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.