The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! The names of the new inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have finally been revealed, bringing excitement and anticipation to music lovers everywhere.

In an impressive lineup, seven iconic artists are set to receive this prestigious honor this November: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.

Additionally, the Musical Influence Awards will be presented to Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon, while the Musical Excellence Awards are designated for Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye. Moreover, Lenny Waronker will receive the esteemed Ahmet Ertegun Award.

As we celebrate the seven core inductees, our team at UCR has some intriguing insights and opinions to share regarding the artists that were recognized and those that were overlooked. Below, our panel discusses the unexpected inclusions and notable exclusions of this year’s inductee class.

1) Which Inductee Surprised You the Most?

Michael Gallucci: Chubby Checker — It seemed like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame had abandoned the idea of honoring artists from the early years of rock music. I was under the impression that they often reserve the Musical Influence Award for those artists instead.

Bryan Rolli: Initially, I thought Chubby Checker was the surprise pick, but it’s unusual to nominate someone for the first time after 40 years of eligibility without a compelling reason. Ultimately, I’m most taken aback by Soundgarden. They should have been inducted long ago and deserve this recognition, and yet I feared they might slip through the cracks yet again, especially with stiff competition from other notable ’90s and ’00s rock bands like Oasis, The Black Crowes, and The White Stripes.

Matt Wardlaw: Joe Cocker is my pick. Despite receiving significant support from fellow artists this year, I never expected him to finally get the nod. I’m a longtime admirer of his work, and he truly deserves this honor. However, considering the multitude of deserving artists still waiting for their turn, I feared he might remain on the list of those overlooked forever. It saddens me that he won’t be around to accept this recognition personally.

Matthew Wilkening: Chubby Checker stands out as the most surprising to me, though I believe this year’s class is composed of generally agreeable choices. Choosing him as a standout inductee feels almost trivial, as he is often remembered as a one-hit wonder—albeit a significant one. While I think he might fit better in the singles category they introduced years ago, it’s unfortunate that artists like him and many early rock pioneers did not receive the respect they deserved while they were still alive.

Corey Irwin: For me, the most unexpected inclusion has to be Salt-N-Pepa. I enjoy hits like “Shoop” and “Push It,” but their nomination truly caught me off guard. They have been eligible since 2012 and have never even been mentioned on any “most snubbed” lists that circulate annually. Their induction under the somewhat nebulous Musical Influence Award indicates that substantial discussions may have taken place behind the scenes.

Nick DeRiso: Chubby Checker fits the bill as the conventional choice, a novelty act from years gone by. However, the real surprise for me is The White Stripes, a band that played a crucial role in revitalizing stripped-down rock music. Their rapid rise and fall in mainstream appeal during the early 2000s could make the Hall hesitant, as they have shown little interest in more recent acts.

Allison Rapp: I have to go with Chubby Checker as well. He certainly deserves this recognition, but I expected other nominees to have a stronger chance of being selected, especially in the performer category.

2) Which Exclusion Surprised You the Most?

Gallucci: Joy Division/New Order — The impact these two bands have had on countless artists and the direction of music is far greater than many of the acts slated for induction this year.

Rolli: I was shocked to see Oasis miss the cut, especially considering their upcoming reunion tour. Their controversial, rebellious spirit has garnered both criticism and adoration from fans and critics alike. The narrative of them mending fences for a massive farewell tour is a story that could have captivated audiences.

Matt Wardlaw: Critics have been particularly harsh towards Phish, dismissing them for a variety of reasons for far too long. They have proven themselves as more than just a band that gained attention when the Grateful Dead ceased touring. Their talent is undeniable. Recently, they topped the fan vote, which further validates their relevance and merit for induction, making it disheartening that they were overlooked due to critical bias.

Wilkening: It’s surprising that Billy Idol, the quintessential ’80s rock star, didn’t make the cut. He was a master at blending punk, new wave, and pop, and one of the early icons of MTV. Additionally, it seemed like the perfect moment to honor him, coinciding with his new album, a documentary, and an extensive tour.

Irwin: I truly believed Billy Idol would get inducted this year. He has garnered significant support from influential figures like Ozzy Osbourne, and he’s always maintained a positive relationship with the Hall, despite the long wait to have his name on the ballot. I still hold out hope that he’ll eventually receive his due recognition.

DeRiso: Again, I hoped for Joy Division/New Order. Their influence and popularity align with what Rock Hall voters typically value. A potential induction night drama involving co-founding bassist Peter Hook would have been an entertaining subplot. However, after their snub this year, my expectations were not high.

Rapp: I am genuinely surprised Billy Idol didn’t make the final list. The competition was fierce, but considering his ongoing relevance and profound impact on punk and rock, along with his contributions to music videos, he seemed a prime candidate. I also thought at least one of the tumultuous bands from the ’90s, like Oasis or The Black Crowes, would secure a spot.

3) Who Are You Most Excited to See Inducted?

Gallucci: I’m thrilled to see Warren Zevon finally recognized, even if it’s through the somewhat minor Musical Influence Award. This award increasingly feels like a way for the Hall to amend past oversights.

Rolli: It’s about time Soundgarden received the recognition they deserve. After 13 years of eligibility, they finally get their moment alongside fellow grunge icons Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Although it’s bittersweet that Chris Cornell is no longer with us to relish this honor, he certainly merits recognition as a once-in-a-lifetime performer and vocalist.

Matt Wardlaw: I’m excited about Warren Zevon, Bad Company, and Soundgarden, and honestly, I’m pleased with many of the inductees this year. Cyndi Lauper is a pioneering artist in ways that many may not fully appreciate. Personally, she made it acceptable to embrace our quirks and differences from what society deems normal, and for that, she deserves endless respect.

Wilkening: Cyndi Lauper stands out as a monumental figure from the ’80s who has managed to maintain an impressively unique and relevant career. Warren Zevon is a close second, and like Judas Priest a few years back, it still stings that he didn’t receive the recognition he deserves in the performer category.

Irwin: Seeing Soundgarden inducted is particularly poignant. The bittersweet nature of Chris Cornell’s passing makes this moment special. Nevertheless, this band is certainly worthy of celebration, and I am eager to witness their performance. An additional highlight: with Soundgarden finally recognized, perhaps Alice in Chains, the fourth member of grunge’s Mt. Rushmore, will receive consideration in the future.

DeRiso: While it seems they had to create a backdoor for Warren Zevon and others, it feels somewhat unjust after waiting over 30 years for his recognition. He wasn’t even mentioned until 2023, so to paraphrase, enjoy every sandwich – and every (checks notes) Musical Influence Award.

Rapp: I’m genuinely pleased to see Cyndi Lauper being honored. (Importantly, she is one of only two women being inducted this year, with Meg White from The White Stripes being the other. The lack of diversity is disappointing, but I digress.) Without the groundbreaking work Lauper did, contemporary artists like Chappell Roan and Lady Gaga, who are both unapologetically themselves, may not have reached such heights. That alone makes her deserving of this honor in my eyes.

4) Should Fan Votes Be Weighted More Heavily in the Selection Process? Why or Why Not?

Gallucci: No. Fan campaigns can skew the voting process, often elevating less deserving acts. Just because a band has a large following doesn’t mean they belong in the Rock Hall or are even noteworthy. Yes, Phish, I’m looking at you.

Rolli: Probably not. While the fan vote provides insight into public sentiment—something the voting committee may consider when making their selections—overvaluing it could allow viral campaigns to overshadow the actual purpose of the Hall. In a way, it mirrors American electoral politics: everyone hopes for a successful write-in campaign until they realize “Hawk Tuah Girl” may have received 75,000 votes. And yes, in this context, Phish is the Hawk Tuah Girl.

Matt Wardlaw: I don’t believe fan votes should hold more weight; however, it does highlight the disconnect between what voters want and what the fans—who actually attend the Hall—desire to see. The fan vote is often a good indicator of how the final votes may trend, making it disheartening that two of the top three candidates were overlooked.

Wilkening: I believe they should count for much more. There seems to be a snobbish bias against heavy metal and certain genres among the Rock Hall voters that needs to be counterbalanced. It’s time to give the people what they truly want. Up the irons!

Irwin: No, not at all. I often compare the Rock Hall to other professional sports halls of fame. Do fans influence decisions in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame? No. The same holds true for football, basketball, and hockey. Public popularity contests can be easily manipulated. While I believe the voting process for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame could benefit from substantial reform, increasing fans’ influence is not the solution.

DeRiso: The process often resembles a made-for-TV popularity contest. Genre slots seem to be filled simply to appease a broad audience. If your favorite act doesn’t fit this mold, all the viral ballot-box stuffing in the world (sorry, Phishheads!) won’t get them in.

Rapp: Yes and no. While I believe that popularity doesn’t always reflect talent or overall impact, I find it puzzling that fan votes are part of the process at all. If we’re going to incorporate fan votes (which I support, as the connection between artists and their fans is significant in the context of the Rock Hall), why not create a separate, less consequential category just for that?

5) What Are Your General Impressions of the 2025 Induction Class?

Gallucci: This is one of the most agreeable classes in recent memory. While no single artist stands out dramatically, this class aligns with current expectations: a classic rock icon, a forgotten pioneer, a notable hip-hop act, a deserving artist from years past, an artist with one remarkable album, and a couple of bands that have kept the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive through the ’90s and ’00s. Furthermore, the Musical Excellence Award recipients—Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye—are all legends in their respective fields.

Rolli: Honestly, I find this class to be quite commendable! The Rock Hall largely stayed true to its roots while also stretching the definition of “rock ‘n’ roll” with some well-placed inclusions. Bad Company and Joe Cocker represent long-overdue artists from the classic rock era; Soundgarden and The White Stripes are definitive rock stars of Generation X; Cyndi Lauper is an innovative pop figure who embraces glam rock aesthetics; and Outkast is a hip-hop act that has defined a generation. Chubby Checker, well, he brings the nostalgic vibes. This lineup is enough to keep me satisfied for a while until I inevitably start lamenting Iron Maiden‘s exclusion again.

Matt Wardlaw: Despite my feelings on the fan vote results, this class is solid, especially when considering the main category of performers being inducted. Each of these artists has made significant contributions to the evolution of music. Like Foreigner in 2024, I didn’t expect to see Bad Company honored this year, which I appreciate. It’s also gratifying to see Warren Zevon finally gain some recognition. Although it’s unfortunate that Billy Idol didn’t make the cut, I remain hopeful that both he and Phish will be inducted next year, which would make for a fun jam.

Wilkening: This is a respectable and easily justifiable group of inductees. While I’m not sure it will lead to the most thrilling ceremony, there are three possible reunions that could change that quickly—The White Stripes, Outkast, and a Soundgarden performance without Chris Cornell. As others have noted, there’s a sense of demographic box-checking at play here, and it seems peculiar that country music has lost its seat at the table.

Irwin: Overall, I’m quite enthusiastic about this class. Several of my personal favorites have made the cut, and there are a few surprising yet intriguing choices. The diversity of musical styles among the honorees is refreshing, and I anticipate dynamic performances at the induction ceremony six months from now.

DeRiso: As has been the trend lately, they’ve checked all the demographic boxes. One subplot that warms my heart is the Hall’s acknowledgment of classic rock’s golden age (with Joe Cocker, Bad Company, and Nicky Hopkins) while also celebrating deserving contributors from more recent times like Soundgarden, Cyndi Lauper, and The White Stripes. Perhaps this will bolster Oasis’s candidacy in the future.

Rapp: This induction class feels pretty safe, offering a little bit of everything. Am I blown away? Not particularly. Do I believe all the inductees are deserving? Yes. Am I eager to see how this diverse lineup performs during the ceremony? Absolutely. Will I campaign harder for Oasis next year? Definitely, maybe.