The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its list of nominees for induction in 2026, which includes a diverse array of musicians spanning various genres such as rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop. Among the 17 performer nominees are Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, Shakira, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Returning to the nominations this year are Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order, alongside The Black Crowes and Oasis, two sets of musical brothers known for their public feuds and recent reconciliations. Phil Collins, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has amassed eight Grammys, including a 1985 Album of the Year win for “No Jacket Required.” Lauryn Hill made history in 1999 by becoming the first hip-hop artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”
Mariah Carey, a third-time nominee, has achieved 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, while Sade, also previously nominated, is recognized for soft-rock classics like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The Wu-Tang Clan, pioneers in rap music, gained acclaim with their groundbreaking debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993.
INXS dominated the late 1980s charts with hits such as “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation.” Melissa Etheridge, a two-time Grammy winner, is celebrated for songs like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One.” Iron Maiden played a significant role in the new wave of British heavy metal with iconic albums like “The Number of the Beast.” New Edition delivered popular tracks like “Cool It Now” and “Candy Girl,” while Shakira is praised for blending Latin music with rock and pop. Pink, with four No. 1 songs and three No. 1 albums, including “The Truth About Love,” is also among the nominees.
Ten of the 17 nominees are first-time contenders, including Jeff Buckley, Luther Vandross, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, who passed away in 2005, sold over 25 million albums and produced hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love.” Buckley, acclaimed for his 1994 debut album “Grace,” tragically died in 1997.
John Sykes, the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, remarked that the diverse nominee list reflects the evolving landscape of rock and its ongoing influence on youth culture. The 2026 inductees will be announced in April, alongside those entering the hall under special committee categories like musical influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award. To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The final selection will be determined through votes from a panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
In the previous year, artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, and others were inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
