The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced, with OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, and Chubby Checker leading the charge. This year’s list celebrates a diverse range of talent across genres, though notable snubs have sparked debate, particularly the exclusion of Oasis and Mariah Carey.
2025 Inductees Include:
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OutKast – Pioneering hip-hop duo André 3000 and Big Boi, known for hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson.”
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Cyndi Lauper – Pop icon whose hits like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” continue to resonate.
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Bad Company – Classic rock legends known for anthem-like tracks like “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
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Joe Cocker – The late British singer famed for his soulful rendition of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
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Soundgarden – Grunge giants led by the late Chris Cornell, known for “Black Hole Sun.”
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The White Stripes – Garage rock duo Jack and Meg White, famous for hits like “Seven Nation Army.”
Musical Influence and Excellence Awards:
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Salt-N-Pepa – First female rap group to achieve gold and platinum success.
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Warren Zevon – Revered singer-songwriter who influenced rock icons like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.
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Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye – Recognized for their contributions to soul, rock, and session work.
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Lenny Waronker – Legendary record executive who signed acts like Prince and R.E.M. will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performers.
Notable Snubs:
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Oasis: Despite being nominated twice, the iconic Britpop band was again overlooked by voters. Liam Gallagher has openly criticized the Hall, dismissing its relevance to the band.
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Mariah Carey: After two nominations, the pop diva, who has 19 U.S. #1 singles and a record-breaking Christmas hit, failed to secure a spot. This marks a second omission after her initial snub in 2024.
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Phish: Despite winning the fan vote, the jam band was also excluded from the final list of inductees.
Chubby Checker’s Long-Awaited Induction:
At 83, Chubby Checker finally secures his place in the Hall after years of campaigning. His hit “The Twist” remains one of the most iconic dance songs in rock history. In the 2000s, he openly criticized the Hall for ignoring his legacy, even placing a full-page ad in Billboard demanding recognition.
The Ceremony:
The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on November 8, streamed live on Disney+. Fans will be watching closely to see if any surprise reunions or performances take place, especially with The White Stripes and OutKast—two influential acts with members who have been less active in the public eye in recent years.
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions showcase the diverse and evolving nature of the genre, with OutKast and Cyndi Lauper representing pivotal moments in hip-hop and pop history. Meanwhile, the absence of figures like Oasis and Mariah Carey continues the conversation about the Hall’s often controversial selections and exclusions.