The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its list of 17 performer nominees for the 2026 induction, casting a wide net across genres such as rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop. This announcement, made on Wednesday, highlights a diverse array of musical legends, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira, among others.
Notable First-Time Nominees and Returning Artists
Ten of the nominees are appearing on the ballot for the first time, marking a significant moment in their careers. These include Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Additionally, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order return to the nominations after missing induction last year, while The Black Crowes and Oasis, two sets of musical brothers with public feuds and recent reunions, also feature on the list.
Highlights of Nominee Achievements
Phil Collins, known for hits like In the Air Tonight and One More Night, has earned eight Grammys, including album of the year in 1985 for No Jacket Required. Lauryn Hill made history with her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which became the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for album of the year in 1999. Mariah Carey, nominated in both 2024 and 2025, boasts 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, while Sade, also nominated in 2024, is celebrated for soft-rock classics like Smooth Operator and The Sweetest Taboo.
The Wu-Tang Clan are hailed as rap innovators since their groundbreaking 1993 debut album Enter the Wu-Tang. INXS dominated the late 1980s charts with songs such as Need You Tonight, Devil Inside, and New Sensation. Melissa Etheridge, a two-time Grammy winner, is best known for tracks like Come to My Window and I'm the Only One. Iron Maiden played a pivotal role in the new wave of British heavy metal with iconic albums like The Number of the Beast.
Other Key Nominees and Their Contributions
New Edition had popular hits including Cool It Now and Candy Girl, while Shakira has been praised for bridging Latin music with rock and pop. Pink has achieved four No. 1 songs and three No. 1 albums, such as The Truth About Love. Luther Vandross, who sold over 25 million albums and had hits like Here and Now and Any Love, passed away in 2005. Jeff Buckley, whose 1994 debut album Grace is widely acclaimed, died in 1997.
Eligibility and Voting Process
Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before becoming eligible for induction. The nominees will be voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. John Sykes, chair of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, stated, "This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture."
Future Announcements and Special Categories
The 2026 inductees will be announced in April, alongside inductees entering under three special committee categories: musical influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. 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.
