Diverse Nominees Announced for 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees have been announced, featuring a diverse range of artists from various genres. Nominees include Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira, among others. The list encompasses rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop music.
The list of 17 performer nominees also includes Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order return to the nominations after missing out on induction last year. The nominations also feature musical brothers The Black Crowes and Oasis, who have had public feuds and recent reunions.
Phil Collins, known for hits like "In the Air Tonight," has won eight Grammys, while Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" made history as the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for album of the year. Mariah Carey, with 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and Sade, known for soft-rock hits like "Smooth Operator," are also nominated. The Wu-Tang Clan, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Iron Maiden, New Edition, Shakira, and Pink are among the nominees.
Ten of the 17 nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Jeff Buckley, Luther Vandross, and Shakira. The inductees for 2026 will be announced in April, along with those entering under special committee categories. Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they are eligible for induction. The nominees will be voted on by over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chair, John Sykes, stated that the diverse list of nominees recognizes the evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its impact on youth culture. Last year's inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, and Warren Zevon.