Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveiled its list of 17 nominees for induction into the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.1 This year’s selection features a diverse range of artists, with 10 appearing on the ballot for the first time.
The Nominees
The artists vying for induction are: The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/Modern Order, New Edition, Oasis, P!NK, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.2
First-Time Nominees
A significant portion of this year’s nominees are first-time contenders. P!NK, whose debut album Can’t Take Me Home was released in 2000, is among the most recent artists to become eligible.1 Lauryn Hill’s critically acclaimed The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill debuted in 1998, whereas Jeff Buckley’s sole studio album, Grace, was released in 1994. Wu-Tang Clan’s groundbreaking Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) arrived in 1993, and Shakira began her career in 1991 with Magia.1
Other first-time nominees include Melissa Etheridge (debut album in 1988), New Edition (debut album Candy Girl in 1983), Luther Vandross (debut album Never Too Much in 1981), Phil Collins (debut album Face Value in 1981), and INXS (self-titled debut in 1980).1
Returning Nominees
Several artists are appearing on the ballot for a second or third time. Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, and Oasis are each nominated for the third time, having previously been considered in prior years.1 The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, and Sade are each nominated for the second time.
The Selection Process
The 2026 inductees will be chosen by an international voting panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.2 The Rock Hall’s Class of 2026 will be announced in April, with the induction ceremony scheduled to take place in the fall.
Commercial Success
Among the nominees, Mariah Carey stands out for her significant commercial achievements, ranking fifth on Billboard’s list of the Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists with 19 No. 1 hits.1 Phil Collins has also achieved considerable success, with seven Hot 100 No. 1s as a solo artist and one with Genesis. P!NK has secured four Hot 100 No. 1 hits.1
3 Fans can vote for their favorite nominees at rockhall.com.
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