“SOMETIMES A SONG DOESN’T JUST GET SUNG — IT RISES LIKE A GOODBYE YOU WEREN’T READY FOR.” That’s what it felt like when Brandi Carlile stepped onto the stage at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. No big entrance. No drama. Just her, a quiet breath, and the weight of a friend she still misses. When she started “Black Hole Sun,” it didn’t sound like the grunge anthem we all knew. It sounded softer… almost like she was talking to Chris Cornell one last time. Her voice cracked in places, not from weakness, but from love — the kind that sits heavy in your chest. For a few minutes, the whole room went still. Lights low, guitar humming, Brandi singing like she was carrying a memory in both hands. Some tributes are loud. Hers wasn’t. It was honest — and that’s why it hit so hard.

Brandi Carlile Honors Soundgarden With a Powerful “Black Hole Sun” Performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025

At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8, 2025, Brandi Carlile delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances of the night — a breathtaking rendition of Soundgarden’s iconic anthem, “Black Hole Sun.”
The ceremony honored the legendary Seattle grunge band as they were officially inducted into the Hall of Fame, with surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, and Hiro Yamamoto taking the stage to accept the recognition.

Brandi stepped into the role once filled by the late Chris Cornell, channeling the haunting beauty of his voice while adding her own soulful edge. The result was a performance that felt both reverent and boldly unique — a reminder of how deeply Cornell’s artistry continues to inspire.

Joining her were rock titans Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, whose guitars added rich texture and emotional weight to the arrangement. Taylor Momsen also lent her voice in harmony, creating a layered, powerful tribute that echoed through the arena.

The stage lighting was intentionally minimal — dark silhouettes, drifting golden beams — amplifying the song’s emotional gravity. When Brandi lifted her voice into the chorus, “Black hole sun, won’t you come…” the moment became electric. Audience members rose to their feet, many visibly moved by the combination of nostalgia, tribute, and unmatched musicianship.

The performance struck the perfect balance between strength and remembrance. It honored Soundgarden’s raw musical legacy, while paying heartfelt tribute to Chris Cornell — a voice and spirit that defined an era. For many, it became the emotional centerpiece of the entire ceremony.

After the final note faded, Soundgarden’s members reflected on their journey, expressing gratitude for their fans and sharing personal memories of Cornell. Their words, paired with Brandi’s performance, turned the induction into something far more profound than an award — it became a celebration of endurance, influence, and the timeless power of rock music.