Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Nominees Revealed: Oasis, Mariah Carey, Shakira, and More in the Running
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the nominees for the Class of 2026, with artists like Oasis, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Shakira, and Lauryn Hill in the running. Other nominees include The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. The final inductees will be announced in April, along with recipients of special awards.
Rock Hall chairman John Sykes highlighted the diverse list of nominees, acknowledging the evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its impact on youth culture. Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor, and the Class of 2026 will be celebrated in the Fall. To be eligible, an artist's first commercial release must be at least 25 years old, placing this year's nominees in the 2001 or earlier debut category.
Some of the first-time nominees this year include Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Mariah Carey, who missed out on previous nominations, is vying for induction this year. Returning nominees like Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, and Oasis are hoping for a breakthrough, while artists like The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, and Sade receive their second nods.
Oasis' inclusion in the nominations comes despite frontman Liam Gallagher's past criticism of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Liam has previously expressed disdain for the institution, but has also indicated that he would attend if Oasis were inducted. Both Liam and Noel Gallagher have been vocal about their views on the Hall of Fame, with Noel joking about having a miniature version of himself in the Hall.
The Class of 2026 will join the ranks of past inductees like Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, The White Stripes, and Soundgarden. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continues to honor and celebrate the contributions of iconic musicians to the genre.