Inductee Predictions: 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Below are my Predictions for the 2025 Rock Hall, listed in alphabetical order. 

Some things to consider: 

8/14 are first time nominees.

5 are 2nd time nominees. 

One nominee is a 3 time nominee.

Two acts are back from last year (Mariah Carey, Oasis)

Only 4 women nominated. 

All 4 women are return nominees. 

No new female nominees this year. 

I think the nomcom really wants those 2 solo women inducted. 

Only 2 R&B acts nominated. 

No first year eligibles nominated. 

If you like 90’s music, this ballot is for you. 7 of these acts first hit big in that decade.   

There were 8 inductees last year and that’s the number I’m predicting this time.  Voters get to choose up to 7 acts.  

Inductees

Bad Company - There aren't many classic rock acts that still have an induction chance.  But this group does.  Paul Rodgers is a well-loved figure among many current hall of famers.  They remain a staple of classic rock radio too.  First nomination

Billy Idol - Idol's appearance at the 2024 Rock Hall ceremony was well received.  He was a big star in the 80's, thanks to MTV.  But his hits have held up well beyond that channels visuals.  First nomination

Chubby Checker - Why nominate him now?  Another nomcom mystery.  But this nom will appeal to voters who still believe the Hall shouldn't forget about these early "Rock & Roll" artists.  FIrst nomination

Cyndi Lauper - As much as I can't stand the lack of female lead singer nominees this year, it is possible that the lack of them might help push Lauper and Carey over the top.  After being nominated in 2023 she's back on the ballot.  I'm still not sure what kept her from being an FYN, but a break in nominations and lack of females on this years ballot should help.  2nd nomination

Joe Cocker - This year's "I can't believe he's not inducted" award goes to Joe Cocker.  Boomer icon whose Woodstock performance is a part of musical history.  Also, Paul McCartney’s endorsement letter from late February has to help? Right? First nomination

Mariah Carey - A surprise, to me at least, snub from last years ballot, like Cyndi Lauper she should benefit from a lack of females nominated.  And unlike like year when Mary J. Blige was inducted, she has the R&B lane all to herself.  2nd nomination

Outkast - Finally nominated even though many have predicted their nom for years.  There are no other rap acts nominated this year, so they should have no problem finally getting in.  First nomination

Soundgarden - I’ll probably regret not picking the fan vote winner, Phish. But I do t think the have wide appeal with voters. Instead, I’m going with this thrice nominated band that I thought would be a FYN on their first try.  3rd nomination

 The Rest 

Black Crowes

Joy Division/New Order

Mana

Oasis

Phish

White Stripes