Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira have been selected as nominees for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. The list of 17 performer nominees was disclosed by the Hall on Wednesday, encompassing a wide range of genres such as rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock, and pop.
Returning to the nominations this year are Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order, alongside musical brothers like The Black Crowes and Oasis, who have experienced public disputes and recent reconciliations.
Phil Collins, known for his hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” has amassed eight Grammy awards, including the 1985 Album of the Year for “No Jacket Required.” Lauryn Hill made history with her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by being the first hip-hop record to win the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999.
Mariah Carey, a three-time nominee, has achieved a remarkable 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The Wu-Tang Clan, recognized as rap pioneers since their debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993, have also made the list.
INXS dominated the late 1980s charts with hits like “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation.” Additionally, artists like Melissa Etheridge, Iron Maiden, New Edition, Shakira, and Pink, each with their own unique contributions to music, have been nominated.
Ten of the nominees are first-timers on the ballot, including Jeff Buckley, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Vandross, a two-time Grammy winner, passed away in 2005, and Buckley, acclaimed for his debut album “Grace,” died in 1997.
The inductees for 2026 will be announced in April, alongside those entering the Hall under special committee categories. Eligible artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to induction. The final selection will be determined by a voting body comprising over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
Notable inductees from the previous year include Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, and others.