The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced. Who is a cut above the rest this year? Every year, fans eagerly await to learn who will receive music’s most incredible honor. This year’s candidates include rockers from the past and emerging talent, encompassing a diverse range of genres.
Talents included are performers, musical influences, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performing professionals who have significantly influenced the growth and creative development of rock and roll.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Performers
Included on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees list for 2025 are Chubby Checker, known for the classic song “The Twist” in 1960. While he was eligible for the honor since 1986, this is his first time on the official ballot.
Other first-time nominees include Outkast, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company. Two top performers were nominated the second time: The White Stripes and Cyndi Lauper. Soundgarten was nominated for the third time.
Musical Influence and Excellence
The musical influence category encompasses artists who have had a significant impact on the industry. The two performers set to receive the coveted musical influence award are Warren Zevon and Salt-N-Pepa.
Musical excellence is another honored category. This honor will be awarded to pianist/organist Nicky Hopkins, Thom Bell, the Philly Soul producer, and bass guitarist Carole Kaye, who was part of the Wrecking Crew of top studio musicians in L.A.
Non-Performing Professionals
Many non-performing professionals influenced the creative development and growth of rock and roll over the decades, often influencing culture. These professionals are eligible for the illustrious Ahmet Ertegun Award.
In 2025, producer and label executive Lenny Waronker will be honored with this award. The industry leader produced many hits, including Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E.’s in Love” and Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”
When, Where, More About Who
The inductees were announced by Ryan Seacrest on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame episode of “American Idol.” The induction will be live on Saturday, November 8, at the Peacock Theater in California. Fans can catch the live stream on Disney+, the next day on Hulu, and a special airing on ABC on another date.
Eligibility for induction requires an artist or band to have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years before nomination. John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, stated, “Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever.”
