Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira are among the nominees for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. The list of 17 performer nominees, which includes artists from various genres like rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop, was unveiled by the hall on Wednesday.
Returning to the nominations after missing out last year are Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order. The list also features two sets of musical brothers, The Black Crowes and Oasis, who have had public feuds and recent reunions.
Phil Collins, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has won eight Grammys, including the album of the year in 1985 for “No Jacket Required.” Lauryn Hill made history with her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” becoming the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for album of the year in 1999.
Mariah Carey, a third-time nominee, has achieved 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Sade, also a nominee in 2024, is recognized for soft-rock hits like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The Wu-Tang Clan, known for their groundbreaking debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993, are celebrated as rap innovators.
INXS dominated the late 1980s charts with hits such as “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation.” Melissa Etheridge, a two-time Grammy winner, is best known for songs like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One.” Iron Maiden played a significant role in the new wave of British heavy metal with iconic albums like “The Number of the Beast.”
New Edition had hits like “Cool It Now” and “Candy Girl,” while Shakira is praised for blending Latin music with rock and pop. Pink, with four No. 1 songs and three No. 1 albums, including “The Truth About Love,” is also on the list.
Among the 17 nominees, ten are on the ballot for the first time. This includes Jeff Buckley, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, who sold over 25 million albums and had hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” passed away in 2005. Buckley, acclaimed for his 1994 debut album “Grace,” died in 1997.
The 2026 inductees will be announced in April, along with those entering under special committee categories. Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being eligible for induction. The voting process involves more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
In the previous year, a diverse group of artists like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and The White Stripes were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.