Being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors in the music world. Each year, a new class is nominated, and then selected members are inducted. Their memorabilia is donated to the Hall to be put on display, and they may give a music performance or have a tribute at the Induction Ceremony.
In the past few years, the Hall has broadened their approach to the definition of “rock and roll”, with notable recent inductions instead falling primarily under hip hop, rap, and pop. This year is no exception. The 14 nominated members of the possible Class of 2025 have a wide variety of genres and some serious star power.
Artists can become eligible for nomination 25 years after releasing their first recording. Here is a look at this year’s nominees:
Bad Company, known for the band, an album, and a song all having the same name, was nominated for the first time. Their songs like “Shooting Star,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and “Bad Company” have become radio staples.
The Black Crowes, best known for their debut 1990 album “Shake Your Money Maker,” has made their first nomination appearance. The “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels” band was formed by a pair of brothers in Atlanta, GA.
Mariah Carey, known for her five-octave vocal range, was an influential part of the music scene in the 90s. Contrary to popular belief, she has other music than 1994’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”. She received her first Rock Hall nomination last year, and this is her second nomination.
83-year-old Chubby Checker received his first-ever Rock Hall nomination this year. Known for popularizing “The Twist” song and dance at sock hops, he is considered one of the pioneers of original rock and roll.
Joe Cocker’s beautiful, raspy rendition of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” made him famous in the 70s, but before that, he performed at the Woodstock music festival. He passed away in 2014 and would be inducted posthumously.
Punk rocker Billy Idol was also nominated. His bleached spiky hair, leather jackets, and songs like “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Eyes Without a Face” made him well-known in the 80s.
While not as mainstream as some of the other nominees, new wave band Joy Division is credited by many bands as an influence. Later, members of Joy Division formed the band New Order and would be inducted under both names.
Female pop-rock queen Cyndi Lauper, known for hits like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Time After Time” has been nominated for a second time. Her debut album “She’s So Unusual” was released in 1983.
Spanish rock band Maná has become internationally known since forming in Mexico in 1986. They are known for Latin hits like “Rayando el Sol,” “Oye Mi Amor,” and “Vivir Sin Aire.” This is their first Rock Hall nomination.
British band Oasis, which had every millennial in a frenzy recently to get tickets to their upcoming tour, was nominated for the second year in a row. Known for “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova,” the band has become a staple in the Britpop and alternative genres.
Outkast, made up of artists André 3000 and Big Boi, is another group not primarily falling under the rock umbrella. Their debut “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” made them a well-known hip hop duo in 1994, and they are best known for iconic tracks like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson.”
Psychedelic rock band Phish, known for adopting the Grateful Dead’s “jam band” improvisational style, was nominated. The band has a strong cult following, and this is shown by the more than 40,000 fan votes currently separating them, in the number one spot, from number two Billy Idol.
Soundgarden, best known for “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” from their 1994 album “Superunknown,” has been nominated for a third time. The band’s debut album was released in 1988 and helped popularize grunge music.
The White Stripes, best known for their stadium anthem “Seven Nation Army,” was nominated for a second time. The guitarist and drummer duo’s album cover designs all incorporate red, black, and white.
The Rock Hall’s official press release states, “The 2025 Performer Inductees will be revealed in late April, along with those Inductees entering the Hall under three special committee categories: Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award.”
Have an opinion on this year’s class? Fans can vote for their top seven nominated artists once per day at vote.rockhall.com until April 21.
