Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, and Soundgarden are among the legendary artists selected for induction into the 2025 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The announcement was made by “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest during the ABC singing competition show on Sunday. Other notable inductees include the iconic British rock band Bad Company, hip-hop duo Outkast, legendary singer Joe Cocker, and the garage rock duo The White Stripes. The ceremony will take place on November 8 in Los Angeles and will be streamed live on Disney+.
The inductees were chosen by a combination of fan votes and input from industry experts. To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first recording at least 25 years ago. The 83-year-old Chubby Checker is best known for popularizing the Twist and other dance crazes in the 1960s, a period that saw him become a household name.
Bad Company, formed in 1973, brought hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Bad Company” into the rock mainstream. Joe Cocker, whose powerful voice made him a standout, made an unforgettable mark with his renditions of songs like “You Are So Beautiful” and his iconic performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” at Woodstock. Cyndi Lauper, 71, became a defining figure in the 1980s music scene with her vibrant style and anthems such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”
Soundgarden, one of the cornerstones of the Seattle grunge scene in the 1990s, will also be honored. The band, led by the late Chris Cornell, contributed hits like “Black Hole Sun” to the rock world before Cornell’s tragic death in 2017. Outkast, known for their genre-defying music and massive hits like “Hey Ya!” will also join the prestigious ranks. Lastly, The White Stripes, who helped bring garage rock back into the spotlight in the early 2000s, will be inducted as well.
The induction ceremony promises to be a star-studded event, celebrating the diverse influence these artists have had on the music world and their lasting legacies in the history of rock and roll.
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