LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame welcomed its 2025 class Saturday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honoring a diverse group of music legends. The ceremony featured tributes, speeches and performances from acts such as Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa and Big Boi of Outkast, alongside numerous high-profile guest artists.
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after their first commercial release. Below is a look at this year’s inductees, some of their notable songs and the individuals who introduced or paid tribute to them.
Outkast:
The influential American rap duo, which emerged in the 1990s, was inducted by Donald Glover. Notable songs include “Hey Ya,” “Ms. Jackson” and “Roses.” The medley performance featured Big Boi, Janelle Monáe, JID, Doja Cat, Killer Mike and Sleepy Brown.
Bad Company:
The English rock band, formed in the 1970s, was inducted by Mick Fleetwood. Key songs include “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Can’t Get Enough” and “Bad Company.” Drummer Simon Kirke was joined on stage by Nancy Wilson of Heart, Joe Perry of Aerosmith and Black Crowes lead singer Chris Robinson.
Cyndi Lauper:
The American singer-songwriter, whose solo career began in the early 1980s, was inducted by Chappell Roan. Signature songs include “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.” Lauper performed a medley with guests Avril Lavigne, Raye and Salt-N-Pepa.
Soundgarden:
The American rock band, formed in 1984, was inducted by Jim Carrey. Notable tracks include “Black Hole Sun,” “Fell on Black Days” and “Outshined.” Surviving members performed with Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile, who filled in for late vocalist Chris Cornell. Cornell’s daughter Toni also performed, joined by Nancy Wilson.
Salt-N-Pepa:
The pioneering American rap group, founded in the 1980s, was inducted by Missy Elliott. Key songs include “Push It,” “Let’s Talk About Sex” and “Shoop.” The group performed a medley, with a special appearance by En Vogue.
Chubby Checker:
The American singer, who began recording in the 1950s, was inducted via video tribute. Checker, known for “The Twist,” “Limbo Rock” and “Let’s Twist Again,” accepted remotely.
Joe Cocker:
The English singer, who began releasing records in the 1960s and died in 2014, was inducted by Bryan Adams. Notable songs include “You Are So Beautiful,” “Up Where We Belong” and “With a Little Help From My Friends.” A medley featured performances by Teddy Swims, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Adams, Lauper, Chris Robinson and Nathaniel Rateliff.
The White Stripes:
The American rock band, active since the 1990s, was inducted by Iggy Pop. Key songs include “Seven Nation Army,” “We’re Going to Be Friends” and “Doorbell.” Olivia Rodrigo, Feist and Twenty One Pilots performed a tribute.
Warren Zevon:
The American singer-songwriter, who began his solo career in the early 1970s and died in 2003, was inducted by David Letterman. Signature songs include “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” “Werewolves of London” and “Keep Me in Your Heart.” Zevon was honored with a performance by the Killers.
Carole Kaye:
The renowned American session musician, primarily a bassist, has played on many hits since the 1950s. Her work includes the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” and Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were.” Kaye was inducted via video tribute.
Thom Bell:
The American music producer and songwriter, who began his career in the 1960s and died in 2022, was inducted via video tribute. His work includes the Delfonics’ “La-La (Means I Love You),” the Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man” and the Stylistics’ “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”
Nicky Hopkins:
The English session keyboardist, who contributed to dozens of hits since the 1960s and died in 1994, was inducted via video tribute. His credits include the Beatles’ “Revolution,” the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” and Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.”
Lenny Waronker:
The American music producer and executive, active since the 1970s, was inducted via video tribute. Notable songs from artists he produced or signed include Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s in Love,” Prince’s “Purple Rain” and R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony was broadcasted live Saturday on Disney+. If you missed it or want to watch it again, it will air January 1 from 8 to 11 pm on ABC and on Hulu afterwards.