Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees for 2025 Revealed
A general view of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on October 11, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio (Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images for CARE USA).
On April 27, 2025, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its latest round of inductees, honoring a diverse array of influential artists. This year sees the inclusion of first-time nominees alongside veterans of the industry.
List of Inductees
Thirteen inductees were revealed, categorized into performers and contributors:
- Performer Category: First-time nominees include Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, and OutKast. Previous nominees returning this year are Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
- Musical Influence Award: Salt-N-Pepa, the pioneering female rap group, and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will both receive this honor.
- Musical Excellence Award: Recipients include the late producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins, and bassist Carol Kaye.
- Ahmet Ertegun Award: This award will go to Lenny Waronker, notable for his work with artists like Prince and R.E.M.
Noteworthy Nominations
Despite strong campaigns, several nominees will not be inducted this year, including Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, and Oasis.
Highlights of Inductees
The late Joe Cocker, celebrated for his iconic Woodstock performance and his rendition of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” has received support from various music legends, emphasizing his rock credentials.
Soundgarden is notable for entering the Hall on its third nomination, joining other grunge acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Bad Company has solidified its place in rock history with enduring hits such as “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
Chubby Checker, renowned for popularizing “The Twist,” has long expressed his desire for recognition in the Hall, stating, “I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old.”
Cyndi Lauper, who gained fame in the ’80s, continues to influence the industry significantly, evidenced by her Tony Award-winning work on “Kinky Boots.”
OutKast, consisting of André 3000 and Big Boi, is celebrated for their innovative contributions to hip-hop, while The White Stripes are revered for their early-2000s influence with tracks like “Seven Nation Army.”
Meanwhile, Salt-N-Pepa made history as the first female rap group to attain gold and platinum status.
Expert Opinions
“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” remarked John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Induction Criteria and Celebration
To qualify for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before the nomination year. The selection process considers an artist’s influence on others, career longevity, and innovative excellence.
The induction ceremony is set to take place on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking a significant celebration for the honorees and fans alike.
