The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their nominees for their 2026 class today. The list interestingly features no newly eligible artists (including big acts like The Strokes and Alicia Keys), but rather 17 artists who have been eligible for at least a few years, ten of whom are on the ballot for the first time. Five artists return from last year’s ballot, while Sade and Iron Maiden have been nominated in recent years. This year’s class is very strong, but of course there were some snubs.
According to the Hall, “an artist’s musical impact and influence on other artists, length and depth of career and body of work as well as innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration” for induction. Artists are eligible 25 years after their first commercial release. Approximately 1,200 musical artists, historians, critics and journalists, and music industry professionals will vote on who is inducted.
The nominees for 2026 are (in alphabetical order) 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, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Notably, many of the artists are alive and would be able to receive their induction (and perform) in person. Of course, Luther Vandross passed in 2005, Michael Hutchence of INXS passed in 1997, Jeff Buckley also passed in 1997, Ian Curtis of Joy Division passed in 1980, and a couple notable members of Wu-Tang Clan and the Black Crowes are gone as well.
Below, each artist is described and is given overall odds for induction (in alphabetical order).
The Black Crowes Genre(s): Rock, Southern Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
The Black Crowes released their first music in 1990. The band has released two multi-platinum and three gold albums among their international success. Consistently charting since their debut, the group’s success could seem them gain support for the Rock Hall.
Jeff Buckley Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Blues Odds of Induction: Low
Jeff Buckley released his first EP in 1993. That and his album Grace are his only releases prior to his death. Known for his vocal range and guitar prowess, the music he released is critically renowned and commercially successful. His technical ability and success will likely help him be nominated for the Rock Hall.
Mariah Carey Genre(s): Pop, R&B Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Mariah Carey released her first music in 1991. Eight of her first twelve albums have been certified multi-platinum in multiple countries, with the other four being certified platinum in multiple countries. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, is considered an icon, and is recognized for her incredible voice and vocal range. A fun fact, she was the first artist to have a number-one single in the physical, digital, and streaming ages of music. Vocally and musically, she has influenced a great number of artists. Her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction (she’s also already had most of the other highest honors achievable for American artists).
Phil Collins Genre(s): Pop Rock, Pop Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Phil Collins released his first solo music in 1981. Already in the hall as a member of Genesis, Collins has also had an immensely successful solo career. Known for international hit “In the Air Tonight” and the greatest Disney soundtrack of all time (Tarzan, for those of you under a rock), all eight of his studio albums have been certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in multiple countries, along with that Tarzan soundtrack, a live album, and two of his compilation albums. One of the most influential drummers of all time, Collins is also one of the most divisive pop artists of all time. His incredible popularity has earned him many haters, similar to how many sports fans root against Tom Brady because he wins a lot. However, he has also influenced many artists outside of drummers, including Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Lorde, and The 1975, among others. Already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, his massive success and influence should have him in the Rock Hall.
Melissa Etheridge Genre(s): Rock, Folk Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Melissa Etheridge released her first music in 1988. She released six straight albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum among her international success. Remaining successful after coming out as gay, Etheridge inspired many artists with her music and courage. Maintaining her success was not easy at the time – Ellen DeGeneres came out two years later and backlash against her caused ABC to cancel her show. Etheridge’s success, longevity, and influence make a good case for her enshrinement in the Rock Hall.
Lauryn Hill Genre(s): Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Neo Soul Odds of Induction: Lock
Lauryn Hill released her only studio album in 1998. That and a live album from MTV Unplugged make up most of her discography. And yet her impact on music, especially in rap, neo soul, pop, and R&B, is nearly immeasurable. Look to see her inducted on her first ballot.
Billy Idol (real name William Michael Albert Broad) Genre(s): Punk, Hard Rock, New Wave Odds of Induction: Medium
Billy Idol released his first solo music in 1981. Known for his vocal style, Idol released seven straight albums certified gold or higher in several countries, including compilations. Also known for his style, Idol’s success and solid discography will likely earn him nomination to the Rock Hall ballot.
INXS Genre(s): New Wave Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
INXS released their first music in 1980. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, the band has released many gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in multiple countries, including Kick, which is considered a top-tier rock album. As the face of New Wave, they have also influenced artists like Maroon 5 and The 1975, among others. With incredible success, longevity, an extensive discography, musicality, and influence, INXS is missing from the Rock Hall.
Iron Maiden Genre(s): Heavy Metal Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Iron Maiden released their first EP in 1979. Known for their dual guitar work, rangy vocals, and live concerts, the band is one of the highest-selling artists of all time. All but two of their sixteen studio albums have been certified gold or higher in multiple countries, among incredible international success. The group has also influenced many artists, including Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, and Slipknot, and they are oft-referenced in other bands’ songs. Nominated for the Hall again this year, Iron Maiden should be in already.
Joy Division and New Order Genre(s): Post-punk, Gothic Rock, New Wave Odds of Induction: High
Frustratingly, even though they share all but one of the same members, Joy Divison and New Order have been nominated jointly despite their unique sounds from one another. However, they each have about a medium chance of induction on their own, so a joint nomination could push them closer to the Hall.
Joy Division released their first EP in 1978. Known for their melancholy lyrics, spacious sound, and energetic concerts, the band is considered one of the first post-punk artists. Despite a limited discography due to lead singer Ian Curtis’ death, the band has influenced many artists, including The Cure, U2, Soundgarden, and Vince Staples.
New Order released their first music in 1981. Comprised of the remaining members of Joy Division, the band is known for combining post-punk with synth-pop and electronic dance music, a unique combination that has influenced the development of techno and other subgenres of electronic music, as well as pop music. Their hit “Blue Monday” is also the best-selling 12” single of all time.
The bands’ combined musicality and influence should give them a good chance at Rock Hall induction.
New Edition Genre(s): R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop Odds of Induction: Low
New Edition released their first music in 1983, including two gold, one platinum, and three multi-platinum albums. The group helped to re-popularize vocal groups, and spawned successful solo careers (and another successful group) for its members, making a lasting impact on R&B for the 1980s and 1990s. With some success and musicality under their belt, the group has a case for the Rock Hall.
Oasis Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Britpop Odds of Induction: High
Oasis released their first music (aside from a promotional single) in 1994. Known as the face of Britpop, all seven of the band’s studio albums are certified multi-platinum in multiple countries. Aside from massive success, they have influenced artists including Coldplay, Maroon 5, Ryan Adams, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Alvvays. Their success and popularity, musicality, and influence should make them a lock for the Hall.
P!NK [real name Alecia Beth Moore-Hart] Genre(s): Pop, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: High
P!NK released her first music in 2000. All nine of her studio albums are certified gold or higher, with the first eight all certified platinum or higher, plus a host of other certified live, compilation, and video albums. She is one of the most successful singers of the 21st Century and has more of a rock tinge to her music than other singers like Mariah Carey that have struggled to be inducted thus far. She has also bee recognized for her voice and musicality, and has influenced a large number of her peers and new singers. She has a solid chance for induction.
Sade Genre(s): Soul, Jazz, Pop Odds of Induction: High
Sade released their first music in 1984. All six of their studio albums and a compilation album have been certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in multiple countries. They have influenced an array of artists including Eric B. & Rakim, Aaliyah, Brandy, Beyoncé, and Greg Puciato. Known for lead singer Sade Adu’s smooth vocals, their music has helped shape pop music since their debut. The group’s musicality, success, and influence give them a solid case for Rock Hall induction.
Shakira (full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll) Genre(s): Latin, Pop, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: High
Shakira released her first music in 1991. Considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time, she has had numerous platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond albums in multiple countries in her extensive discography. She has influenced many other artists and is credited with popularizing Latin music around the world. With massive critical and commercial success, incalculable influence, and strong musicality, Shakira is likely for induction into the Rock Hall, especially as they begin to consider Latin music.
Luther Vandross Genre(s): R&B, Soul, Disco Odds of Induction: High
Luther Vandross released his first music in 1981. Known as one of the greatest singers of all time, Vandross had nine platinum albums and seven multi-platinum albums among his extensive discography. He has influenced a host of other artists, including notables like Boyz II Men, D’Angelo, Hootie & the Blowfish, John Legend, and Usher. With massive critical and commercial success, significant influence, and strong musicality, Vandross is likely to go into the Rock Hall.
Wu-Tang Clan Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap Odds of Induction: High
Wu-Tang Clan released their first music in 1993. Known for their limited sampling, altered sampling, and gangsta rap lyrics, the group helped to popularize gangsta rap. They have influenced many artists including Nas, Jay-Z, the Notorious B.I.G., and Kanye West. Their success, musicality, and influence should bring them to the Rock Hall.
Here are the artists that were newly eligible this year but did not make the ballot:
Alicia Keys (Real name Alicia Augello Cook) Genre(s): R&B, Soul, Pop, Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Lock
Alicia Keys released her first music in 2001. Keys has had massive critical and commercial success and is regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time and the standard for modern R&B. She has also influenced many artists in her twenty-plus years atop the music world.
Avenged Sevenfold Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Avenged Sevenfold released their first music in 2001. The band is a notable next generation American heavy metal band and have five albums certified platinum. Despite their success, they have a tough road to the Rock Hall considering the more notable and influential first-gen heavy metal groups still currently locked out that would need to be inducted ahead of them.
Casting Crowns Genre(s): Christian Contemporary, Christian Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Casting Crowns released their first album in 2001. One of the most successful Christian artists in music history, they started their career with eleven straight gold or platinum albums (including live). They have influenced other CCM artists as well. Their genre might hold them back.
Default Genre(s): Post-grunge, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Default released their first music in 2001. Known for hit “Wasting My Time,” the band released one gold and one platinum albums. However, a lack of influence, a maligned genre, and a short discography will keep them out of the Hall.
Ben Folds Genre(s): Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Ben Folds released his first solo music in 2001. That work plus his tenure in Ben Folds Five might be enough to get him to the Hall. A noted songwriter, Folds’ musicality, technical ability, and critical success help his case.
Jack Johnson Genre(s): Soft Rock, Pop, Folk Odds of Induction: Medium
Jack Johnson released his first album in 2001. Known for his humanitarian work as much as his easy-listening music, Johnson has released six gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in multiple countries. It will be interesting to see if the Rock Hall takes his case seriously.
The National Genre(s): Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, Folk Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
The National released their first album in 2001. Known for their melancholy sound and layered lyrics, they are one of the most respected indie rock bands of the 21st century. Critical success and musicality give them a shot at the Hall.
The Strokes Genre(s): Indie Rock Odds of Induction: Lock
The Strokes released their first music in 2001. Regarded as the top band of the indie rock revival in the 2000s, the band has received critical acclaim – especially for their debut album – peer respect, and popular success. Those factors, plus musicality, will lead them to the Rock Hall.
Photo by Moses, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Tenacious D Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Comedy Odds of Induction: Low
Tenacious D released their first album in 2001. The heavy metal parody band made up of Jack Black and Kyle Gass has serious musical chops, as evidenced by their popular and critical success – including a Grammy. As a side note, if Jack Black doesn’t get in as a performer as part of this band, he should be inducted in the Ahmet Ertegun or Award for Musical Excellence categories for his contributions to progressing rock music (Tenacious D, School of Rock, High Fidelity, that Sax-A-Boom performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, etc.).
T.I. (real name Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.) Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Slim
T.I. released his first music in 2001. Though he has found a great deal of success with his music, he has a host of legal troubles and other controversies, including current sexual misconduct and kidnapping accusations, which hurt any chances at the Hall.
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