Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order are set to be included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside first-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross. The announcement was made during the latest episode of American Idol. To qualify for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago. The nominees were selected through a vote by over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry experts.
Phil Collins, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” will now be recognized as a solo artist in addition to his existing induction as a member of Genesis. Sade, another nominee, achieved success with songs such as “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” Wu-Tang Clan, known for their groundbreaking album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993, have been influential in the rap genre.
Iron Maiden, a significant player in the British heavy metal scene, is being recognized for albums like “The Number of the Beast.” Luther Vandross, who passed away in 2005, left a lasting impact on the music industry with hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” inspiring artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a televised broadcast planned for December on ABC and Disney+. The following year, the event will return to its usual location in Cleveland.
Apart from the main performer category, there are three special committee categories for inductees: early influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. This year, Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons will receive the early influence award. The musical excellence category will honor songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin.
Ed Sullivan, renowned for his iconic TV show and role in promoting musical talent, will posthumously receive the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award for his significant contributions to the music industry.
Among those who were nominated but did not make it into the 2026 class are Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira. Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, and others.
