Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2025

Since its founding on April 20, 1983, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has immortalised the influence and legacy of hundreds of artists, bands, producers, and key musical figures across all genres—not just its namesake. From early blues pioneers to Motown legends and modern pop innovators, the Hall continues to celebrate the artists who shape the sound of every era.

The 2025 Inductees

The results are in, and this year’s Rock Hall class is a celebration of musical rule-breakers and trendsetters. While fan favourites Oasis and Mariah Carey were both nominated this year, neither made the final list—proving once again that even the biggest names can be snubbed when the ballots are counted.

OutKast finally took their rightful place in the Hall. The Atlanta duo redefined hip-hop in the 2000s with genre-bending albums like Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, blending funk, rap, soul and rock into a sound all their own. Watch "Hey Ya!" on YouTube.

The White Stripes, nominated once before and previously declining, are now officially in. Since forming in 1997, their stripped-back, garage-rock style reinvigorated rock in the early 2000s. Their now-iconic anthem "Seven Nation Army" has become a global chant. Watch it here.

Cyndi Lauper joins the Hall in a long-overdue induction. Known for her trailblazing style and empowering voice, Lauper has influenced generations of pop artists. "Time After Time" remains one of the most beloved ballads of the 1980s. Watch the video.

They’re joined in the Performer Category by:

Bad Company, the English rock supergroup known for hits like "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Can't Get Enough." Watch "Feel Like Makin' Love".

Chubby Checker, famed for popularising "The Twist" and revolutionising dance music. Watch "The Twist".

Joe Cocker, known for his soulful voice and Woodstock-defining cover of "With a Little Help from My Friends." Watch it here.

Soundgarden, pioneers of the grunge movement with Chris Cornell's unforgettable vocals. Watch "Black Hole Sun".

Special Category Inductees

Musical Influence Award:

Salt-N-Pepa – trailblazing female rap group known for empowering hits like "Push It." Watch here.

Warren Zevon – singer-songwriter celebrated for "Werewolves of London." Watch here.

Musical Excellence Award:

Thom Bell – key architect of the Philadelphia soul sound.

Nicky Hopkins – session pianist behind hits from The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

Carol Kaye – legendary bassist on thousands of tracks.

Ahmet Ertegun Award: Lenny Waronker, executive and producer behind major hits from the 1970s onward.

Celebrating the Sounds of the '60s

The 1960s were a decade of musical revolution. Inductees from this transformative era include:

Jimi Hendrix, whose guitar mastery reshaped rock’s sonic landscape. Watch "Purple Haze".

The Beatles, whose innovation and songwriting shaped the entire musical world. Watch "Come Together".

Simon & Garfunkel, masters of melody and harmony, who brought poetic introspection to the folk-rock movement. Watch "The Sound of Silence".

Cat Stevens, whose thoughtful songwriting and distinctive voice made him a defining artist of the era. Watch "Father and Son".

Johnny Cash, whose outlaw image and heartfelt storytelling made him a country-rock crossover. Watch "Folsom Prison Blues".

The Doors, mysterious and mesmerising. Watch "Light My Fire".

Pop Powerhouses

Pop isn’t short on Hall of Fame icons:

Whitney Houston, whose voice defined a generation. Watch "I Will Always Love You".

George Michael, the soulful crooner behind some of the most elegant pop ballads. Watch "Careless Whisper".

Mariah Carey, though not inducted this year, remains an undeniable force in pop and R&B. Watch "We Belong Together".

Madonna, Janet Jackson, Donna Summer and Cher represent the pop vanguard that constantly pushed sound, fashion, and performance into new realms.