cornell in 2017. This history made her participation in the induction ceremony especially poignant. According to Louder Sound, Momsen joined Soundgarden’s surviving members—drummer Matt Cameron, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto—on stage for two iconic performances. She sang lead vocals on "Rusty Cage," with Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready lending his guitar prowess, and then joined Brandi Carlile and Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell for a stirring rendition of "Black Hole Sun."
Matt Cameron explained to the Seattle Times that the choice of collaborators was deliberate: the band wanted to keep the performance “as Seattle-centric as possible and include some people that were there with us in the beginning.” The result was a celebration that honored both the band’s roots and its enduring connections within the music community.
Perhaps the most touching moment of the night was the tribute to Chris Cornell, Soundgarden’s original lead singer. As Louder Sound reported, Cornell’s daughter, Toni Cornell, took the stage to perform "Fell on Black Days," accompanied by Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson. The performance was a moving reminder of Cornell’s legacy and the profound impact he had on the world of rock music.
For Taylor Momsen, the evening was not only about honoring Soundgarden but also about reflecting on her own journey. In a December 6 interview on the Zach Sang Show, Momsen addressed swirling rumors about joining Soundgarden for a potential tour. When asked if she would consider such a collaboration, Momsen was candid about her admiration for the band and her willingness to support them in any way. “I think that they are a force unto themselves that is unlike anyone else,” she said. “They are some of my like closest friends. I love them to death. And the reality is I’m here for anything they want or need. Like if they call me, I’m there. It’s that simple.” Her words, as reported by Rock Celebrities, underscore the deep bonds she shares with the band’s members—bonds forged through years of friendship and professional collaboration.
While Momsen’s performance at the induction ceremony was a special, one-time event, her openness to future collaborations with Soundgarden leaves fans with a sense of anticipation. Could there be more to come from this powerful musical alliance? Only time will tell, but for now, the 2025 ceremony stands as a testament to the mutual respect and camaraderie between Momsen and the surviving members of Soundgarden.
Beyond the music, the night was also a celebration of cinematic nostalgia. The reunion of Carrey and Momsen on the red carpet drew attention not just for their shared history but for the enduring popularity of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In a recent appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Momsen reminisced about her time on set as a seven-year-old. “Jim Carrey is the Grinch,” she recalled. “So I didn’t know who Jim was until the premiere and someone had to point him out to me and go, ‘That’s Jim,’ and I went, ‘Oh, Jim.’” She also addressed a common fan question: “I get asked a lot if he scared me, because I think a lot of kids were scared of the Grinch. He was never scary to me. To me, he was always Jim, and he was always in makeup.”
The beloved holiday film is marking its 25th anniversary this year, and fans will have the chance to revisit Whoville on the big screen once again. As reported by People, How the Grinch Stole Christmas will return to select theaters for a limited engagement starting December 12, 2025. For those who prefer to stream, the film is available on Peacock and Prime Video, ensuring that a new generation can experience the magic and mischief of the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
As the lights dimmed at the Peacock Theater, the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony left attendees and viewers alike with a sense of celebration, remembrance, and hope. With music legends honored, cinematic memories rekindled, and new possibilities hinted at, the night was a vivid reminder of the power of art to unite generations and inspire future collaborations.
