The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially announced its 2025 class of inductees, celebrating the trailblazing artistry of OutKast and Salt-N-Pepa among other influential figures in music history.
The exciting announcement was made during a special themed episode of “American Idol,” with host Ryan Seacrest unveiling the list of honorees who will be recognized for their transformative impact on music and culture.
OutKast, the iconic Atlanta-based rap duo comprised of Big Boi and André 3000, will be inducted in the Performer Category. This category recognizes artists whose originality, influence, and contribution have fundamentally shaped the course of rock and roll.
Known for groundbreaking albums like ATLiens, Aquemini, and the Grammy Award-winning Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, OutKast redefined Southern hip-hop and elevated the genre beyond the traditional East Coast-West Coast rivalry. Eligible since 2019, this marks their first nomination and first induction into the Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Salt-N-Pepa—the pioneering female hip-hop group made up of Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper—will be honored with the Musical Influence Award.
Breaking through gender barriers in a male-dominated industry, Salt-N-Pepa brought hip-hop into the mainstream with timeless crossover hits like Push It, Shoop, and Whatta Man. Their success paved the way for future generations of female artists in the hip-hop genre and beyond.
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Music fans around the world can catch the event live on Disney+, with a special broadcast airing later on ABC.
This year’s class reflects the growing recognition of hip-hop’s monumental influence within the broader rock and roll tradition, ensuring that the voices that changed music history are celebrated on one of its biggest stages.
