Diverse Nominees for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees have been announced, featuring a diverse range of artists from various genres. Nominees include Oasis, Phil Collins, Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order are returning nominees, while The Black Crowes and Oasis are two sets of musical brothers in the running.
Oasis, led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, recently reunited for a successful world tour. Phil Collins, known for hits like "In the Air Tonight," has won multiple Grammys, including Album of the Year in 1985. Lauryn Hill made history with her hip-hop album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," winning Album of the Year in 1999. Mariah Carey and Sade have had numerous chart-topping hits, while the Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized rap with their debut album.
INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Iron Maiden, New Edition, Shakira, and Pink are also among the nominees. Ten of the 17 nominees are first-time contenders, including Jeff Buckley, Luther Vandross, and Shakira. The inductees will be announced in April, along with special committee categories for musical influence, excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. Artists must have released their first recording at least 25 years ago to be eligible for induction.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the evolving faces and sounds of music, recognizing the impact of rock and roll on youth culture. The voting process involves over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Last year's inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, and others.