2025 Rock Hall Nominee Predictions
There are no surefire first year eligibles, so the 2025 Nominee ballot should be filled with previous and first time nominees. The Hall usually nominates between 15-17 acts a year. Although they have gone as high as 19. Last year there were 15 nominees. I'll go with 17 for 2025. 10/17 of these would be first time nominees.
Alanis Morissette - 90's female Alt/Rock singers haven't been making it on the ballot. But Alanis is still a big act from that era.
B-52's - Surprisingly never nominated. The long awaited documentary would be helpful. But I'll take a chance they finally get a nomination.
Bad Company - Are there any classic rockers that can still get nominated? Paul Rodgers and company were just big enough in the 70's. Plus Rodgers would be a favorite with many Hall inductees. Never nominated.
Billy Idol - His performance at last year's Rock Hall ceremony might help him get on the ballot for the first time.
Coldplay - Eligible last year. Rumor is they were close to getting nominated. The Hall wants a big name that is still active and popular.
Cyndi Lauper - Nominated two years ago but not last year. Should return to the ballot now that she's on her farewell tour.
Diana Ross - What icon could come in after Cher? Why not Diana Ross whose solo career was definitely distinct from her Supremes days.
Iron Maiden - At this point I wonder if all Metal acts will have to get in some other way (i.e. Musical Excellence). Twice nominated before.
Lenny Kravitz - Nominated last year. Feels like he was close. Not sure he will be back two years in a row, but gonna predict it.
Luther Vandross - With a 2024 documentary, Vandross' name was very present in 2024. I'd also like Barry White or Teddy Pendergrass to get a nomination too. Never nominated.
Mariah Carey - Kind of a shock that she didn't get in last year. I'm not comfortable predicting her with Diana Ross, but she's just too big a name to pass up.
Melissa Etheridge - New nomcom member Sheryl Crow has said she wants Melissa inducted. Let’s see if she’s got persuasive powers to make it happen. Never nominated.
OutKast - A surprise every year when they aren’t nominated. Would be a solid FYN when it happens. Can’t discount De La Soul in this slot either.
Queen Latifah - Trying to figure out the 2 rap nominees for this year was tough. But another female rap act? There are contenders, especially Salt-N-Pepa.
Soundgarden - Only nominated twice before, the last in 2023.
War - Nominated 3X previously, but the last was in 2015. Trying to think who could come after Kool & The Gang. This band had the hits and a diverse following thanks to their various genres they covered on record.
White Stripes - A surprise to me that they weren't an FYN in 2023. But they are due to be back on the ballot soon.
posted by Tom Lane at 8:43 AM
