The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed a diverse lineup of nominees for its 2026 induction class, encompassing various genres such as pop, heavy metal, hip-hop, and R&B. Notable contenders include Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira, showcasing the institution’s commitment to honoring music’s wide cultural impact.
This year’s ballot features seventeen performers, with additional nominees like Mariah Carey, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and Wu-Tang Clan, along with returning candidates Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order.
Returning to the spotlight are The Black Crowes and Oasis, both led by siblings, experiencing renewed interest due to recent reunions. Collins, already a Hall of Fame inductee with Genesis, receives recognition for his solo achievements, including hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” and eight Grammy Awards. Hill’s groundbreaking album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” made history by winning a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999.
Carey, a previous nominee, boasts 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, while Sade’s soulful blend of music produced timeless classics like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.”
Hip-hop is well-represented by Wu-Tang Clan, known for reshaping rap with their debut “Enter the Wu-Tang.” INXS and Iron Maiden also stand out for their contributions to rock music, with hits like “Need You Tonight” and “Devil Inside,” and albums like “The Number of the Beast,” respectively.
Ten first-time nominees include Collins, Hill, Buckley, Etheridge, INXS, Pink, New Edition, Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan, each with significant impacts on their respective genres. Vandross, a powerhouse in R&B who passed away in 2005, and Buckley, whose posthumous album “Grace” continues to influence alternative music, are among the newcomers.
John Sykes, the chairman, emphasized the evolving nature of Rock & Roll and its influence on youth culture through the diverse list of nominees. Eligibility for nomination begins 25 years after an artist’s first commercial release, with final inductees chosen by a panel of over 1,200 industry professionals, artists, and historians. The new class will be announced in April, alongside special honorees recognized for their musical influence, excellence, and contributions to the industry.
Recent inductees like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes highlight the Hall’s commitment to expanding its scope beyond traditional rock boundaries.
