Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and The White Stripes are among the 2025 class inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The star-studded 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles celebrated these musical acts and more.
The evening began with a tribute to the late Sly Stone, featuring Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Leon Thomas, Beck, Maxwell, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Elton John later led a tribute to the late Beach Boys member Brian Wilson, and the ceremony included a video tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
Performers inducted included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon were honored with the musical influence award. Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell received the musical excellence award, and producer Lenny Waronker was honored with the Ahmet Ertegun award.
Jack White accepted the honor on behalf of The White Stripes, with Meg White absent. Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performed "We're Going to Be Friends," while Twenty One Pilots covered "Seven Nation Army." Outkast, inducted by Donald Glover, brought nearly all of their collaborators to the stage. Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, with Lily Cornell Silver introducing a performance by her father's bandmates.
Chappell Roan inducted Lauper, who performed "True Colors" and was joined by Raye for "Time After Time." Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa joined for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Lauper's speech highlighted the contributions of women in music.
David Letterman and Missy Elliot inducted Zevon, Soundgarden, and Salt-N-Pepa. Letterman brought out Zevon's guitar for the tribute. Cheryl James, a member of Salt-N-Pepa, addressed the ongoing battle for ownership of their music, met with mixed reactions from the crowd.
The ceremony celebrated the impact of these musical acts and honored their contributions to the music industry, with a focus on the power of music to bring people together and make a difference.
