OutKast, White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper Inducted into Rock Hall of Fame
The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was a night brimming with excitement and legacy. Featuring iconic performances and poignant speeches, the event celebrated legendary acts such as OutKast, the White Stripes, and Cyndi Lauper.
Key Performances and Inductions
OutKast, known for their influence in the hip-hop genre, made a notable appearance, though they chose not to perform. The duo, consisting of Big Boi and Andre 3000, was inducted with heartfelt remarks from Donald Glover, who recognized their impact on the Atlanta music scene.
- Big Boi: Acknowledged the OutKast family during his speech.
- Andre 3000: Provided an emotional impromptu address, praising Jack White’s earlier remarks.
- Performance: Featured songs like “ATLiens,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “Hey Ya!” with various guest artists.
Cyndi Lauper’s Moving Tribute
Cyndi Lauper, another highlight of the night, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the importance of women in music. She declared that rock and roll is a “big, wonderful quilt” representing diverse styles.
- Performance: Lauper, joined by an all-female band, performed hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “True Colors.”
- Emotional Sentiment: Lauper thanked those who supported her career, reflecting on the love she has received.
The White Stripes Induction
The White Stripes, represented by Jack White, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Despite speculation about Meg White’s presence, she was absent. Jack White thanked fans and expressed gratitude for the band’s legacy during the ceremony.
Other Notable Inductions and Performances
The night also honored the group Salt-N-Pepa, making history as the first female hip-hop act inducted into the Hall of Fame. Their emotional acceptance speech highlighted their struggles and achievements in a male-dominated industry.
- Other Notable Honorees: Soundgarden was recognized, with emotional tributes to the late Chris Cornell.
- Heartfelt Speeches: Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, reminiscing about their contribution to the rock scene.
A Showcase of Talent
The ceremony was packed with performances from various artists, including a tribute to Sly Stone by Stevie Wonder. Wonder started the event with an energetic medley that set the tone for the night.
| Artist | Key Songs |
|---|---|
| Stevie Wonder | “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People” |
| Jack White | “Seven Nation Army” (sung later by Twenty One Pilots) |
| Cyndi Lauper | “True Colors,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” |
| OutKast | “Hey Ya!” |
The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony emerged not just as an event celebrating musical legends, but also as a platform for inspirational speeches and powerful performances. It showcased the evolution of rock and hip-hop, honoring those who paved the way while inspiring the next generation of artists.
