The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 nominee list, once again putting a spotlight on both legendary and genre-bending artists whose work has shaped modern music. Spanning rock, hip-hop, pop, metal, R&B, and more, this year’s nominees highlight the continuing evolution of one of music’s most prestigious honors.
Each year, the Hall acknowledges artists who have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before nomination — meaning 2026 eligibility requires music first released in 2001 or earlier. A voting body of more than 1,200 musicians, historians, and music professionals ultimately selects the inductees, and the final list is expected to be announced in April 2026, with a formal induction ceremony slated for fall 2026 in Cleveland.
A Broad and Diverse Lineup
This year’s nomination roster includes 17 artists and bands, with a mix of first-time nominees and perennial contenders. Among them are household names and critical favorites representing a wide range of musical styles:
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Shakira – The Latin superstar and global pop icon has blended rock, pop, and world rhythms throughout her decades-long career, making her one of the most influential artists in modern music.
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Lauryn Hill – Hill burst onto the solo scene with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the Grammy-winning album that became a landmark in hip-hop and R&B, and today remains one of the most acclaimed records of the 1990s.
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P!nk – Known for her powerful vocals, acrobatic stagecraft, and emotionally charged songs, P!nk brings a dynamic presence to the list as a nominee for the first time.
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Jeff Buckley – Buckley, who died tragically in 1997, is nominated posthumously for his only studio album, Grace, which has grown into a cult classic and cemented his legacy among rock critics and fans alike.
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Phil Collins – First nominated as a solo artist this year, Collins was already inducted into the Hall as a member of Genesis in 2010. His solo career — including hits like “In the Air Tonight” and No Jacket Required — has earned him eight Grammy Awards and enormous global success.
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New Edition – Influential in shaping the sound of contemporary R&B and boy band pop, New Edition’s nomination highlights their enduring impact on pop culture and music history.
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Wu-Tang Clan – The seminal hip-hop collective transformed the genre with their gritty, inventive style on Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and laid the groundwork for decades of rap innovation.
More Nominees Across Genres
Beyond these headline names, the 2026 list features a range of other artists whose contributions span genres and eras:
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Mariah Carey – With a record 19 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, Carey returns to the ballot for her third nomination, adding her signature vocal prowess and crossover success to the discussion.
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Iron Maiden – British metal legends previously nominated multiple times, Iron Maiden’s influence on heavy rock and metal is widely acknowledged by fans and critics alike.
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Sade – Known for their smooth fusion of soul, jazz, and soft rock, Sade returns to the ballot, bringing timeless classics like “Smooth Operator” to Hall of Fame consideration.
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Billy Idol – The punk-infused rocker continues to be recognized for his energetic style and hits like “Rebel Yell.”
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Joy Division/New Order – Combined as a single nomination, their influence on post-punk and alternative rock remains profound, making them perennial nominees.
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Oasis – Britpop icons whose anthemic sound helped define the 1990s rock scene, Oasis returns to the ballot after earlier nominations.
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Melissa Etheridge – The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is nominated for the first time, celebrating her storytelling and raw rock energy.
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Luther Vandross – The late R&B legend’s smooth vocals and emotional depth earned him a posthumous nomination.
Why This List Matters
Historians and music industry veterans have noted that this year’s list is one of the most diverse and eclectic in recent memory, reflecting how the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to broaden its definition of what “rock and roll” means in a global, genre-blended music landscape. Artists from hip-hop innovators like Wu-Tang Clan, to Latin pop megastars like Shakira, and soul and R&B legends like Lauryn Hill and Luther Vandross, show how the Hall increasingly recognizes influence across musical boundaries.
Chairman John Sykes of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation emphasized that the nominees were chosen for their cultural impact, artistic influence, and longevity — and that the Hall’s commitment to honoring artists who have shifted music and culture remains central to the process.
Looking Ahead to the Final Inductees
When the final 2026 inductees are announced this spring, they will represent a cross-section of music history — from classic rock staples and pop trailblazers to innovators in hip-hop and R&B. Whether longtime favorites or breakthrough nominees, all are celebrated for leaving an indelible mark on music and listeners around the world.
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