Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and The White Stripes were among the 2025 class inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The star-studded 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles celebrated these musical acts and more. The evening began with a tribute to the late Sly Stone, featuring Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Leon Thomas, Beck, Maxwell, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Elton John later led a tribute to the late Beach Boys member Brian Wilson, and the ceremony included a video tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. The performer category inductees included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon were honored with the musical influence award. Musical excellence awards were given to Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell. Producer Lenny Waronker received the Ahmet Ertegun award. Jack White accepted the honor for The White Stripes, with Meg White not in attendance. Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performed "We're Going to Be Friends," while Twenty One Pilots covered "Seven Nation Army." Outkast, inducted by Donald Glover, brought nearly all of their collaborators and confidants on stage. Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, with Lily Cornell Silver introducing a performance by her father's bandmates. Chappell Roan inducted Lauper, who performed "True Colors" and was joined by Raye for "Time After Time." Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa joined for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Lauper's speech highlighted the contributions of women in music. David Letterman and Missy Elliot inducted Zevon, Soundgarden, and Salt-N-Pepa, with Letterman bringing out Zevon's guitar. Salt-N-Pepa's Cheryl James discussed the ongoing battle for ownership of their music, met with boos from the crowd.
