Music icons Mariah Carey and OutKast have been nominated for induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The announcement, made on Wednesday, listed them among the 14 artists being considered for the 2025 class.
For Carey, this marks her second nomination after failing to secure a spot in last year’s inductions. Despite being one of the most successful artists in music history, with 19 U.S. number-one singles—second only to The Beatles—she has only recently begun receiving recognition from the Hall of Fame. The pop icon, known for her five-octave vocal range and genre-defining hits, expressed disappointment over past snubs, joking that her lawyer, Allen Grubman, was inducted before her.
Meanwhile, OutKast, the legendary hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, received their first-ever nomination. Known for their innovative approach to hip-hop, OutKast’s albums, including Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, have influenced countless artists and redefined the genre’s mainstream appeal.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s nomination process is known to be competitive, often sparking debate over which artists deserve recognition. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher added to the conversation, stating that Carey was more deserving of induction than his own band. He also reiterated his long-standing criticism of the Hall of Fame, once dismissing it as an institution run by “some geriatric in a cowboy hat.”
Both Oasis and Carey were overlooked last year, with voters instead inducting artists like Cher, Mary J. Blige, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest. Other major artists who have yet to be inducted include Iron Maiden, The Monkees, Daft Punk, Wu-Tang Clan, and The Smiths.
The final list of 2025 inductees will be determined by a vote from music historians, industry professionals, and fans. The complete list of this year’s nominees includes:
- Bad Company
- The Black Crowes
- Mariah Carey
- Chubby Checker
- Joe Cocker
- Billy Idol
- Joy Division/New Order
- Cyndi Lauper
- Maná
- Oasis
- OutKast
- Phish
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
The official induction ceremony will take place later this year, marking another chapter in the ongoing debate about rock and roll’s evolving definition and the artists who have left a lasting impact on the industry.
