Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025: All-Star Presenters and Performers Revealed

Music icons and contemporary hitmakers are set to honor the 2025 class of inductees at the 40th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has just unveiled its star-studded initial lineup of presenters and special guests for its upcoming 40th annual induction ceremony. This highly anticipated event brings together generations of musical talent to celebrate those who have profoundly shaped music history.

Set for Saturday, November 8, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony promises a night of memorable performances and heartfelt tributes. Fans can look forward to a diverse range of artists taking the stage to honor this year's distinguished inductees.

Mega Stars Confirmed to Present and Perform at the Rock Hall Event

An impressive roster of musicians and entertainment figures will participate in the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Headlining the initial announcement are global superstars Elton John, Olivia Rodrigo, and Doja Cat, all set to present or perform.

They will be joined by a vibrant mix of artists representing various genres and eras, including Beck, Brandi Carlile, David Letterman, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iggy Pop, JID, Killer Mike, Maxwell, Missy Elliott, Questlove, Raye, Sleepy Brown, Taylor Momsen, and Twenty One Pilots. Teddy Swims is also on the list of confirmed special guests.

This diverse group highlights the broad impact and appeal of the artists being inducted. It also underscores the Rock Hall's commitment to showcasing the evolving landscape of popular music.

The Incredible Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees

This year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class is a powerful collection of artists who have left an indelible mark on music. The Performer category welcomes legendary acts like Bad Company, known for their classic rock anthems, and the timeless rock and roll pioneer Chubby Checker.

Also being honored in this category are the soulful voice of Joe Cocker, the iconic pop rebel Cyndi Lauper, and the groundbreaking hip-hop duo Outkast. Grunge stalwarts Soundgarden and the electrifying garage rock duo The White Stripes complete the Performer inductees.

Beyond the performers, the Hall recognizes other crucial contributions to music. The Musical Influence Award will be presented to the trailblazing hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa and the revered singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. These artists have inspired countless others and profoundly shaped musical trends.

The Musical Excellence Award honors essential behind-the-scenes talents. This year, it goes to celebrated session musicians Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye, along with the influential Philly Soul producer Thom Bell. These figures have crafted some of music's most enduring sounds. Finally, the Ahmet Ertegun Award, which recognizes non-performing industry professionals, will be given to Lenny Waronker, a pivotal figure in record production and executive leadership.

Why the 40th Annual Rock Hall Induction Ceremony Matters to Fans

The 40th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a significant event for music fans because it celebrates the rich tapestry of popular music. The blend of classic rock, pop, hip-hop, and alternative artists among the inductees reflects the Hall's expansive view of what "rock and roll" encompasses.

The presence of both legendary figures like Elton John and contemporary stars such as Olivia Rodrigo and Doja Cat creates exciting possibilities. These cross-generational pairings often lead to unique collaborations and surprising performances that become talking points for years.

Fans eagerly anticipate seeing which inductees each presenter will honor, and what special musical moments might emerge. The live stream means fans across the country can experience the excitement as it happens, fostering a shared cultural experience.

Exclusive Artifacts and Exhibits for the Class of 2025

In anticipation of the ceremony, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Exhibit will open to the public on October 31, 2025. This exhibit provides a deeper dive into the careers and impact of this year's inductees.

Visitors will have the chance to see iconic artifacts, including Cyndi Lauper's handwritten lyrics for her hit "Time After Time." Also on display will be the distinctive outfits worn by Meg White and Jack White on the cover of The White Stripes' album Icky Thump.

Fans of Soundgarden can view a 1979 Gibson Les Paul electric guitar played by the late Chris Cornell. The exhibit will also feature stage outfits worn by Outkast, including Andre 3000's legendary look from the "Hey Ya" music video, offering a visual journey through music history.

Where to Watch the 40th Annual Rock Hall Ceremony

For the first time, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will stream live coast to coast. Fans can tune in on Disney+ on Saturday, November 8, starting at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET.

Following the live broadcast, the ceremony will be available to stream on demand on Disney+. This makes it accessible for those who cannot watch it live or wish to re-experience the moments.

Additionally, ABC will air a primetime special featuring performance highlights and standout moments on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This special will broadcast at 8:00 p.m. EST/7:00 p.m. CST, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. Tickets for the live event at the Peacock Theater are available for purchase via AXS.com.

Diverse Contributions Honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The 2025 induction class is notably diverse, spanning multiple genres and decades, reflecting the wide-ranging influence of rock and roll. From Bad Company's blues-rock foundations to Outkast's innovative hip-hop, the Hall continues to expand its definition of influential music.

The inclusion of acts like The White Stripes, representing the early 2000s garage rock revival, alongside 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper, showcases the broad appeal of the inductees. This blend ensures that the ceremony will resonate with fans of many different musical tastes.

The Hall's recognition of behind-the-scenes figures such as session musicians and producers is also vital. Artists like Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell played crucial roles in shaping the sound of countless classic recordings, even if they weren't always in the spotlight.

Looking Forward to the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

With an exceptional lineup of inductees and a truly star-studded list of presenters and performers, the 40th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. It's a prime opportunity for fans to celebrate the enduring power and evolution of popular music.

The ceremony is more than just an awards show; it's a recognition of cultural impact, artistic innovation, and the artists who have moved us for decades. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 8 to catch the live event on Disney+, or the ABC special on January 1, 2026.

Further announcements regarding additional special guests are expected in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. This means even more exciting names could be added to an already impressive roster, making this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebration a must-see event.