Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Nominees: Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill and a Diverse Class

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its nominees for the Class of 2026, boasting a genre-spanning ballot that includes Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Luther Vandross, New Edition, and Wu-Tang Clan, among others. The announcement was made on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

A Genre-Blending Ballot

This year’s list of 17 nominees, representing 18 artists, blends rock mainstays with R&B icons, hip-hop pioneers, and global pop stars. Alongside the aforementioned artists, nominees include The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, P!NK, Shakira, and Luther Vandross.

First-Time Nominees

Ten artists appear on the ballot for the first time, including Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, New Edition, and Wu-Tang Clan. Hill is eligible 25 years after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), which won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), is as well recognized for its impact on rap music. New Edition, debuting in 1983 with “Candy Girl,” helped shape the modern boy group landscape, even as Vandross launched his solo career in 1981 after years as a sought-after background vocalist.

Returning Nominees and Continued Influence

Mariah Carey receives her third nomination, and Sade earns their second nomination after being nominated in 2024. Both artists continue to be influential figures whose catalogs resonate with audiences across generations.

The Induction Process

Artists become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. The final Class of 2026 will be selected by an international voting body of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. The inductees will be announced in April, with the official ceremony taking place this fall.

Other Music News

In other music news, several artists have recently released new music, including Bruno Mars (“The Romantic”), BLACKPINK (“DEADLINE”), Anderson .Paak with aespa (“Keychain”), Laufey (“How I Get”), and RAYE (“Nightingale Lane”).

the Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on May 17, 2026, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and stream live on Prime Video. A new listening lounge, Vinyl Room, has also opened at Hollywood Palladium, offering a curated vinyl collection and Japanese-inspired cuisine.