Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, and Warren Zevon are among the artists inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The 40th annual induction ceremony took place on Saturday night at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating a diverse lineup of musicians across generations. The evening opened with a tribute to the late Sly Stone, featuring performances by Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Leon Thomas, Beck, Maxwell, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Later, Elton John led a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, while a video montage honoured Ozzy Osbourne.

This year's performer category included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon received the Musical Influence Award, while Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell were recognised for Musical Excellence. Producer and longtime Warner Records executive Lenny Waronker was honoured with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

Jack White accepted the honour for The White Stripes, noting that his bandmate Meg White, who has stayed out of the public eye since 2009, sent her love and gratitude. "She helped me write all of this," he told the audience. Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performed "We're Going to Be Friends", while Twenty One Pilots delivered a rendition of "Seven Nation Army".

Outkast, comprising André 3000 and Big Boi, were inducted by Donald Glover. The duo's performance brought together Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, Janelle Monáe, J.I.D, Killer Mike, and Sleepy Brown for hits like "Ms. Jackson", "Hey Ya", and "B O B (Bombs Over Baghdad)".

Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, joined by Chris Cornell's daughters Lily and Toni Cornell, who honoured their late father with heartfelt tributes and performances. Original member Hiro Yamamoto reflected on his family's history, connecting their story of wartime injustice to the present.

In one of the night's most anticipated moments, Chappell Roan inducted Cyndi Lauper, who performed her iconic hit "True Colors" while displaying a pride flag, later joined by Raye, Avril Lavigne, and Salt-N-Pepa for "Time After Time" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". In her speech, Lauper paid tribute to the women who came before her and urged unity through music.

David Letterman and Missy Elliott also took part in the ceremony, inducting Warren Zevon and Salt-N-Pepa respectively. During their set, Salt-N-Pepa addressed their ongoing battle for ownership of their music, telling fans that their catalogue had been removed from streaming platforms. "Hip hop gave us a voice," said Cheryl James (Salt). "And we'll keep using it."