British singer Phil Collins, iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, punk rock legend Billy Idol, hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, soulful singer Sade, actress and rapper Queen Latifah, Britpop band Oasis, and post-punk pioneers Joy Division/New Order have been selected for induction into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The late Luther Vandross is also among the honorees this year.
The announcement was made during a recent episode of the popular TV show “American Idol.” To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The inductees were chosen through a voting process involving over 1,200 music industry professionals, artists, and historians.
Phil Collins, already a Hall of Fame member with Genesis, secured his solo induction with hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night.” Sade, known for soft rock classics like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo,” was also nominated in 2024. Wu-Tang Clan’s groundbreaking album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” propelled them to fame in 1993.
Iron Maiden, a two-time nominee, contributed significantly to the British heavy metal scene with albums like “The Number of the Beast.” Luther Vandross, a multi-platinum artist known for songs like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” passed away in 2005 but left a lasting musical legacy.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a televised broadcast on ABC and Disney+ in December. The following year, the event will return to Cleveland, the Hall of Fame’s home.
In addition to the performer category, special committee categories will honor music icons like Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons with the early influence award. Songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin will receive recognition in the musical excellence category.
Ed Sullivan, the legendary TV host famous for showcasing numerous music icons on his show, will posthumously receive the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award for his significant contributions to breaking racial barriers in American entertainment.
Among the nominees who did not make it this year are Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira. Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and several other influential artists.