Wide-Ranging Field of 17 Artists
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class of performer nominees, spanning genres from rap and R&B to metal, Britpop and Latin pop. Among the 17 artists named are Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross and Shakira.
Also included on this year’s ballot are Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, Sade and the Wu-Tang Clan. Returning nominees Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order reappear after missing induction last year. The Black Crowes and Oasis are also back in contention following prior nominations.
First-Time Nominees and Milestones
Ten of the 17 performers are first-time nominees: Buckley, Collins, Etheridge, Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
Collins, known for hits such as “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has won eight Grammy Awards, including album of the year in 1985 for No Jacket Required. Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill became the first hip-hop album to win album of the year at the Grammys in 1999.
Carey, previously nominated in 2024 and 2025, has scored 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Sade, also a recent nominee, is recognized for songs including “Smooth Operator.” Wu-Tang Clan are widely regarded as pioneers following their influential 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang.
Vandross, who died in 2005, sold more than 25 million albums and was known for hits such as “Here and Now.” Buckley, who died in 1997, earned acclaim for his 1994 album Grace.
Genre-Spanning Influence
The nominees reflect broad stylistic diversity. INXS dominated late-1980s charts with songs like “Need You Tonight.” Iron Maiden were key figures in the new wave of British heavy metal. New Edition delivered R&B hits including “Cool It Now,” while Shakira gained international acclaim for blending Latin sounds with rock and pop.
Pink has earned four No. 1 singles and three No. 1 albums, including The Truth About Love. Etheridge’s signature songs include “Come to My Window,” and Jeff Buckley’s catalog continues to influence generations of musicians.
Selection Process and Next Steps
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. More than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals vote on the nominees.
The 2026 inductees will be announced in April. Additional honorees will also be named in the musical influence, musical excellence and Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer categories.
Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa and the White Stripes, among others.
