Outkast, The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Chubby Checker & More to Join Rock Music Lineup for 2025

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted a diverse lineup of artists in its 2025 class, including iconic figures like Chubby Checker, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, and Soundgarden. These acts, ranging from rock to rap, were honored for their significant contributions to music over the years. It marked the first time Checker was nominated for the Hall of Fame, despite being eligible since 1986. Interestingly, he made it in on his first ballot. Similarly, first-time nominees like Bad Company, Joe Cocker, and Outkast were also recognized, along with Cyndi Lauper and The White Stripes, who had previous nominations, and Soundgarden, who had been nominated twice before.

The announcement of the inductees was made on ABC’s American Idol by Ryan Seacrest, showcasing the diversity and talent present in this year’s class. Additionally, the Hall of Fame recognized several individuals in other categories, including Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, Carole Kaye, and Lenny Waronker. It’s worth noting that sadly, some of the honorees like Hopkins, Zevon, and Bell had passed away prior to their induction, underscoring the importance of acknowledging their impact on music.

This year’s class also highlighted the growing inclusion of rap acts in the Hall of Fame, with both Outkast and Salt-N-Pepa being recognized, marking the sixth consecutive year that rap acts were part of the induction class. Female representation in music was another key theme, with four or more female acts being inducted for the fourth consecutive year.

The Hall of Fame also honored individuals like Thom Bell and Lenny Waronker for their musical excellence, underscoring the importance of producers and studio musicians in shaping the music landscape. Through their work, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for future generations of musicians and producers.

The induction ceremony, set to take place on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, will be a celebration of the diverse talents and contributions of these artists. With a mix of rock, rap, and influential figures from the industry, the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class encapsulates the rich tapestry of music history. As fans eagerly await the induction ceremony, the legacy of these artists will continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers around the world.