2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees: Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, and More
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the nominees for induction in 2026, including artists like Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Inxs, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira. The list of 17 performer nominees also features Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order are returning to the nominations after missing out last year.
Collins, known for hits like "In The Air Tonight" and "One More Night," has won eight Grammys, while Hill's "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" was the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for album of the year in 1999. Carey has had 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and Sade is recognized for soft rock hits like "Smooth Operator" and "The Sweetest Taboo." The Wu-Tang Clan made waves with their debut album "Enter The Wu-Tang" in 1993.
Inxs dominated the late 1980s charts with hits such as "Need You Tonight" and "Devil Inside," while Etheridge is known for songs like "Come To My Window" and "I'm The Only One." Iron Maiden contributed to the new wave of British heavy metal with albums like "The Number Of The Beast." New Edition had hits like "Cool It Now" and "Candy Girl," and Shakira is praised for blending Latin music with rock and pop. Pink has achieved four No. 1 songs and three No. 1 albums, including "The Truth About Love."
Ten of the 17 nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Buckley, Collins, Etheridge, Hill, Inxs, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, who sold over 25 million albums and had hits like "Here And Now" and "Any Love," passed away in 2005. Buckley, known for his acclaimed debut album "Grace," died in 1997. The inductees for 2026 will be announced in April, along with those entering under special committee categories.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognizes the evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its impact on youth culture. 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 over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Last year's inductees included 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.