2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees: A Diverse Lineup of Music Legends
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the list of nominees for the 2026 induction, featuring a diverse range of artists from various genres. The nominees include Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, Shakira, and more. The list covers rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop music.
Among the nominees are artists like Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order are making a return to the nominations after missing out on induction last year. The list also includes 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” and “One More Night,” has won eight Grammys, including album of the year in 1985. Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for album of the year in 1999. Mariah Carey, with 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and Sade, known for soft rock hits like “Smooth Operator,” are also among the nominees.
INXS, with chart-topping hits like “Need You Tonight” and “Devil Inside,” and Iron Maiden, a pioneer of British heavy metal, are part of the list. New Edition, Shakira, and Pink, with multiple No. 1 songs and albums, are also nominated. Ten of the 17 nominees are first-time contenders, including Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, and Wu-Tang Clan.
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 a panel of artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the diverse faces and sounds of rock and its impact on youth culture. The induction ceremony is a highly anticipated event in the music industry, honoring the legacy and influence of iconic artists across different genres.