The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the nominees for its 2026 induction, showcasing a diverse range of artists spanning various genres. Some of the nominees include Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira. The list also features performers like Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Among the returning nominees are Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order, along with musical duos like The Black Crowes and Oasis known for their public disputes and recent reconciliations.
Phil Collins, known for hits such as “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has received eight Grammy Awards, including the 1985 Album of the Year 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 three-time nominee, boasts 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits. Sade, also nominated in 2024, is recognized for soft-rock classics like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized rap with their groundbreaking debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993.
INXS dominated the late 1980s charts with hits like “Need You Tonight” and “Devil Inside,” while 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 such as “The Number of the Beast.”
New Edition delivered hits like “Cool It Now” and “Candy Girl,” while Shakira has been 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 nominees are first-time contenders, including Jeff Buckley, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, known for hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” passed away in 2005, while Buckley, acclaimed for his 1994 album “Grace,” died in 1997.
The inductees for 2026 will be announced in April, alongside recipients of special committee awards for 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 made through a voting process involving over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, and others.