The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2025 nominee list, and it’s a year dominated by fresh faces. Among the first-time contenders are Bad Company, the Black Crowes, Joe Cocker, and Billy Idol, all long considered overdue for recognition.
Joining them in their inaugural nomination are Chubby Checker, Mexican pop-rock outfit Maná, OutKast, and jam-band pioneers Phish, adding a broad stylistic mix to this year’s field.
Alongside these first-timers, six artists previously nominated but never inducted are back in contention. Mariah Carey and Oasis were both on last year’s list, while Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, and Soundgarden—the latter also a 2020 nominee—return after missing out in 2023.
Last year’s Rock Hall class saw Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest enshrined as performers.
Meanwhile, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton received the Musical Influence Award, and Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield were recognized for Musical Excellence. Industry figure Suzanne de Passe earned the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The final list of 2025 Performer Inductees—as well as those honoured in the Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and Ahmet Ertegun Award categories—will be announced in late April.
The 2025 Induction Ceremony is set for Los Angeles this autumn, with specific dates and ticket details to follow.
