Outkast Joins Dynamic 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
Induction Ceremony to Stream Live November 8 from Los Angeles on Disney+
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has officially revealed its electrifying Class of 2025, with Atlanta’s own Outkast leading a dynamic group of inductees. The groundbreaking Hip Hop duo joins a powerhouse lineup of music legends who have helped shape and redefine the sound of modern culture. The announcement, delivered live by Ryan Seacrest during a special Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of “American Idol,” sets the stage for an unforgettable induction celebration.
Outkast’s Historic Moment
Outkast, the Grammy-winning duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, has been hailed as one of the most innovative and influential acts in music history. With a career spanning over three decades, Outkast redefined the boundaries of Hip Hop, blending funk, jazz, rock, and soul into genre-bending albums like “Aquemini,” “Stankonia,” and the critically acclaimed “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.” Their cultural impact, lyrical ingenuity, and fearless experimentation earned them a place among rock & roll’s greatest trailblazers.
Why is Outkast’s induction historic?
Outkast becomes one of the few Hip Hop groups recognized under the traditional Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Performer category. Their body of work, including classic albums like “ATLiens,” “Aquemini,” and “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,” redefined Hip Hop and expanded its cultural reach.
The 2025 Performer Inductees Joining Outkast in the Performer category are:
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Joe Cocker
- Cyndi Lauper
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
This year’s nominees include several first-timers, including Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker, while Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes had previously been nominated.
Additional Honorees Across Categories
Beyond the Performers, the Rock Hall recognized several influential contributors to music’s evolution:
- Musical Influence Award: Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon
- Musical Excellence Award: Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, Carol Kaye
- Ahmet Ertegun Award: Lenny Waronker
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, emphasized the inductees’ lasting significance: “Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever. Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
Induction Ceremony Details
The 2025 Induction Ceremony will take place Saturday, November 8, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Music fans can watch the event live on Disney+, with a special broadcast later airing on ABC and streaming the following day on Hulu.
Ticket on-sale information will be released soon. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members will have early access to ticket opportunities. Fans are encouraged to donate or join by June 30 to become eligible at rockhall.com/membership.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. Categories include:
- Performers: Honoring artists whose originality and impact changed the course of rock & roll.
- Musical Influence Award: Recognizing artists whose styles shaped the genre and broader culture.
- Musical Excellence Award: Given to artists and producers whose contributions have significantly impacted music.
- Ahmet Ertegun Award: Celebrating industry professionals influential to the creative growth of rock & roll.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rooted in the fusion of rhythm & blues, gospel, and country, rock & roll remains a global cultural force. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, celebrates the spirit of youth culture and the artists who connect generations. Through exhibits, digital media, live performances, and educational programs, the Rock Hall fosters creativity, inclusion, and community engagement. Visit rockhall.com and follow @rockhall on social platforms.
Interesting Notes
How many years after an artist’s debut must they wait to become eligible?
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording.
Who are the first-time nominees inducted this year?
Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker are all first-time nominees inducted in 2025.
What is the significance of the Ahmet Ertegun Award?
The Ahmet Ertegun Award honors non-performing industry professionals who have significantly influenced the creative development and growth of rock & roll.
When and where can you watch the 2025 Induction Ceremony?
The ceremony streams live on Disney+ on November 8, 2025, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a special airing later on ABC and next-day availability on Hulu.
