The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Saturday in Los Angeles, honoring artists including Cyndi Lauper and Outkast. Performers like Teddy Swims and Chappell Roan paid tribute to the inductees during the event. Highlights from the ceremony will air on ABC on Jan. 1, 2026.
Ceremony Overview
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held Saturday in Los Angeles, streaming live on Disney+ starting at 8 p.m. ET. The event celebrated a diverse group of music pioneers, marking significant milestones such as Outkast becoming the first rap duo inducted.
Key Inductees
Performers inductees included British rockers Bad Company, rock 'n' roll pioneer Chubby Checker, the late Joe Cocker, Seattle grunge band Soundgarden, and Atlanta rappers Outkast, formed by Big Boi and André 3000 in high school. Outkast is known for blending genres like jazz, techno, and funk, with hits like 'Ms. Jackson' and the multi-Diamond album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which won album of the year at the 46th Grammys.
In the Musical Influence category, the late Warren Zevon and hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa were honored. Musical Excellence inductees were session bassist Carol Kaye, producer Thom Bell, and pianist Nicky Hopkins.
Performances and Tributes
Cyndi Lauper was inducted by Chappell Roan, who praised her as a performer, songwriter, fashion icon, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Lauper performed 'True Colors,' 'Time After Time' with RAYE, and 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' featuring Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa. In her acceptance speech, she said, 'I know that I stand on the shoulders of the women in the industry that came before me,' adding, 'The little kid in me still believes that rock 'n' roll can save the world.' Pat Benatar, a fellow inductee, noted the historical imbalance in female representation, saying, 'It's great to see her finally get in too because she deserves to be there.'
Teddy Swims contributed to tributes for Joe Cocker, performing on 'Feelin’ Alright' and a closing jam of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' alongside Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bryan Adams, Cyndi Lauper, and Chris Robinson. Swims told ABC Audio that Cocker had a 'huge influence' on him, joking, 'I just hope that they call me the fat Joe Cocker one day.' Other performers included Olivia Rodrigo for The White Stripes, Doja Cat for Outkast, En Vogue, Missy Elliott, Twenty One Pilots, Janelle Monáe, The Killers, and more. Presenters featured Donald Glover inducting Outkast, Jim Carrey, David Letterman, Elton John, and Questlove.
Broadcast Details
The full ceremony streamed on Disney+, with an ABC highlights special airing Jan. 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.