Billy Idol, Wu-Tang Clan, P!NK, Oasis, and Phil Collins Nominated for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Seventeen Nominees Announced for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed a diverse list of 17 nominees for its upcoming induction, featuring artists such as Billy Idol, Jeff Buckley, Sade, P!NK, Lauryn Hill, Oasis, and Wu-Tang Clan. This announcement marks a significant moment in recognizing the contributions of numerous musical legends.
Among this year’s nominees, ten artists are being considered for induction for the first time, a criterion that requires them to have released their first commercial recordings at least 25 years ago.
"This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture," said John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. The inductees will be determined by a voting body of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals and will be announced in April. This year’s induction will also include honorees from three unique committee categories: Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award.
Nominees:
Billy Idol: After his British punk band Generation X disbanded, Idol launched his solo career with a self-titled debut in 1982, featuring hits like "White Wedding" and "Hot in the City." His follow-up album, Rebel Yell, produced iconic tracks including the title song and "Eyes Without a Face."
INXS: The Australian rock band gained recognition with Listen Like Thieves in 1985, featuring the hit single "What You Need." Their 1987 album Kick included four Top Ten singles such as "New Sensation" and "Never Tear Us Apart."
Iron Maiden: The band’s self-titled debut album in 1980 introduced tracks like the title song and "Running Free," solidifying their status as icons of heavy metal.
Jeff Buckley: credited as one of the most promising new voices, Buckley’s only studio album, Grace, featured his renowned rendition of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" before his tragic death in 1997.
Joy Division/New Order: Joy Division played a pivotal role in the 1970s Manchester music scene with classics like "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Following the death of frontman Ian Curtis, the band transformed into New Order, achieving mainstream success with "Blue Monday."
Lauryn Hill: Initially known for her work with the Fugees, Hill made her solo debut in 1998 with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999.
Luther Vandross: Rising to fame as a backing vocalist, Vandross released his debut album, Never Too Much, in 1981. He collaborated with numerous legendary artists and left behind classics like "Here and Now" and "Superstar."
Mariah Carey: Carey’s debut self-titled album in 1990 produced four Number One singles and won her a Grammy for Best New Artist. Her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi became the best-selling album of that year.
Melissa Etheridge: Etheridge’s career took off with her 1988 debut album, which included hits such as "Come to My Window" and "I Want to Come Over."
New Edition: Formed in 1978, New Edition burst onto the scene with their debut album Candy Girl, which produced the hit title track and the ballad "Is This the End."
Oasis: Emerging from the 1990s UK music scene, Oasis sold over a hundred million records, with their second album What’s the Story) Morning Glory? containing iconic songs like "Wonderwall."
P!NK: P!NK’s career began with the Top Ten hit "There You Go" in 2000, leading to her debut album Can’t Take Me Home achieving double platinum status.
Phil Collins: Joining Genesis in 1970, Collins excelled as both drummer and lead singer, producing hits such as "In the Air Tonight" while also achieving success as a solo artist.
Sade: Known for their smooth blend of laid-back rhythms and elegant arrangements, Sade’s group has captivated audiences since the 1980s, particularly with the hit "Smooth Operator."
Shakira: Celebrated as the Queen of Latin Music, Shakira has produced numerous hits, including "Whenever, Wherever" and "Hips Don’t Lie."
The Black Crowes: Blending hard rock and Southern blues, The Black Crowes gained fame with singles like "Hard to Handle," and their debut album Shake Your Money Maker achieved five-times platinum status.
Wu-Tang Clan: This influential hip-hop collective transformed the genre, launching their seminal album Enter The Wu in 1993 and paving the way for future artists like Jay-Z and Nas.
First-time nominees this year include P!NK, Hill, Buckley, Wu-Tang, Shakira, Etheridge, New Edition, Vandross, INXS, and Collins, the last of whom was previously inducted with Genesis. The Hall of Fame’s upcoming announcements are highly anticipated as music fans celebrate the continued legacy of Rock & Roll.
