The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled a remarkably diverse slate of 17 performer nominees for potential induction in 2026, casting a wide net across genres including rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop. The announcement, made on Wednesday, highlights the institution's ongoing effort to recognize the multifaceted evolution of rock and roll music.
A Star-Studded and Genre-Defying List
This year's nominees feature an impressive array of iconic artists. Phil Collins, already inducted as a member of Genesis, is nominated for his solo career, which boasts eight Grammy Awards, including the 1985 Album of the Year for "No Jacket Required." Mariah Carey, a nominee in both 2024 and 2025, brings her record of 19 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits to the ballot. Lauryn Hill, whose groundbreaking 1999 album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" made history as the first hip-hop record to win the Grammy for Album of the Year, is also among the contenders.
First-Time Nominees and Returning Favorites
Significantly, ten of the 17 artists are appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot for the very first time. This group includes Jeff Buckley, whose acclaimed 1994 debut "Grace" remains a touchstone, Melissa Etheridge, known for hits like "Come to My Window," and the rap innovators Wu-Tang Clan, celebrated for their game-changing 1993 album "Enter the Wu-Tang." Other first-time nominees are INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, and the late Luther Vandross, who sold over 25 million albums.
Billy Idol and the influential acts Joy Division/New Order return to the nominations after missing induction last year. The list also features two sets of musical brothers known for public feuds and recent reconciliations: The Black Crowes and the Britpop giants Oasis.
Celebrating Musical Legacy and Impact
The nominee roster celebrates vast musical contributions. Soul-jazz vocalist Sade, nominated in 2024, is recognized for soft rock classics like "Smooth Operator." Iron Maiden is hailed for powering the new wave of British heavy metal with iconic albums such as "The Number of the Beast." New Edition is noted for early hits like "Cool It Now," while Shakira is lauded for bridging Latin music with rock and pop. Pink has achieved four number-one songs and three chart-topping albums, including "The Truth About Love."
"This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture," stated John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.
The Path to Induction
The 2026 inductees will be announced in April. They will be joined by honorees entering under three special committee categories: Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. Eligibility requires that an artist released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. More than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals will vote on the nominees.
This follows the 2025 induction class, which included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes, among others. The 2026 ballot underscores the Hall's commitment to honoring a broad spectrum of musical excellence that has shaped popular culture for decades.
