Rock and Roll Class of 2025 announced

Recipients include Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes and more!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 brings together a groundbreaking group of artists from across the musical spectrum. Announced during a special American Idol broadcast on April 27, 2025, this year’s inductees reflect a wide range of influence and innovation. The official induction ceremony is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

One of the most celebrated additions is OutKast, the pioneering hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi. OutKast’s revolutionary albums like Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below redefined Southern rap and expanded the genre’s global reach. Tracks such as “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson” continue to resonate worldwide, and their induction honors their lasting influence on music and culture.

Cyndi Lauper also joins the Hall of Fame this year, recognized for her powerful impact on 1980s pop and rock. With hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” Lauper combined theatrical flair with musical brilliance, becoming a champion for LGBTQ+ rights and human rights causes throughout her career. Her induction celebrates her broader cultural and social impact beyond music.

The White Stripes, led by Jack White, are being honored for reviving garage rock in the early 2000s with a minimalist yet powerful sound. Their signature track “Seven Nation Army” became an anthem across generations. Their stripped-down approach helped breathe new life into modern rock and made them a natural fit for the Hall.

Soundgarden, another inductee, helped define the grunge movement of the early 1990s. Frontman Chris Cornell’s haunting vocals and Kim Thayil’s intense guitar work fueled classics like “Black Hole Sun.” Alongside Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden’s influence shaped an era of alternative rock, making their recognition a pivotal moment for grunge history.

Bad Company, the British hard rock group behind songs like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Bad Company,” will also be inducted. Known for their bluesy hard rock sound and gritty vocals, Bad Company helped define rock’s golden age during the 1970s and left an enduring legacy on the genre (Ultimate Classic Rock, 2025).

Chubby Checker’s role in popularizing dance culture through his smash hit “The Twist” is finally being recognized with his induction. Checker’s contribution to bringing dance music into mainstream culture during the 1960s marks a crucial moment in the evolution of pop (Variety, 2025).

Also joining the Hall is Joe Cocker, celebrated for his soul-stirring interpretations of classic songs. His passionate rendition of “With a Little Help from My Friends” at Woodstock made him a household name and demonstrated his unparalleled ability to connect emotionally with audiences.

Beyond the performers, the Rock Hall will present special awards this year. The Musical Influence Award goes posthumously to singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, praised for his dark humor and poignant lyrics. The Musical Excellence Award will honor producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins, and legendary session bassist Carol Kaye for their behind-the-scenes contributions. Lenny Waronker, former president of Warner Bros. Records, will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his leadership in shaping the careers of icons like Prince and Madonna.

The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class captures the evolving spirit of music, highlighting figures who pushed boundaries, inspired change, and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Sources: Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, Variety, Rock Hall 2025