It is that exciting time of the year when the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame finally announces the nominees to enter the Class of 2025. Every year, around five to seven acts get inducted; eligibility is determined by having released their first record at least 25 years prior.
It started in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1986 with Chuck Berry being the first musician ever to be inducted. A panel of more than 1,200 music enthusiasts vote to determine who will be the next class to receive this honor. They reveal the inductees in April and have an induction ceremony during the fall.
This year, there are 14 rock veterans and pop icons nominees — such as Soundgarden, Oasis, Billy Idol and Mariah Carey. There are eight newcomers in the nominations list, which include Mexican rock band Maná, “King of Twist” Chubby Checker, Outkast and Phish.
There has been controversy regarding nominations, in which audiences claimed that prior nominees did not deserve the mention due to most of them not being considered a part of the rock genre. Dolly Parton declined the induction in 2022 stating, “I don’t feel that I have earned that right.”
This year’s list continues with artists who have careers dedicated to recording rock albums, a sprinkling of some who have ventured their way into the genre but never fully committed to the part and Mariah Carey.
There is no safe way to predict who will get inducted this year. The unpredictability of past winners makes betting difficult due to the previous snubs of rock legends — such as Iron Maiden, New York Dolls and Jane’s Addiction, to name a few.
Even though there is never a way to know who the favorites could be for the induction, the odds and fans favor Soundgarden to finally break their three-time snub curse— finally entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
All these legendary artists deserve a spot at the renowned Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and regardless of who wins, the world celebrates music history once again.
