This life is filled with uncertainties, but one thing remains consistent: the annual list of nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Each year, this announcement stirs up passionate discussions among music enthusiasts, particularly those who feel their favorite artists have been overlooked for induction.

The nominees for 2025 feature a mix of iconic rock legends such as Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Billy Idol, all receiving recognition for the first time. Additionally, the lineup includes influential next-generation rock bands like the Black Crowes, Oasis, Soundgarden, Phish, and the White Stripes. Not to be overlooked, pop sensations Cyndi Lauper and Mariah Carey, along with post-punk pioneers Joy Division/New Order, the Mexican rock group Mana, and the groundbreaking hip-hop duo Outkast, round out the diverse selection of nominees.

The staff at UCR has taken a close look at these nominees, sharing insights about the year’s surprises, notable omissions, and their personal favorites for induction. Continue reading to discover their thoughts and opinions on this year’s nominees.

1. Who is the most surprising nominee of the year?

Bryan Rolli: The inclusion of Mana on this year’s nominee list took me by surprise, yet they undeniably deserve recognition. As the best-selling Latin American band of all time, with more than 25 million records sold and a collection of four Grammy Awards and eight Latin Grammys, their impact is substantial. They boast over 16 million monthly Spotify listeners, showcasing their widespread appeal. This nomination serves as a subtle but significant acknowledgment of rock music’s global cultural influence, challenging the often Eurocentric perspective prevalent in the genre.

Nick DeRiso: Chubby Checker caught me off guard. The Rock Hall introduced a new category focused on one-hit wonders, specifically the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Singles, where “The Twist,” Checker’s iconic 1960 hit, seemed like a surefire candidate. However, to see him nominated in a broader category is intriguing, especially given that his successful hits mainly revolve around variations of the same song, such as “Let’s Twist Again” and “Slow Twistin’.” It’s indeed a surprising twist from the Hall.

Allison Rapp: Although I?m surprised to see Phish on this list, I think it?s mainly because their name doesn?t often cross my mind. While I respect their artistry, I find their style hard to comprehend. Similarly, Mana’s nomination was unexpected, but I?m pleased to see Latin music receive recognition for its substantial influence on rock and popular culture.

Michael Gallucci: With the increasing popularity of Latin music, it makes sense that the Rock Hall would expand its nominations to include Mana. The Grammys have long acknowledged Latin music with its dedicated awards ceremony. However, despite Mana’s significant following among Latin rock fans, their influence outside this niche remains limited. This nomination appears to be an ambitious move by the Hall.

Matthew Wilkening: I appreciate the Rock Hall’s efforts to diversify its nominations across genres, yet I believe every nominee should embody the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Artists like Public Enemy, Madonna, and Willie Nelson exemplify this ethos, while Mariah Carey, in my opinion, does not fit that mold.

2. Who is the biggest snub this year?

Rolli: I’m compelled to express my frustration about Iron Maiden’s continued exclusion. It is truly a disservice that one of heavy metal’s most beloved and influential bands remains unrecognized by the Rock Hall. It would have been especially poignant for them to receive another nomination?and potentially induction?while their drummer, Nicko McBrain, is still able to perform. Given his retirement from touring, the window for this opportunity is closing, and I sincerely hope the Rock Hall rectifies this oversight soon.

DeRiso: After seeing a trend of country inductees with Dolly Parton in 2022 and Willie Nelson in 2023, it feels disheartening that the Rock Hall has not included any country artists in the past two years.

Rapp: While I don’t know if this qualifies as a snub, it’s certainly disappointing that Sinead O’Connor hasn’t received another chance at induction. Only two of this year’s 14 nominees are women, which is concerning. Following her passing at age 56, O’Connor was nominated in 2024, and I had hoped this would improve her chances. It’s crucial to recognize her influence and the message of equity and freedom she represented.

Gallucci: It seems Warren Zevon has been overlooked once more. What a disappointment.

Wilkening: Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden. You can’t discuss the history of heavy metal without acknowledging Iron Maiden’s contributions. Their absence is glaring, especially considering they?ve openly criticized the Hall. The continued oversight of Zevon is perplexing, as his artistry aligns with the tastes of many voters. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of recognition for country legends, which is odd given their cultural significance.

3. Which nominee brings you the most joy?

Rolli: I?m thrilled to see Billy Idol on the nominee list. His remarkable voice, captivating stage presence, and impressive catalog truly embody what it means to be a rock star. Idol was one of the pioneers who successfully blended punk, rock, and pop, paving the way for future pop-punk icons like Green Day and Blink-182. His influence is undeniable and well-deserved.

DeRiso: Joy Division/New Order is a much-anticipated nominee. Eligible since 2004, this combined lineup has only seen one nomination, appearing on the ballot in 2023 before vanishing again last year. Their lack of success in fan voting, where they finished in ninth place, may be due to Joy Division’s stronger popularity in the U.K. Regardless, their nomination is certainly deserving and noteworthy.

Rapp: While the Gallagher brothers may disagree with me, I?m excited to see Oasis nominated again. I?m biased since I purchased tickets for their reunion tour later this year, but it?s clear that this band continues to hold significant influence in rock music, even for those who weren?t around when they first emerged.

Gallucci: I?m hopeful that with their return to the nominee list, Joy Division/New Order will finally receive the recognition they deserve this year.

Wilkening: Billy Idol is a noteworthy nominee, and while his star power often overshadows his songwriting prowess, it?s important to acknowledge both. Cyndi Lauper is a close second on my list of favorites.

4. Among the first-time nominees, who do you want to see inducted first?

Rolli: My vote goes to Billy Idol, unsurprisingly. At 69, he remains vibrant and committed to keeping the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive. The music industry can be slow to recognize certain artists, yet Idol’s contributions merit this honor. It would be particularly meaningful for him to receive it while he’s still capable of embracing the recognition with vitality, which is truly fitting for an artist of his caliber.

DeRiso: Bad Company would add to the legacy of mainstream rock bands that the Hall has recently recognized, including Steve Miller Band (2016), Journey (2017), the Doobie Brothers (2020), Pat Benatar (2022), and Foreigner (2024). While not all of these artists are critical favorites, they represent a significant segment of the rock genre that resonates with many fans.

Rapp: I believe Billy Idol deserves this recognition, but I?d also be delighted to see Joe Cocker inducted. His distinctive voice is one of the most iconic in rock history.

Gallucci: I support the induction of the Black Crowes, but honestly, there are some repeat nominees I’d prefer to see recognized first.

Wilkening: An induction for the Black Crowes would serve as a crowning achievement following their remarkable reunion. However, if I can only cast one vote, I would choose Idol.

5. Which previously nominated artist is the most overdue for induction?

Rolli: Without a doubt, Soundgarden takes the lead here. After more than a decade of eligibility and two previous nominations, it?s perplexing that they remain outside the Hall. Their impressive album sales and cultural significance cannot be denied, alongside Chris Cornell’s extraordinary vocal talent. Nirvana was inducted in 2014, and Pearl Jam followed in 2017. What?s causing the delay for Soundgarden?

DeRiso: Soundgarden is indeed overdue. Following Pearl Jam’s induction in 2017, it seemed like the door was wide open for grunge bands, and Soundgarden should have been among the first to be recognized.

Rapp: While it might be excessive for me to continue extolling Oasis in this response, I want to highlight Cyndi Lauper. Her recent performance of ?Pink Pony Club? at the Grammys showcased an extravagant display filled with glitter, costumes, and color, promoting a message of authenticity. This embodies the spirit of Lauper, who famously reminded us that girls just want to have fun. She has been instrumental in making that message resonate today, making her deserving of a place in the Rock Hall.

Gallucci: Joy Division/New Order stands out as a deserving candidate. It?s rare for a band to be recognized as one of the best in their field, lose a member, reinvent themselves, and become even more influential.

Wilkening: Soundgarden is certainly overdue for induction, which would also bring us closer to recognizing the Melvins.

6. What are your overall thoughts on this year’s nominees?

Rolli: I?m hopeful that both Oasis and the Black Crowes will secure their spots in this year’s induction class, and I envision Ray and Dave Davies sharing the honors.

DeRiso: The unexpected resurgence of the Black Crowes would be perfectly complemented by their induction, while the White Stripes represent a significant step forward for the Rock Hall as it transitions into a new era.

Rapp: The Buffalo Bills may have lost their chance in this year?s Super Bowl, but I hope the Rock Hall can grant me some satisfaction by inducting Oasis.

Gallucci: The 2025 nominee list mirrors the trends of recent years: a couple of pop stars, a hip-hop artist, a classic act, a few “newer” artists to dispel the notion that rock music died in the ’80s, an unconventional choice, and some vintage artists to appease fans unhappy with the Hall’s evolving direction. It becomes a bit monotonous.

Wilkening: There seems to be a formula at play with these nominations, with specific slots allocated for various genres. I?m puzzled as to why country music has been excluded from this equation. While some deserving artists are set to be inducted this year, the lineup doesn?t strike me as particularly exciting or groundbreaking.

7. Who do you predict will be inducted into the Rock Hall this year?

Rolli: I predict that Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Mariah Carey, Oasis, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes will all make the cut.

DeRiso: Induction classes today tend to cater to fan preferences, aiming to fulfill specific audience expectations. With that in mind, I anticipate the class will include a rock act (Black Crowes), a pop act (Cyndi Lauper), an R&B act (Mariah Carey), a hip-hop act (Outkast), and a surprise twist (Oasis). There could also be room for Joe Cocker, nodding to legacy artists.

Rapp: My predictions include Billy Idol, Phish, Soundgarden, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, and Mana.

Gallucci: I foresee Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, Outkast, and the White Stripes being inducted this year.

Wilkening: My wish list includes Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, the Black Crowes, Joy Division/New Order, Outkast, and Soundgarden. For my actual prediction, I would say Idol, Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Mana, and Mariah Carey.