The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame revealed its 2025 nominations on Wednesday (February 12th), offering a celebration of diverse musical legends. This year’s ballot features 14 nominees, with eight appearing for the first time.
The roster of first-time nominees includes notable icons including Hip-Hop Icons, Outkast, Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Joe Cocker, and Chubby Checker, who popularized the famous dance craze with “The Twist.” Other fresh entries include Billy Idol, known for his punk-rock energy and Latin rock group Maná,
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Several returning nominees also bring excitement to this year’s selection. Mariah Carey, is back on the ballot alongside the British Pop legends Oasis. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer Cyndi Lauper, joins grunge influencers Soundgarden, The White Stripes, and Joy Division/New Order on the nomination list.
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An international voting panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry insiders will decide who gets inducted. Additionally, fans will have the chance to cast their own votes, which will count toward the final tally.
To qualify, artists must have released their first recording at least 25 years ago, showcasing their longstanding contributions to the industry.
The inductees are set to be revealed in April, adding anticipation to the music world.
The induction categories will also celebrate figures beyond performers, including honorees for musical influence and excellence, as well as recipients of the prestigious Ahmet Ertegun award. The highly anticipated ceremony will take place this fall in Los Angeles, though further details on the venue and tickets remain under wraps.
Outkast, the iconic hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, redefined the genre with their boundary-pushing sound and bold creativity. Emerging from Atlanta in the 1990s, they fused funk, soul, and electronic elements to craft a style that transcended traditional hip-hop norms. Their groundbreaking albums, including the Grammy-winning Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, delivered hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson,” solidifying their status as cultural innovators. Beyond music, Outkast’s unique fashion, storytelling, and fearless experimentation continue to inspire generations, making them one of the most influential acts in modern music history.
2. Bad Company
Bad Company, the legendary rock band formed in 1973, became pioneers in defining the classic rock sound of the 1970s. With a lineup featuring Paul Rodgers’ powerful vocals and Mick Ralphs’ masterful guitar work, they delivered timeless hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and “Shooting Star.” Known for their raw energy and soulful melodies, Bad Company’s music resonated with fans across generations. Their contributions to rock, marked by a blend of blues, hard rock, and unforgettable anthems, cemented their legacy as one of the genre’s most iconic acts.
3. The Black Crowes
4. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey, the iconic pop and R&B superstar, is celebrated for her incredible five-octave vocal range and timeless catalog of hits. Emerging in the early 1990s, she quickly dominated the charts with classics like “Vision of Love,” “Fantasy,” and the holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Known as the “Songbird Supreme,” her masterful vocal control and pioneering use of the whistle register set her apart. With 19 No. 1 hits, multiple Grammy Awards, and millions of records sold, Mariah’s influence spans generations, solidifying her legacy as a global music icon and trendsetter in modern pop culture.
5. Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker, the legendary rock and blues singer, captivated audiences with his soulful, gritty voice and passionate performances. Rising to fame in the late 1960s, his unique interpretations of songs like “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “You Are So Beautiful” became timeless classics. A standout at Woodstock, his raw energy and emotional depth left an indelible mark on music history. Known for blending rock, blues, and soul, Cocker’s decades-long career earned him critical acclaim, Grammy Awards, and a devoted fan base, securing his place as one of the most unforgettable voices in modern music.
6. Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker, a pioneer in music and dance, revolutionized pop culture with his 1960 hit “The Twist,” sparking a global dance craze. Known for his charismatic energy and dynamic performances, he broke barriers by making dancing a universal phenomenon across all generations. His influence not only reshaped dance culture but also solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in rock ‘n’ roll history. Decades later, Chubby Checker’s impact endures, reminding the world of his role in shaping modern music and dance.
7. Billy Idol
Billy Idol, the rebellious icon of punk rock and new wave, became a music legend with his snarling charm and electrifying hits. Rising to fame in the late 1970s and 80s, he delivered unforgettable anthems like “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Dancing with Myself.” With his signature blend of attitude, catchy hooks, and edgy style, Idol bridged underground punk sounds with mainstream appeal. His influence on music, fashion, and pop culture remains undeniable, making him a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll defiance and enduring coolness.
8. Maná
Maná, the trailblazing Latin rock band, has captivated audiences worldwide with their passionate music and powerful lyrics. Hailing from Mexico, they rose to prominence in the 1980s and 90s with iconic hits like “Rayando el Sol,” “Vivir Sin Aire,” and “Clavado en un Bar.” Known for blending rock, pop, and traditional Latin influences, Maná’s heartfelt performances and universal appeal have solidified their status as one of the most successful Latin bands in history. With multiple Grammy Awards, record-breaking tours, and millions of albums sold, their legacy continues to inspire generations of fans.
9. Phish
Phish, the legendary jam band, carved their place in music history with their improvisational mastery and genre-blending sound. Since forming in the 1980s, they’ve become renowned for their electrifying live performances, where no two shows are the same. Tracks like “You Enjoy Myself” and “Bouncing Around the Room” showcase their unique mix of rock, funk, jazz, and bluegrass influences. With a loyal fan base that follows them across the globe and a legacy of fostering a vibrant, community-driven music scene, Phish stands as a cultural and musical phenomenon.
10. Oasis
Oasis, the iconic band that spearheaded the Britpop movement, became a defining force in 1990s rock music. Hailing from Manchester, they captured global attention with timeless anthems like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.” Known for their swagger, infectious melodies, and the dynamic chemistry of brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, Oasis blended raw emotion with unforgettable hooks. Their influence on rock and pop culture remains undeniable, inspiring countless artists and fans worldwide. Decades on, their legacy as one of the greatest British rock bands endures.
11. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper, a vibrant force in pop music, rose to stardom in the 1980s with her distinctive voice and unforgettable hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” Known for her eclectic style and daring individuality, Lauper shattered conventions and championed self-expression. Beyond her chart-topping success, she became a cultural icon, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and using her platform for social change. With her Grammy, Emmy, and Tony accolades, Cyndi Lauper’s legacy as a trailblazer in music and culture continues to inspire generations.
12. The White Stripes
The White Stripes, a dynamic duo formed by Jack and Meg White, ignited the garage rock revival of the early 2000s with their raw energy and minimalist style. Known for their iconic red, white, and black aesthetic, they delivered unforgettable hits like “Seven Nation Army,” “Fell in Love with a Girl,” and “Blue Orchid.” With Jack’s blistering guitar riffs and Meg’s pounding drum beats, they redefined modern rock with a blend of blues, punk, and lo-fi charm. Their influence remains profound, inspiring a new wave of rock bands and proving that simplicity can be groundbreaking.
13. Joy Division and New Order
Joy Division and New Order are two groundbreaking acts that shaped post-punk and electronic music. Emerging from Manchester in the late 1970s, Joy Division delivered hauntingly raw tracks like “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” becoming icons of the post-punk era. After the tragic passing of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band evolved into New Order, blending synthesizers and dance rhythms to craft timeless hits like “Blue Monday” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.” Their innovative sound bridged genres, influencing generations of artists and leaving an enduring legacy in modern music.
