The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has officially revealed its nominees for the Class of 2026, setting up one of the most stylistically diverse ballots in recent memory.
From classic rock and heavy metal to R&B, hip-hop, and global pop, this year’s list reflects the institution’s ongoing evolution and its widening definition of what “rock and roll” represents.
Inductees will be announced in April 2026, with the official ceremony scheduled for later in the year.
The Full List of 2026 Nominees
The artists nominated for induction are:
The Black Crowes
Jeff Buckley
Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Melissa Etheridge
Lauryn Hill
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division / New Order
New Edition
Oasis
P!nk
Sade
Shakira
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
The Rock Hall has increasingly embraced a broader interpretation of its mission, inducting artists across genres beyond traditional rock. The 2026 ballot continues that trajectory.
Hip-hop’s influence is represented by Wu-Tang Clan and Lauryn Hill. R&B and soul appear through Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Sade, and New Edition. Meanwhile, rock traditionalists will point to Iron Maiden, Oasis, The Black Crowes, and Billy Idol.
Jeff Buckley’s nomination underscores the Hall’s recognition of short but culturally significant careers, while Joy Division/New Order represents one of the most influential transitions in alternative music history from post-punk to synth-driven new wave.
The inclusion of Shakira highlights the growing acknowledgment of global pop influence, while Sade’s nomination carries particular resonance across the UK, US, and Africa. For Nigerian audiences, Sade remains one of the most internationally successful artists of Nigerian heritage.
Artists become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. From this ballot, a select number will be voted into the Class of 2026.
The final inductees will be announced in April 2026, followed by a ceremony later in the year.