By Jordan Grim • November 09, 2025 • 05:20 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 09, 2025 • 05:20 AM (PDT)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025 induction ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was an emotional and electrifying night, highlighting the power of music and its enduring legacy. The event saw iconic artists like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, and Soundgarden officially enter the revered hall. The evening was a blend of stirring tributes, defiant calls for courage, and unforgettable performances, proving why this music remains a fundamental part of the American cultural landscape.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments belonged to the newly inducted Cyndi Lauper. Her rendition of ‘True Colors’ turned into a bold, defiant moment as Lauper shouted ‘don’t be afraid!’ while lifting her fist high in the air. This emotional moment was followed by a spectacular all-female band performance of her hits.
Lauper was joined by Raye for “Time After Time” and Avril Lavigne for “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” As Lauper called out to the ladies in the crowd, fellow inductees Salt N Pepa spontaneously joined the stage, dancing along. Earlier, Chappell Roan, wearing a grand, showgirl-style headpiece, inducted Lauper, praising her for redefining what a pop star could be. Roan’s sentiments echoed the night’s theme of strong female voices, a theme Salt-N-Pepa also championed.
The induction of Salt N Pepa was a rousing celebration of women in music. Cheryl “Salt” James delivered a powerful acceptance speech, dedicating the moment to “every woman who picked up a mic when they told her she couldn’t.” The trio, including Sandra “Pepa” Denton and DJ Spinderella, donned their classic tri-color jackets and rocked the crowd with an exhilarating performance of “Push It.” Their set also included classics like “Shoop” and “Let’s Talk About Sex,” later joined by En Vogue for “What a Man.” James also spoke about their ongoing battle to reclaim their master recordings, declaring, “The industry still refuses to play fair, but Salt-N-Pepa have never backed down from a fight.”
While fans had hoped for a full reunion, Outkast members Andre 3000 and Big Boi stood together on stage, surrounded by friends and collaborators. André 3000 delivered a long, heartfelt, and ultimately tearful speech, reflecting on the duo’s humble beginnings in an Atlanta basement, proclaiming, “Great things start in little rooms.”
Though Andre 3000 didn’t perform, Big Boi (wearing shorts and a fur coat) led an “express tour” of Outkast’s discography. The set was a star-studded affair, featuring Tyler the Creator, JID, and Killer Mike. Janelle Monáe shook her way through “Hey Ya,” and Doja Cat delivered a smooth, soulful take on “Ms. Jackson.” The duo’s induction cemented their status as pioneers, further highlighting the diversity celebrated at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The ceremony was marked by several moving tributes. Actor Jim Carrey, a lifelong fan, inducted Soundgarden, visibly fighting back tears as he paid homage to the late Chris Cornell, calling his voice one that “will continue to light up the ether.” Cornell’s daughter, Toni, performed a quiet rendition of “Fell on Black Days,” backed by her father’s bandmates.
Another highlight was the induction of The White Stripes. While drummer Meg White was absent, Jack White emotionally spoke about their unique one-on-one collaboration. Twenty One Pilots played a stadium-shaking version of “Seven Nation Army,” and Olivia Rodrigo and Feist offered an acoustic “We’re Gonna Be Friends.”
The night also featured tributes to absent or late inductees, including the funk legend Sly Stone, honored by Stevie Wonder and an all-star band, and Bad Company, with only drummer Simon Kirke on stage. The rock and roll hall of fame 2025 ceremony was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to inspire, challenge, and unite.