The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025’s list of inductees has officially been unveiled – and it’s a bold, eclectic mix that’s already getting fans buzzing.
Leading the list is the legendary Cyndi Lauper, one of the few women inducted this year. Known for her electric style, powerhouse vocals, and genre-defying hits, Lauper stands tall among a group that’s otherwise heavily dominated by rock’s classic boys club.
Joining her in the Class of 2025 are:
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Joe Cocker
- Outkast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
The announcement came during a special “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night” broadcast on American Idol on April 27, lighting up social media as music lovers weighed in.
When and Where Will the Ceremony Happen?
Mark your calendars: the full induction ceremony airs live on November 8 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, streaming on Disney+. If you miss it live, it’ll drop on Hulu the next day. For those wanting a bite-sized version, a condensed special will later air on ABC – exact date TBD.
Who Didn’t Make the Cut?
While fans celebrated the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees, there were some major snubs too.
Phish, who crushed the fan vote with nearly 330,000 votes, didn’t make it in – echoing what happened to the Dave Matthews Band back in 2020. Other first-time nominees who fell short include The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, and Maná. Meanwhile, big names like Mariah Carey, Oasis, and Joy Division/New Order are still waiting for their Hall of Fame moment.
The reality check? Winning the fan vote doesn’t guarantee induction – it only counts for one official vote among over 1,200 ballots cast.
Fan Vote Results
For those keeping score, here’s how the top fan votes landed:
- Phish
- Bad Company
- Billy Idol
- Cyndi Lauper
- Joe Cocker
- Soundgarden
- Chubby Checker
(Only Bad Company, Lauper, Cocker, Soundgarden, and Checker made the final cut.)
Special Awards for 2025
Beyond the headline performers, the Rock Hall is dishing out several other honors:
- Musical Influence Award: Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon
- Musical Excellence Award: Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, Carol Kaye
- Ahmet Ertegun Award (Lifetime Achievement): Lenny Waronker
These awards recognize artists, producers, and executives who’ve made a significant impact on music history – even if they don’t fit the classic “rock star” mold.
How Does an Artist Get In?
A simple but brutal rule: you’re only eligible if your first commercial recording dropped at least 25 years before the nomination year. After that, a voting body of artists, historians, and industry insiders (over 1,200 members strong) decides who gets the honor.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class leans heavily on old-school rock nostalgia but makes some crucial nods to evolution – like Outkast representing hip-hop’s permanent influence and Cyndi Lauper flying the flag for women in music.
Whether you’re blasting “Ms. Jackson” or reliving “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” the 2025 class offers a little something for everyone.
Get ready: November 8 is going to rock.
