Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa Rock Hall 2025

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony delivered an electrifying night of music history as icons like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, and The White Stripes joined the prestigious class. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the event celebrated groundbreaking artists who shaped modern music across genres and eras.

Salt-N-Pepa: Pioneers Who Broke Barriers

Salt-N-Pepa took center stage in their iconic multicolored leather jackets, igniting the crowd with a rousing medley of hits including "Shoop," "Let's Talk About Sex," and "Push It." Cheryl "Salt" James dedicated their induction to every woman defying industry limitations, stating, "This is for every woman who picked up a mic when they told her she couldn't." The group also spotlighted their ongoing battle to reclaim master recordings from Universal Music Group, emphasizing their legacy of activism. As the first female hip-hop group inducted, DJ Spinderella made history as the first female DJ honored by the Hall of Fame.

Outkast: Atlanta Royalty Reunite

Outkast's induction marked a rare reunion for André 3000 and Big Boi, though they performed separately. After settling their stage order via rock-paper-scissors, André delivered an emotional speech reminiscing about their origins in an Atlanta basement dungeon: "Great things start in little rooms." Big Boi then led a powerhouse performance featuring Tyler the Creator, JID, and Killer Mike, while Janelle Monáe and Doja Cat brought fresh energy to "Hey Ya" and "Ms. Jackson." Donald Glover praised their synergy, calling them "two visionaries who turned their differences into a dynasty."

Cyndi Lauper: LGBTQ+ Trailblazer Honored

Cyndi Lauper received her honor from pop sensation Chappell Roan, celebrating her trailblazing career that empowered LGBTQ+ voices through anthems like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "True Colors." Lauper's induction cements her status as a cultural icon whose influence transcends music, championing social change and fearless self-expression.

The White Stripes: Jack White's Emotional Tribute

The White Stripes' induction highlighted the magic of their minimalist duo chemistry, though Meg White remained absent. Jack White delivered a heartfelt speech praising artistic collaboration, nearly choking up while recounting their shared creative journey. The night included powerful tributes: Twenty One Pilots energized "Seven Nation Army," while Olivia Rodrigo and Feist delivered a heartfelt acoustic "We're Gonna Be Friends." Iggy Pop kicked off the segment leading the crowd in a "Seven Nation Army" singalong.

Night of Firsts and Emotional Tributes

The ceremony was rich with historic moments:

• Soundgarden's induction: Jim Carrey delivered a tearful speech about Chris Cornell, with Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile channeling his vocal power on "Rusty Cage" and "Black Hole Sun."
• Stevie Wonder's Sly Stone tribute: Wonder led a funk-filled celebration of the late legend with Maxwell, Beck, and Jennifer Hudson.
• Bad Company's honor: Mick Fleetwood inducted the supergroup, with Bryan Adams, Chris Robinson, and Joe Perry performing classics.

As the 2025 inductees joined the Hall's pantheon, the night underscored rock's enduring power to unite generations and amplify marginalized voices. From Salt-N-Pepa's feminist anthems to Lauper's queer activism, this class redefined what "rock and roll" truly means.