Northeast Ohio’s Music Institution Reveals Diverse Group of Inductees on American Idol
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2025 Sunday night during a special episode of American Idol, revealing a diverse group of 13 honorees that spans multiple genres and generations. The inductees will be formally celebrated at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 8.
Performer Inductees Feature First-Time Nominees and Veterans
In the Performer category, this year’s inductees include Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes. Four of these artists—Bad Company, Checker, Cocker and Outkast—were inducted on their first nomination.
The hard rock supergroup Bad Company, formed in 1973 in London by former members of Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson, made their mark with radio standards like “Bad Company,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” The band featured vocalist Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs, bassist Raymond “Boz” Burrell, and drummer Simon Kirke.
Checker’s induction finally addresses what many considered a longstanding omission among fans of early rock & roll, while Soundgarden made it in on their third nomination and both Lauper and the White Stripes prevailed in their second ballot appearances.
Special Awards Recognize Influential Artists and Industry Figures
Beyond the Performer category, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will receive the Musical Influence Award, recognizing artists whose music has directly influenced and inspired rock & roll and youth culture. The Musical Excellence Award will go to Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye, honoring their originality and impact on music development.
Veteran music industry executive Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, which recognizes non-performing industry professionals who have significantly influenced the creative development and growth of rock & roll.
Notable Fan Vote Results and Milestones
Interestingly, Phish, who dominated the fan vote from start to finish, did not secure induction this year, highlighting the distinction between fan popularity and the final selection process by the Hall’s voting body.
This year’s class marks the fourth consecutive year with four or more female inductees (Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, Meg White of The White Stripes, and Carol Kaye). At 90 years old, Carol Kaye becomes this year’s oldest inductee, celebrating her groundbreaking work as part of Phil Spector’s Wrecking Crew.
Upon hearing the news of Outkast’s induction, Killer Mike—who won his first Grammy Award for his guest vocals on their 2001 single “The Whole World”—told AllHipHop, “The South has truly said something, time and time again and did it while remaining players and so fresh and so clean every step of the way.”
Ceremony Details and Remembrances
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will be broadcast live on Disney+ on Saturday, November 8, with a special airing on ABC at a later date and available on Hulu the following day.
The diverse class includes several influential artists who are no longer with us, including Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, Joe Cocker, Nicky Hopkins, Thom Bell, and Boz Burrell of Bad Company, whose legacies continue to shape music today.
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