The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their nominees for their 2025 class today. The list interestingly features no newly eligible artists (including big acts like Disturbed, Linkin Park, and Sum 41), but rather 14 artists who have been eligible for at least a few years, eight of whom are on the ballot for the first time. Two artists return from last year’s ballot, while the other four have been nominated at some point within the last five years. This year’s class is very strong, but of course there were some snubs.
According to the Hall, “an artist’s musical impact and influence on other artists, length and depth of career and body of work as well as innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration” for induction. Artists are eligible 25 years after their first commercial release. Approximately 1,200 musical artists, historians, critics and journalists, and music industry professionals will vote on who is inducted.
The nominees for 2025 are (in alphabetical order) Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
Notably, most of the artists are alive and would be able to receive their induction in person. of course, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden passed away in 2017, Ian Curtis of Joy Division passed in 1980, and a couple notable members of Bad Company and the Black Crowes are gone as well.
Below, each artist is described and is given overall odds for induction (in alphabetical order).
Bad Company Genre(s): Hard Rock, Blues Rock Odds of Induction: High
Bad Company released their first music in 1974. One of the most critically and commercially popular rock bands from the mid-1970s to early 1990s, Bad Company had six albums certified platinum or higher, plus another three gold albums. With great success and popularity, longevity, and an extensive discography, Bad Company should be in the Rock Hall.
The Black Crowes Genre(s): Rock , Southern Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
The Black Crowes released their first music in 1990. The band has released two multi-platinum and three gold albums among their international success. Consistently charting since their debut, the group’s success could seem them gain support for the Rock Hall.
Mariah Carey Genre(s): Pop, R&B Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Mariah Carey released her first music in 1991. Eight of her first twelve albums have been certified multi-platinum in multiple countries, with the other four being certified platinum in multiple countries. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, is considered an icon, and is recognized for her incredible voice and vocal range. A fun fact, she was the first artist to have a number-one single in the physical, digital, and streaming ages of music. Vocally and musically, she has influenced a great number of artists. Like Mary J. Blige above her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction (she’s also already had most of the other highest honors achievable for American artists).
Chubby Checker (real name Ernest Evans) Genre(s): Rock n’ Roll, R&B Odds of Induction: High
Chubby Checker’s first commercial release came in 1959, making him eligible for the Hall in 1985. He is best known for top hits “The Twist,” “Pony Time,” and “Limbo Rock” along with the dances that went with each song. Evans’ influence on Rock n’ Roll culture is substantial for his popularization of Rock n’ Roll dances. He protested outside the 2002 Rock Hall induction for believing he had been snubbed for the Hall up to that point – a snub which continues through today.
Joe Cocker Genre(s): Pop, Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Joe Cocker released his first singles in 1968. Known for his hit song “With A Little Help from My Friends,” Cocker is considered one of the greatest rock singers of all time. With an extensive discography, success and popularity, and critical respect, Cocker is likely for induction to the Rock Hall.
Billy Idol (real name William Michael Albert Broad) Genre(s): Punk, Hard Rock, New Wave Odds of Induction: Medium
Billy Idol released his first solo music in 1981. Known for his vocal style, Idol released seven straight albums certified gold or higher in several countries, including compilations. Also known for his style, Idol’s success and solid discography will likely earn him nomination to the Rock Hall ballot.
Joy Division and New Order Genre(s): Post-punk, Gothic Rock, New Wave Odds of Induction: High
Frustratingly, even though they share all but one of the same members, Joy Divison and New Order have been nominated jointly despite their unique sounds from one another. However, they each have about a medium chance of induction on their own, so a joint nomination could push them closer to the Hall.
Joy Division released their first EP in 1978. Known for their melancholy lyrics, spacious sound, and energetic concerts, the band is considered one of the first post-punk artists. Despite a limited discography due to lead singer Ian Curtis’ death, the band has influenced many artists, including The Cure, U2, Soundgarden, and Vince Staples.
New Order released their first music in 1981. Comprised of the remaining members of Joy Division, the band is known for combining post-punk with synth-pop and electronic dance music, a unique combination that has influenced the development of techno and other subgenres of electronic music, as well as pop music. Their hit “Blue Monday” is also the best-selling 12” single of all time.
The bands’ combined musicality and influence should give them a good chance at Rock Hall induction.
Cyndi Lauper Genre(s): Pop, New Wave Odds of Induction: High
Cyndi Lauper released her first music in 1983. Jumping out of the gate with international hits “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” Lauper also released five straight albums certified gold or higher in several countries. Lauper helped to popularize punk style in popular music and furthered the popularity of New Wave. Already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and writer of the music for the hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots, Lauper has been an icon for other female vocalists and women in rock. After Pat Benatar, Big Mama Thornton, and Mary Wells, Lauper is next on the list of solo women missing from the Rock Hall.
Maná Genre(s): Latin Pop, rock en español, rock, pop rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Maná released their first music (as Maná) in 1987. One of the most notable rock en español artists, all but three of their albums are certified multi-platinum or diamond in multiple countries (and one of the three is certified gold in multiple countries), in addition to two very successful live albums. While much of their success and influence has come in Latin America and Spanish-speaking countries, the Rock Hall is supposed to be for acts from all over the world, not just the U.S. and UK. The group has melded genres including Latin pop, rock, pop rock, and others, giving them excellent musicality and influence among Latin rock and pop artists. Their success, large body of work, and musicality should give them a solid case for induction.
Oasis Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Britpop Odds of Induction: High
Oasis released their first music (aside from a promotional single) in 1994. Known as the face of Britpop, all seven of the band’s studio albums are certified multi-platinum in multiple countries. Aside from massive success, they have influenced artists including Coldplay, Maroon 5, Ryan Adams, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Alvvays. Their success and popularity, musicality, and influence should make them a lock for the Hall.
Outkast Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Medium
Outkast released their first single in 1993. Known for their worldwide hit songs “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey Ya,” all six of the duo’s studio albums are certified multi-platinum, including the diamond-certified, worldwide hit album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Credited with popularizing a southern style of hip-hop, Outkast incorporated many styles of music into their sound and is known for their positive lyrics. Their success and musicality make a good case for their induction to the Rock Hall.
Phish Genre(s): Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Phish released their first album in 1986 (without a label). Known for their live performing style, the band has released two platinum and seven gold albums. The group made a name for themselves in their touring, gaining a large and dedicated fan base who were receptive to their progressive rock style in concert. Their longevity, musicality, and success should get them support for the Rock Hall.
Soundgarden Genre(s): Grunge, Alternative Metal, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Soundgarden released their first music in 1987. They released four straight albums certified gold or multi-platinum among international success. Credited with helping to popularize grunge, the band was also an influence on the development of alternative metal. Known for their alternative tunings and technical ability, the band influenced Nirvana, plus other grunge and metal artists.
The White Stripes Genre(s): Garage Rock, Blues Rock, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: High
The White Stripes released their first singles in 1998. Helping to re-popularize garage rock, the husband-wife duo broke through for solid critical and commercial success. Along with success, technical ability – their sound is especially impressive considering it’s just the two of them – and musicality will bring them to the Rock Hall.
Here are the artists that were newly eligible this year but did not make the ballot:
3 Doors Down Genre(s): Post-Grunge, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Low
3 Doors Down released their first music in 2000. Known for hit songs “Kryptonite” and “Here Without You,” the band had a decade of solid charting success, including one gold album, one platinum album, and two multi-platinum albums. With other successful post-grunge bands with more recognition ahead of them, they have a tough road to the Hall.
Ryan Adams Genre(s): Indie Rock, Alternative Country, others Odds of Induction: Slim
Ryan Adams released his first solo album in 2000. Noted for his songwriting and genre-switching, and musical respect from many noted artists, Adams will likely not enter the Hall after allegations of sexual harassment and emotional manipulation from multiple women, most of which he accepted and apologized for.
Against Me! Genre(s): Punk Rock, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Against Me! released their first EP in 2000. Known for songs about transgenderism and LGBTQ+ issues, the band has found solid commercial and critical success. They would add some much-needed representation to the Rock Hall, as frontwoman Laura Jane Grace is a transgender woman. Their critical regard and musicality give them a case for the Hall.
Michelle Branch Genre(s): Pop Rock, Country Odds of Induction: Low
Michelle Branch released her first solo album in 2000. She took over pop rock for several years with her multi-platinum sophomore album and a platinum junior effort, along with a hit feature on Santana’s “Game of Love,” for which she won a Grammy. She then co-formed Grammy-nominated The Wreckers. Her critical and commercial success are enough for the Hall, but she is missing influence and other pop-rockers, like Avril Lavigne, are probably ahead of her on the list.
Jeremy Camp Genre(s): Christian Rock, Contemporary Christian Odds of Induction: Low
Jeremy Camp released his first album in 2000. While he has not crossed over into mainstream charts much, Camp has dominated Christian charts for two decades and has influenced a number of Christian artists.
Dashboard Confessional Genre(s): Emo, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Low
A mainstay on the “scene,” Dashboard released their first album in 2000 and have three albums certified gold in addition to their renowned MTV Unplugged appearance that garnered them a platinum live album. While they are a respected touring band, their odds for induction lag behind others in similar genres.
Photo by Ted Van Pelt, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Disturbed Genre(s): Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: High
Disturbed released their first music in 2000. Five of their first six albums are all certified platinum in multiple countries (and the other one is certified gold). They are one of the most critically and commercially successful hard rock/metal acts of the 21st century. They also have one of the best song covers of all time.
Nelly Furtado Genre(s): R&B, Pop, others Odds of Induction: Medium
Nelly Furtado released her debut album (and hit single “I’m like A Bird”) in 2000. Known for working in a variety of genres, Furtado has two multi-platinum, one platinum, and two gold albums. She has also influenced other artists, such as Lorde and Dua Lipa. There are other divas and pop stars ahead of her, but she has a decent case for the Rock Hall.
Good Charlotte Genre(s): Punk Pop, Emo Odds of Induction: Medium
Good Charlotte released their first music in 2000. With both critical and commercial success, including four straight albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries, and a distinct image, the band could become a representative for punk pop in the Hall.
Gorillaz Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Alternative Hip-Hop, Art Pop, others Odds of Induction: High
Gorillaz released their first EP in 2000. Known for combining their music with fictional animated personas, the band has released one platinum album and two multi-platinum albums in multiple countries. They have influenced a variety of artists, as well as animated programs. Their success, influence, and musicality will get them a spot in the Rock Hall.
Interpol Genre(s): Indie Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Interpol released their first EP in 2000. While they have a couple of gold albums to their name, similar – and more successful – artists like the Strokes and Arctic Monkeys have a much greater chance at eventual induction.
Juanes Genre(s): Latin Rock, Latin Pop, others Odds of Induction: Medium
Juanes released his first solo music in 2000. He is one of the best-selling artists of all time from Latin America, having released 8 albums certified gold or platinum in multiple countries. He has also had crossover success into the U.S., and has won many Grammy’s and Latin Grammy’s. With a Spanish language rock artist in Maná finally nominated this year, his chances for eventual induction have gone up.
Keane Genre(s): Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Keane released their first single in 2000. Keane have one gold, one platinum, and two multi-platinum albums on their résumé. They are unique in that they often use keyboard as the lead instrument, over guitar. There are quite a few other alternative rock British bands, like Oasis and Blur, that will need to clear a path for induction for Keane.
Lifehouse Genre(s): Post-Grunge Odds of Induction: Low
Lifehouse released their first music under that name in 2000. Known for hits “Hanging by A Moment,” “You and Me,” and “Broken,” the band has released one multi-platinum album and two gold albums. A solid amount of post-grunge artists sit ahead of them, making their road to the Hall tough.
Linkin Park Genre(s): Nu-Metal, Alternative Metal, Rap Rock Odds of Induction: Lock
Linkin Park released their first music under that name in 2000. The only nu-metal artist with near-universal acclaim, Linkin Park is one of the best-selling artists of all time. Massive success, musicality, and influence have guaranteed them a spot in the Hall.
Nelly [real name Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr.] Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Medium
Nelly released his debut, now diamond-certified, album Country Grammar in 2000. He also has two other multi-platinum albums, plus one platinum album and one gold album. He has had a lot of success, but he has also had multiple personal issues, including drug charges and sexual assault and rape allegations, which might hurt his case.
Sean Paul [full name Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques] Genre(s): Dancehall, Reggae Odds of Induction: Low
Sean Paul released his first music in 2000. While he is known for his features, he has released several commercially and critically successful solo albums. Reggae is not often discussed for the Rock Hall, so the road to induction for Paul would be tough, especially with more notable genre pioneers not yet inducted.
P!nk [real name Alecia Beth Moore-Hart] Genre(s): Pop, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: High
P!nk released her first music in 2000. All nine of her studio albums are certified gold or higher, with the first eight all certified platinum or higher, plus a host of other certified live, compilation, and video albums. She is one of the most successful singers of the 21st Century and has more of a rock tinge to her music than other singers like Mariah Carey that have struggled to be inducted thus far. She has also bee recognized for her voice and musicality, and has influenced a large number of her peers and new singers. She has a solid chance for induction.
Rascal Flatts Genre(s): Country, Country Pop, Country Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Rascal Flatts released their first music in 2000. Known best for crossover hit “Life is A Highway,” the band is probably a lock for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Seven straight platinum or multi-platinum albums and critical success helps their case, but genre hurts their chances with the Rock Hall.
Relient K Genre(s): Punk Pop, Christian Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Relient K released their first music in 2000. A band with a lot of crossover appeal, they have released three gold albums. Other punk pop bands with greater success and influence hold up their path to the Hall.
Regina Spekter Genre(s): Anti-folk, Indie Pop Odds of Induction: Slim
Regina Spekter released a collaboration single in 2000. Spekter has a couple of gold albums and hot singles, but she is mostly known for her live performances. She is a fairly niche artist in an obscure genre, so she has a steep climb to make the Rock Hall.
Surfjan Stevens Genre(s): Indie Folk, Indie Pop Odds of Induction: Slim
Surfjan Stevens release his first album in 2000. His career notes and case are nearly identical to Spekter’s.
Photo by Dana Beveridge, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Sum 41 Genre(s): Punk Pop, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: Medium
Sum 41 released their first single in 2000. Known for their punk lyrics and variation on the punk and punk pop styles, the band has influenced a variety of artists. One of the most successful punk pop acts, they have also released two platinum albums and two multi-platinum albums in several countries.
Uncle Kracker (real name Matthew Shafer) Genre(s): Rock, Country Odds of Induction: Slim
Uncle Kracker released his first album in 2000. Known for adult contemporary chart staples “Follow Me,” “Drift Away,” and “Smile,” he has released one multi-platinum album. Little success outside that and a lack of influence will keep him out of the Hall.
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