Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces Expanded 2026 Nominee List

Big names from rock, pop, hip-hop and more compete for induction

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its 17 nominees for the Class of 2026, and the list shows a wide variety of musical styles and influential artists. It includes artists from rock, pop, R&B, Latin music, heavy metal and hip-hop — making this one of the most genre-spanning ballots in recent years.

Nominees will be voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians and industry professionals, with the final inductees announced in April 2026. The 2026 induction ceremony is expected to take place in Cleveland this fall.

Who Made the 2026 Nominee List?

Here are the 17 artists and bands up for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026:

• Phil Collins (solo, though already inducted with Genesis)
• Mariah Carey
• Lauryn Hill
• Shakira
• Pink (P!NK)
• Billy Idol
• Jeff Buckley
• Melissa Etheridge
• INXS
• Iron Maiden
• Joy Division/New Order
• The Black Crowes
• Oasis
• Sade
• New Edition
• Luther Vandross
• Wu-Tang Clan

This group brings together 10 first-time nominees, including artists like Lauryn Hill, INXS, Shakira, Pink, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, New Edition, Luther Vandross, and the Wu-Tang Clan.

A Truly Diverse Lineup

What stands out about this year’s nominees is the range of musical styles represented:

• Rock & Punk – Billy Idol, Oasis, The Black Crowes
• Pop & R&B – Mariah Carey, Pink, Sade, Luther Vandross
• Metal – Iron Maiden
• Hip-hop – Wu-Tang Clan
• Global Pop – Shakira
• Singer-Songwriters – Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill
• New Jack / R&B Group – New Edition

Rock Hall Chairman John Sykes said the list reflects how much rock and roll has grown and changed over time, honoring artists who have shaped modern music across generations and genres.

First-Time Nominees to Watch

Here are some notable first-time nominees and why their inclusion is significant:

• Lauryn Hill – Known for her groundbreaking solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which brought hip-hop and soul into mainstream music with major awards.
• Shakira – Colombian global star whose blend of Latin pop and rock helped expand international music markets.
• Wu-Tang Clan – Pioneering hip-hop group whose 1993 debut revolutionized rap and influenced countless artists.
• Jeff Buckley – Late singer-songwriter whose only studio album Grace remains a cult classic.
• INXS – Australian rock band with international hits who have had a strong fan movement for induction.

Returning Nominees

Some artists did not make the cut in earlier years but are back on the ballot in 2026:

• Mariah Carey – One of the most successful solo stars with 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs.
• Oasis – Britpop icons returning after several past nominations.
• The Black Crowes, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Billy Idol, Sade – All have appeared on past ballots and are seeking induction again.

What Happens Next

• Voting: A panel of music industry professionals, artists, and historians will cast ballots over the coming weeks.
• Results: The Class of 2026 inductees will be revealed in April 2026.
• Ceremony: The official induction event will be held this fall in Cleveland, Ohio.

In addition to performer inductees, special committee awards like Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award will also be announced.

Why It Matters

Being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is one of music’s highest honors, celebrating artists whose work has had a lasting cultural impact and shaped the sound and direction of popular music. The 2026 nominee list shows how the definition of rock and roll has broadened beyond its original roots, including artists who pushed boundaries and influenced generations across genres.