Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, and More to Be Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2025 inductees, with a star-studded list that includes first-time nominees like Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company, along with pop icon Cyndi Lauper, legendary hip-hop duo OutKast, indie rockers The White Stripes, and grunge pioneers Soundgarden.

Musical Influence and Excellence Awards

Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking female rap act, and Warren Zevon, the late singer-songwriter, will receive the prestigious Musical Influence Award.
Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award for their exceptional contributions to the music industry.

Notable Inductees

Joe Cocker, famous for his unforgettable performance at Woodstock and his iconic cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” earned strong support from music legends like Billy Joel, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Pete Thomas of Elvis Costello & The Attractions.
Soundgarden, led by the late Chris Cornell, enters the Hall on their third nomination. They join fellow grunge acts Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the Hall of Fame.
Bad Company, known for rock anthems like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough,” have become staples of arena rock.
Cyndi Lauper, who skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” is celebrated for her influence on both pop music and Broadway with her Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots.
OutKast, the innovative hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, are honored for their groundbreaking albums and multiple Grammy Awards.
The White Stripes, the minimalist rock duo of Jack White and Meg White, will be inducted for their contributions to the indie rock scene, with songs like “Seven Nation Army” becoming iconic anthems.

Ahmet Ertegun Award for Industry Veterans

The Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to nonperforming industry professionals, will go to Lenny Waronker, a former Warner Bros. Records executive who signed major artists like Prince, R.E.M., Madonna, and Paul Simon.

Notable Snubs and Absences

While this year’s class is exciting, several big names were left out, including Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, The Black Crowes, and Oasis. Phish won the fan vote, but were not inducted this year, leaving many fans disappointed.

Chubby Checker’s Long-Awaited Induction

At 83, Chubby Checker finally receives the recognition he’s long sought. Known for his classic hits “The Twist” and “Let’s Twist Again,” Checker had previously expressed frustration over being overlooked, famously saying in 2014, “I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old.”

The Induction Ceremony and Selection Process

Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to eligibility. The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall, with the ceremony being streamed live.

Nominees are voted on by over 1,200 music professionals, including artists, historians, and industry figures. The selection criteria include an artist’s impact, innovation, and longevity in the music world.

Past Inductees and Legacy

Last year, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, A Tribe Called Quest, and others were inducted, continuing the tradition of celebrating legendary artists who have had a profound influence on the music world.

As the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 prepares to celebrate these groundbreaking artists, fans can look forward to an unforgettable induction ceremony that will honor those who have shaped the sound and legacy of rock and roll.