Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira are among the nominees for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. The lineup features a diverse range of music genres including rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop.
The list of 17 performer nominees was disclosed by the hall, including renowned artists like Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Notably, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order reappear as nominees after missing out on induction last year. The nominations also highlight musical siblings like The Black Crowes and Oasis, who have experienced public feuds and recent reconciliations.
Phil Collins, known for hits such as “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has clinched eight Grammys, including the 1985 Album of the Year award for “No Jacket Required.” Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” made history by becoming the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999.
Mariah Carey, a three-time nominee, has secured 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Sade, also a 2024 nominee, is recognized for soft-rock classics like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized rap music with their debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993.
INXS dominated the late 1980s charts with chart-toppers like “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation.” Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge is celebrated 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 made waves with hits like “Cool It Now” and “Candy Girl,” while Shakira is acclaimed for blending Latin music with rock and pop. Pink has achieved four No. 1 singles and three No. 1 albums, including “The Truth About Love.”
Ten out of the 17 nominees are first-timers on the ballot, including Vandross, Buckley, Collins, Etheridge, Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, who sold over 25 million albums and produced hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” passed away in 2005, while Buckley, known for his acclaimed 1994 debut album “Grace,” died in 1997.
John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, emphasized the diverse talent in this year’s nominee list, recognizing the evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its influence on youth culture.
The 2026 inductees will be announced in April, alongside those entering the hall under special committee categories like 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 of inductees will be determined through voting by a panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
In the previous year, notable artists like 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 were all inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.