Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Announced
Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes are among the prominent artists being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of its class of 2025. This announcement was made during a special episode of American Idol, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, which featured a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame theme.
Inductees and Awards
The 2025 performer inductees also include Bad Company, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker. Notably, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, and Outkast are being honored on their first nominations, signifying their direct impact on the rock genre.
In addition to the main inductees, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will receive the Musical Influence Award, which recognizes artists who have played a crucial role in shaping rock and roll or inspiring current musicians. The Musical Excellence Award will be presented to esteemed figures such as producer Thom Bell, session musician Carole Kaye, and keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, all of whom have significantly contributed to the music industry. Lastly, Lenny Waronker, co-founder of DreamWorks Records, will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his notable contributions to the field.
Ceremony Details
The induction ceremony will take place on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Fans can catch the event live on Disney+, with it being available for streaming on Hulu the following day. ABC will also re-air the ceremony at a later date, ensuring broader access for viewers.
Notable Nominations and Absences
While several deserving artists received nominations for the 2025 class, others did not make the final cut. Artists such as Oasis, Mariah Carey, Joy Division/New Order, Phish, Billy Idol, The Black Crowes, and Maná were among those overlooked this year. In comparison, the class of 2024 included artists such as Cher, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ozzy Osbourne, with a total of eight inductees, one more than this year’s cohort.
Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes had previously been nominated in 2023, with Soundgarden also eligible since 2020, but they were not inducted until now, highlighting the ongoing recognition of their contributions to the music landscape.
Conclusion
The announcements regarding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s latest inductees serve as a notable reflection of the evolving nature of rock music and its influences. By honoring both legendary and contemporary artists, the Hall of Fame not only celebrates past achievements but also emphasizes the genre’s continuing relevance in today’s music scene. This year’s class is set to inspire a new generation of listeners and musicians alike, as fans eagerly await the induction ceremony and the celebratory events surrounding it.
For those wishing to explore the music of this year’s inductees, streaming services are likely to feature special playlists and tributes leading up to the ceremony.
