Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Welcomes Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, and Soundgarden

Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, and The White Stripes to Join 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The 2025 induction ceremony honors artists from the 1950s through the 2000s, spanning multiple generations of musical innovation.

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles will celebrate music icons whose influence spans decades. Among this year’s inductees are Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, and The White Stripes. The ceremony recognizes artists who have shaped popular music, inspiring generations with groundbreaking work.

A Multi-Generational Celebration of Music

This year’s class highlights artists from the 1950s to the 2000s. Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Warren Zevon, and producer Thom Bell are also being inducted. The group represents a wide spectrum of genres, from early rock and soul to grunge, pop, and hip-hop.

Fans can expect a night that blends nostalgia with contemporary music. Each inductee’s career demonstrates the impact of creativity and innovation in shaping global music culture.

Presenters and Musical Tributes

Several high-profile artists and entertainers will present awards and perform. Chappell Roan will induct Cyndi Lauper, with Avril Lavigne performing alongside her. Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, will induct Outkast.

Elton John will pay tribute to the late Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Other guest appearances are expected from Missy Elliott, Olivia Rodrigo, and Twenty One Pilots. The ceremony may also feature live performances or reunions from bands like Soundgarden, Bad Company, Outkast, and The White Stripes.

Viewing the Ceremony

The 2025 ceremony takes place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. It is part of the Hall of Fame’s rotation among Los Angeles, New York, and Cleveland.

• Tickets allow fans to attend in person.

• The ceremony will livestream on Disney+ at 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific.

• Hulu will host a replay starting Sunday.

• ABC will air an edited version on January 1.

Who’s Being Inducted

• Outkast: 1990s rap duo with hits like “Hey Ya,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “Roses.”

• Cyndi Lauper: Pop icon with classics such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Time After Time.”

• Salt-N-Pepa: 1980s rap group known for “Push It” and “Let’s Talk About Sex.”

• The White Stripes: Garage rock duo with hits like “Seven Nation Army” and “We’re Going to Be Friends.”

• Soundgarden: 1980s grunge pioneers famous for “Black Hole Sun” and “Fell on Black Days.”

• Bad Company: 1970s English rock band known for “Bad Company” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”

• Chubby Checker: 1950s rock singer who popularized “The Twist.”

• Joe Cocker: Soulful English singer of “You Are So Beautiful.”

• Warren Zevon: Singer-songwriter known for “Werewolves of London.”

• Thom Bell: Soul producer behind hits like “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”

• Carole Kaye: Bassist on classics including “Good Vibrations.”

• Nicky Hopkins: Keyboardist featured on songs by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

• Lenny Waronker: Producer who shaped careers of artists like Prince and R.E.M.

Legacy and Influence

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors artists who have shaped modern music. This year’s inductees demonstrate how innovation, creativity, and perseverance define lasting influence. The ceremony reminds fans that music is both timeless and evolving.

From Cyndi Lauper’s pop anthems to Outkast’s genre-defying sound, the 2025 class reflects decades of cultural impact. Each artist’s work continues to inspire audiences around the world, proving that rock and roll is more than a genre—it is a global language.