2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees: A Diverse Lineup of Music Legends
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees have been announced, featuring a diverse range of artists from various genres including rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop. The list includes Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, Shakira, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, The Black Crowes, and Oasis.
Phil Collins, known for his solo hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has already been inducted as a member of Genesis and has won eight Grammys. Lauryn Hill made history with her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” winning 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 hits like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo,” are also among the nominees.
INXS, with hits like “Need You Tonight” and “Devil Inside,” Iron Maiden, known for iconic albums like “The Number of the Beast,” and New Edition, with hits like “Cool It Now” and “Candy Girl,” are also on the list. Shakira, Pink, and Wu-Tang Clan are recognized for their contributions to bridging Latin music with rock and pop, achieving No. 1 hits, and being rap innovators, respectively.
Ten of the nominees are first-time contenders, including Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Luther Vandross, and others. 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 being eligible for induction, and the final selection will be made by a panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.