Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Shakira and More For Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 2026 Nominees: See the Complete List

It’s that time again—debate season for rock’s highest honor. On Wednesday (Feb. 25), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its nominees for the Class of 2026, revealing a wide-ranging ballot that spans blues-rock, pop, hip-hop, metal, R&B and alternative icons.

This year’s list includes 17 nominees (representing 18 artists), slightly more than in recent years. Notably, 10 acts appear on the ballot for the first time, while seven return after previous nominations—setting up another round of passionate lobbying, fan campaigns and industry debate ahead of the final vote.

The Complete List of 2026 Nominees

• The Black Crowes

• Jeff Buckley

• Mariah Carey

• Phil Collins (solo)

• 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

First-Time Nominees Lead the Ballot

Among the first-time nominees are several era-defining artists whose eligibility windows recently opened. To qualify, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior.

P!NK is the most recent debut among newcomers, having released her first album in 2000. Other newly eligible heavyweights include Lauryn Hill (1998), Jeff Buckley (1994), Wu-Tang Clan (1993) and Shakira, whose earliest recordings date to 1991.

Also appearing for the first time are Melissa Etheridge, New Edition, Luther Vandross, Phil Collins as a solo artist, and INXS. Collins is already a Hall member through Genesis; a solo induction would make him one of a select group honored twice.

Familiar Names Return

Several artists are making repeat appearances on the ballot. Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and Oasis are all nominated for the third time. The Black Crowes and Billy Idol return for a second consecutive year, while Sade is back after a previous nomination in 2024.

Carey stands out as the most commercially dominant nominee, boasting 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100—more than any solo artist in history. Phil Collins and P!NK also rank among the chart era’s most successful performers.

What Happens Next

More than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals will vote to determine the final class. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will announce the 2026 inductees in April, with the official induction ceremony scheduled for the fall.

Until then, fans and critics alike will be making their cases for who truly deserves a place in rock history—ensuring that the conversation around this year’s nominees will be as lively as the music that earned them recognition.Wu