Los Angeles, California — Chubby Checker, the musical icon known for launching the dance craze with his hit “The Twist” in 1960, has finally received a much-deserved honor, being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in his inaugural appearance on the ballot. After several years of eligibility since the Hall’s inception in 1986, Checker was among the standout inductees announced during an episode of ABC’s “American Idol.”
Joining Checker in the 2025 induction class are first-time nominees such as Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Outkast, and Cyndi Lauper, along with The White Stripes and Soundgarden, who have both been nominated in previous years. These seven acts were recognized in the performer category.
Ryan Seacrest revealed the inductees during Sunday’s broadcast, shining a spotlight on the diverse range of talent being honored this year.
In addition to the performers, the Hall of Fame will also celebrate six inductees in various categories. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will receive the Musical Influence Award, while producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins, and bassist Carol Kaye are honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his contributions to the music industry.
Tragically, several honored figures have passed away. Hopkins died in 1994, Zevon in 2003, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden in 2017, and Bell in 2022, losing the opportunity to witness their accolades during this momentous year.
Checker’s long wait for induction echoes that of Cher, who was celebrated last year, 59 years after her hit “I Got You Babe.” This year, with rap acts like Outkast and Salt-N-Pepa being inducted, it marks the sixth consecutive year that hip-hop artists are included in the Hall of Fame lineup.
Female representation remains strong, with four women, including Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, Meg White from The White Stripes, and Kaye, joining the inductees this year, continuing the trend of increasing female acknowledgment within the Rock Hall.
Bell, recognized with the first Grammy for non-classical producer of the year in 1975, also comes with a rich legacy, highlighted by his work on hits like “Midnight at the Oasis” and “Sundown.” Kaye, at 90, becomes the oldest honoree this year alongside 83-year-old Checker and Waronker, both set to turn 84 before the induction ceremony on November 8.
All performing inductees have achieved top five status on the Billboard 200, with three topping the chart: Bad Company, Outkast, and Soundgarden. Lauper’s albums reached as high as No. 4 twice, reflecting a successful career that also includes a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1985.
The induction process this year did not favor several notable nominees. Both Oasis and Mariah Carey received snubs for a second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the competition for a coveted spot included first-time nominees like The Black Crowes and Phish, with Phish recently claiming victory in the fan vote despite not charting a Hot 100 single.
The ceremony is expected to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with plans for live streaming on Disney+ and future airings on ABC and Hulu. As the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction approaches, music fans eagerly anticipate this celebration of iconic artists and their timeless contributions to the industry.