Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025: Legends, Surprises, and Long-Awaited Honors

Get ready to twist, shout, and rock out—because the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just announced its 2025 class, and it’s a star-packed lineup! From dance-floor pioneers to grunge icons and hip-hop trailblazers, this year’s inductees are a mix of familiar legends and artists who’ve waited decades for their moment. Let’s break down who’s joining music’s most exclusive club—and why this year’s ceremony might be one for the history books.

The Class of 2025: Who Made the Cut?

The Rock Hall’s newest members include seven acts that shaped music across generations. Here’s the full list:

Chubby Checker (finally!)

Outkast

The White Stripes

Cyndi Lauper

Bad Company

Joe Cocker

Soundgarden

This group leans heavily into rock’s golden era, with a few wild cards shaking things up. Atlanta rap duo Outkast stands out as the only hip-hop act, while Cyndi Lauper adds a splash of pop flair to the “boys’ club” vibe.

When and Where to Watch the Big Night

Mark your calendars for November 8! The induction ceremony will stream live from Los Angeles on Disney+, with a replay hitting Hulu the next day. If you’re more of a TV traditionalist, a shortened version will air on ABC later—details still TBA. Past ceremonies have featured unforgettable performances and emotional speeches, so expect fireworks (and maybe a tear or two).

Fan Favorites vs. Reality: Why Phish Got Snubbed

Every year, fans vote for their top picks online—and this time, jam band Phish crushed the competition with over 330,000 votes. But here’s the catch: winning the fan vote doesn’t guarantee a spot. The final decision lies with over 1,200 music insiders—artists, historians, and industry pros—who weigh factors like career impact, innovation, and influence.

Phish fans might be bummed, but they’re in good company. Other nominees who didn’t make the cut include Mariah Carey, Oasis, Billy Idol, and The Black Crowes. (Better luck next year, folks!)

Meet the Inductees: Stories Behind the Stars

Chubby Checker: The Twist King Finally Gets His Flowers

At 83, Chubby Checker is the elder statesman of this year’s class—and his induction is long overdue. His 1960 hit “The Twist” sparked a global dance craze, topping charts twice (in 1960 and 1962!). For years, Checker publicly campaigned for Rock Hall recognition, even buying a Billboard ad pleading, “I want my flowers while I’m alive.” Well, Chubby, your bouquet is here!

Outkast: Hip-Hop’s Coolest Oddballs

Outkast—the duo of André 3000 and Big Boi—broke barriers by blending Southern rap with funk, jazz, and whatever else they fancied. Hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson” made them mainstream stars, but their fearless creativity (who else would rap about roses growing from concrete and alien abductions?) cemented their legacy. First-time nominees, instant inductees—that’s how you do it.

The White Stripes: Detroit’s Red-and-White Rebels

Jack and Meg White’s garage-rock duo scored their induction on their second nomination. Known for raw hits like “Seven Nation Army” (aka the stadium anthem), the pair split in 2011, with drummer Meg vanishing from the spotlight. Will she show up to accept the honor? If she does, it’ll be her first public appearance in years—so cross your fingers!

Cyndi Lauper: Pop’s Quirky Queen

With her neon hair and anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Lauper became a 1980s icon. But she’s more than a pop star: her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and timeless ballads like “Time After Time” prove her depth. Nominated twice, she’s now the lone woman in this year’s performer category—a reminder that the Rock Hall still has work to do on gender balance.

Soundgarden: Grunge’s Dark Poets

Chris Cornell’s haunting vocals and the band’s heavy riffs made Soundgarden grunge royalty. After three nominations, their entry feels bittersweet; Cornell died in 2017, leaving fans to wonder how he’d have celebrated this moment. Crank up “Black Hole Sun” and raise a glass to their legacy.

Bad Company & Joe Cocker: Classic Rock’s Standouts

British rockers Bad Company (“Feel Like Makin’ Love”) and raspy-voiced Joe Cocker (“With a Little Help From My Friends”) round out the class. Both first-time nominees, they’re here for their timeless grooves and no-frills rock ’n’ roll spirit.

Special Honors: Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, and Unsung Heroes

Beyond the main inductees, the Rock Hall hands out special awards:

. Salt-N-Pepa and late singer Warren Zevon (“Werewolves of London”) snag the Musical Influence Award.

. Producer Thom Bell (Philly soul mastermind), pianist Nicky Hopkins (Rolling Stones collaborator), and bassist Carol Kaye (played on *10,000* songs!) earn the Musical Excellence Award.

These honors spotlight behind-the-scenes legends who shaped music’s DNA.

Last Year’s Legends: A Quick Throwback

The 2024 class included Cher, Mary J. Blige, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest—a mix of divas, rappers, and rockers. It’s proof the Hall is slowly diversifying, even if this year’s picks feel more retro.

Why This Year Matters

The 2025 class isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s a reminder that rock ’n’ roll isn’t a single sound—it’s Chubby Checker’s hips, Outkast’s rhymes, Meg White’s primal drums, and Chris Cornell’s howl. Sure, the Rock Hall still leans into classic rock (we see you, Bad Company), but inducting Lauper and Outkast shows progress.

So save the date: November 8 promises epic speeches, maybe a Meg White sighting, and Chubby Checker finally getting his due. As Cyndi Lauper would say, “Oh, girls just want to have fun…”—but tonight, the Rock Hall is for everyone.

Cue the guitar solos. 🎸