The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just got a whole lot cooler. But here's where it gets controversial: does this eclectic mix of artists truly represent the essence of rock & roll? The 2025 induction class, celebrated at the 40th annual ceremony in Los Angeles, included icons like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and The White Stripes, alongside legends such as Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, Soundgarden, and Warren Zevon. This diverse lineup sparked debates about the genre's boundaries, but one thing’s for sure—their impact on music is undeniable.
The star-studded event at the Peacock Theatre was a nostalgic journey through generations of music. The night began with a heartfelt tribute to Sly Stone, featuring Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, and even Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And this is the part most people miss: these tributes weren’t just performances; they were emotional homages to the artists who shaped the industry. Later, Elton John honored Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, and a video tribute celebrated Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy.
The performer category inductees—Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes—each received dedicated segments, except for Checker, who was honored via a video from a live show. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon were recognized for their musical influence, while Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell received the musical excellence award. Producer Lenny Waronker was honored with the Ahmet Ertegun award.
Jack White accepted The White Stripes’ induction, sharing a touching moment about his bandmate Meg White, who was absent. “She helped me write all of this,” he said, highlighting her behind-the-scenes contributions. Notably, Jack didn’t perform with the group; instead, Olivia Rodrigo and Feist covered their hit, ‘We’re Going to Be Friends,’ while Twenty One Pilots rocked ‘Seven Nation Army.’
Outkast’s induction by Donald Glover was a highlight, with André 3000 and Big Boi bringing their collaborators on stage. André 3000’s emotional reflection on their humble beginnings in the ‘Dungeon’ reminded everyone that greatness often starts in small places. The tribute performance featured Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, and Janelle Monáe, among others, celebrating hits like ‘Ms. Jackson’ and ‘Hey Ya.’
Soundgarden’s induction by Jim Carrey was poignant, with Chris Cornell’s daughter, Lily Cornell Silver, honoring her father. The performance included original member Hiro Yamamoto, who used the moment to address social justice, referencing his family’s internment during World War II. “Let’s not add another story like this to our history,” he urged.
Cyndi Lauper’s induction by Chappell Roan was nothing short of iconic. Roan’s extravagant outfit and candid admission about her blurry Teleprompter reading had the audience in stitches. Lauper’s performance of ‘True Colors’ was a powerful statement of inclusivity, as she displayed a pride flag mid-song. Later, she joined Raye for ‘Time After Time’ and Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa for ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.’ In her speech, Lauper honored the women who paved the way for her, declaring, “Rock and roll can still save the world.”
The night also saw David Letterman inducting Warren Zevon, using the guitar Zevon had gifted him, and Missy Elliot honoring Salt-N-Pepa. Cheryl James, aka Salt, used the platform to address their ongoing battle for music ownership. “We’re fighting for our masters,” she said, highlighting the industry’s unfair practices. Is this a sign of deeper issues in the music industry?
As the ceremony wrapped up, one question lingered: What does it mean to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025? Is it about genre purity, or is it about celebrating the artists who’ve left an indelible mark on music? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—does this class deserve their place, or is the Hall of Fame losing its way?
