Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announces 2025 inductees
OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, and more join the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class, honoring music legends and influential behind-the-scenes icons.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2025 inductees, celebrating a diverse array of artists who have significantly influenced the music industry. This year's honorees include Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, the White Stripes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company in the Performer category. Additionally, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will receive the Musical Influence Award, recognizing their impact on the evolution of rock and cultural music. The Musical Excellence Award will go to Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye for their outstanding contributions as musicians and producers, while Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his influence as a non-performing industry professional.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be streamed live on Disney+ and will also be available on Hulu and ABC. The announcement was made during a special episode of "American Idol," highlighting the significance of the occasion. Chairman John Sykes emphasized that each inductee has left a lasting impact on rock and culture through their unique sound and influence.
2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees: OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, and more
Notably, this year's class includes first-time nominees such as OutKast, Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker, and Bad Company. Checker, known for pioneering dance trends like "The Twist," had been eligible for induction since the Hall's inception in 1986. His inclusion corrects a long-standing oversight, finally recognizing his major cultural impact. Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes are also first-time inductees, reflecting the evolving nature of rock music.
Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon's recognition with the Musical Influence Award underscores their significant contributions to the evolution of rock and cultural music. Salt-N-Pepa, a pioneering hip-hop trio, broke barriers for women in the genre, while Zevon's songwriting and performances have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their inductions highlight the Hall of Fame's commitment to honoring diverse musical influences.
2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors musical excellence and industry icons
The Musical Excellence Award recipients, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye, are celebrated for their behind-the-scenes contributions that shaped iconic songs and influential collaborations. Bell's work in the Philadelphia soul sound, Hopkins' keyboard artistry, and Kaye's bass playing have been integral to numerous classic recordings. Lenny Waronker's receipt of the Ahmet Ertegun Award acknowledges his influential role as a non-performing industry professional, particularly his work with artists like Prince and Madonna.
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are revealed, with OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, and Soundgarden among the honorees, alongside special awards for influential music figures like Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon. Photo: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The 2025 inductees reflect a broad spectrum of musical genres and eras, from the pioneering sounds of Chubby Checker to the innovative styles of OutKast and the White Stripes. This year's selections continue the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's tradition of honoring artists who have made significant contributions to the music industry. The upcoming induction ceremony promises to be a celebration of musical excellence and legacy.