The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2025 induction ceremony promises to be a star-studded event, packed with legendary artists and memorable performances. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of this year’s honorees have chosen unconventional paths regarding their induction. The ceremony will take place on November 8th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and has already revealed an impressive roster of presenters and performers set to pay tribute to the newly inducted icons.
This year’s induction class features a diverse group of music legends, including Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, The White Stripes, OutKast, Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, Chubby Checker, Bad Company, and Salt-N-Pepa. While these artists will be officially enshrined, who will perform in their honor or present them remains partially under wraps. What we do know is a thrilling lineup of special guests ready to participate, with more names expected to join the list soon.
Among those announced are acclaimed stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Elton John, David Letterman, Iggy Pop, Killer Mike, Doja Cat, Beck, Flea, Missy Elliott, Brandi Carlile, Questlove, Twenty One Pilots, J.I.D., Maxwell, RAYE, Teddy Swims, Taylor Momsen, and Sleepy Brown. This eclectic mix of musicians, entertainers, and presenters reflects the wide influence and continuing evolution of rock and roll today.
Viewers won’t have to miss out, as the event will be streamed live on Disney+ on the night of the ceremony. Afterward, the celebration will be accessible on Hulu for on-demand viewing, and a special broadcast will air on ABC on January 1st, giving music fans multiple ways to experience the excitement.
But here’s the part most people miss: not all inductees will be there to accept their honors. For example, Chubby Checker has opted to skip the ceremony in favor of a scheduled performance, adding an unexpected twist to the festivities. Meanwhile, Carole Kaye publicly declined her induction earlier this year, citing that the award doesn’t fully represent the invaluable contributions of studio and session musicians—sparking a thought-provoking debate about how the Hall of Fame chooses to honor artists behind the scenes.
For fans eager to see which 2000s-era artists might be heading for induction next, don’t forget to check out our detailed feature predicting the future Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. It’s a fascinating look at the evolving landscape of music legends.
What do you think about some artists declining or skipping their inductions? Does this challenge the prestige of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or does it highlight a deeper conversation about who truly deserves recognition? Share your thoughts and join the debate in the comments below.
