The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for the 2026 induction, featuring a diverse array of artists spanning various genres. The list includes prominent names such as Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira.
Among the 17 performer nominees revealed are Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Notably, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order have returned to the nominations after missing out on induction last year. The list also includes The Black Crowes and Oasis, two sets of musical siblings known for their public feuds and recent reunions.
Phil Collins, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” boasts eight Grammy awards, including the 1985 Album of the Year for “No Jacket Required.” Lauryn Hill’s groundbreaking album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” made history by winning the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999 as the first hip-hop album to do so.
Mariah Carey, a third-time nominee, has achieved 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Sade, also a nominee in 2024, is recognized for soft-rock hits like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The Wu-Tang Clan, celebrated as rap innovators, made a significant impact with their 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 best known for songs like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One.” Iron Maiden played a pivotal role in the new wave of British heavy metal with iconic albums like “The Number of the Beast.”
New Edition produced hits 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,” has also earned a nomination.
Ten of the 17 nominees are first-time contenders, including Vandross, Buckley, Collins, Etheridge, Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, with over 25 million album sales and hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” passed away in 2005. Buckley, whose debut album “Grace” from 1994 is highly acclaimed, died in 1997.
John Sykes, the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, commented on the diverse list of nominees, acknowledging the evolving landscape of Rock & Roll and its impact on youth culture. The 2026 inductees will be announced in April, including those recognized under special committee categories for musical influence, excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award.
Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being eligible for induction. The nominees will be voted on by a panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. 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.
