Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen came together again at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction event, reconnecting nearly 25 years after working together on How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Carrey, who hosted Saturday Night Live in 1996 during a show featuring Soundgarden, reunited with Momsen to honor the band’s induction into the Rock Hall, creating a poignant link between their past collaborations and the present celebration of the grunge icons.
This reunion highlighted the interconnected paths of Carrey, Momsen, and Soundgarden, whose legacy was commemorated during the ceremony held in Cleveland. The moment marked a tribute to the band’s enduring impact and the contributions of singer Chris Cornell, who passed away in 2017.
Honoring Soundgarden’s Legacy and Members
At the ceremony, original bassist Hiro Yamamoto was inducted alongside Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, Matt Cameron, and the late Chris Cornell. The event featured powerful musical performances by surviving band members joined by Taylor Momsen, Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, and Brandi Carlile. Additionally, Nancy Wilson supported Cornell’s daughter Toni Cornell during her performance of Fell On Black Days, underscoring the Seattle grunge roots the band embodied.
We wanted to keep it as Seattle-centric as possible,
Matt Cameron told the Seattle Times last month.
Carrey delivered the induction speech recalling the 1996 SNL episode he hosted where Soundgarden appeared, and referenced the personal bond he shared with Cornell, who once gave him a guitar. Lily Cornell Silver, Chris Cornell’s other daughter, also spoke at the event, adding a deeply personal touch to the tribute.
A Poignant Speech Reflecting on Past and Present Challenges
During the acceptance speech, Hiro Yamamoto grew emotional reflecting on Chris Cornell’s legacy and drew parallels with historical and current events. He referenced his parents’ experience as Japanese American citizens who were interned during World War II, using this history to comment on contemporary issues such as ongoing ICE raids in the United States.
Thanks to my parents, whose story as American citizens who were rounded up and placed into prison camps just for being Japanese during World War II — well, that affected my life greatly. And it really echoes strongly today. Let’s not add another story like this to our history.
Hiro Yamamoto
Memorable Performances and Emotional Tributes
The ceremony featured exhilarating renditions of Soundgarden classics. Taylor Momsen stepped forward as the lead vocalist for songs such as Rusty Cage, backed by band members and notable musicians like Jerry Cantrell and Brandi Carlile. Their collective performance of Black Hole Sun symbolized both celebration and remembrance of the band’s lasting influence.
Toni Cornell’s stirring version of Fell On Black Days was received with emotional intensity, demonstrating a family’s tribute to the father who left a profound mark on rock music and culture.
Jim Carrey’s Tribute Seals the Evening
As the night concluded, Jim Carrey offered a heartfelt homage to Chris Cornell and Soundgarden, emphasizing their cultural importance and enduring spirit in the music world. His words resonated with the crowd, capturing both the personal and artistic significance of the band’s induction.
Long live @chriscornell and long live @Soundgarden
Jim Carrey
This event not only recognized the many achievements of Soundgarden but also reinforced the connections between artists, history, and social consciousness. As the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continues to celebrate influential musicians, moments like these serve to remind audiences of the complex legacies and bonds that shape the music industry.
The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who! Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen reunited nearly 25 years after making "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The two reunited at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/cqziULs9Ix
— KNX News 97.1 FM (@knxnews) November 9, 2025
Soundgarden
feat. Jerry Cantrell, Brandi Carlile, & Taylor Momsen
Black Hole Sun
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 pic.twitter.com/yMYm8DzmDU— Jeffgarden.com (@ijeffgarden) November 9, 2025
Toni Cornell sang a beautiful rendition of "Fell on Black Days" to honor her late father, @soundgarden frontman @chriscornell. #RockHall2025 pic.twitter.com/KXtd9JKy7J
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) November 9, 2025
Taylor Momsen performing "Rusty Cage" with Soundgarden members at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Ceremony. #RockHall25 pic.twitter.com/zlBjs5MTwn
— The Pretty Reckless Source (@TPR_Source) November 9, 2025
.@Soundgarden, along with Brandi Carlile, @TaylorMomsen, @JerryCantrell, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto, perform their classic "Black Hole Sun" on the Rock Hall stage.#RockHall2025 pic.twitter.com/yYFZJxISCi
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) November 9, 2025
"Long live @chriscornell and long live @Soundgarden" — Jim Carrey delivers a heartfelt tribute as he inducts Soundgarden into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
📺 Tune in NOW on @DisneyPlus to watch the 2025 Rock & Roll of Fame Induction Ceremony.#RockHall2025 pic.twitter.com/mcAeFMQ7bZ
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) November 9, 2025
