Luther Vandross, Phil Collins and Shakira Among 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for the Class of 2026, and the list includes some of the biggest names in music history.
Among the first-time nominees are Luther Vandross, Phil Collins, Shakira, Lauryn Hill, and the late Jeff Buckley.
Also nominated for the first time are Melissa Etheridge, INXS, New Edition, Pink, and Wu-Tang Clan. Returning nominees include The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order.
According to the LA Times, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shared the news on Wednesday. Chairman John Sykes said the list shows the wide range of music that continues to shape youth culture. The nominees represent rock, pop, Latin, R&B, hip-hop, post-punk, and heavy metal.
Artists become eligible for the Hall of Fame 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording. A special committee selects the nominees. More than 1,200 voters, including musicians, executives, and historians, will now choose the final inductees.
The nomination for Luther Vandross comes at a meaningful time. Earlier this month, Kendrick Lamar and SZA won Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards for “Luther.” The song samples Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 track “If This World Were Mine.”
Phil Collins was already inducted in 2010 as a member of Genesis. This new nomination recognizes his solo career, which includes major hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Against All Odds.”
For Shakira, the nomination highlights her global impact in pop and Latin music. Her career spans decades, with hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever.”
The final inductees will be announced in April 2026. The induction ceremony will take place in the fall. Details about the broadcast or streaming partner will be shared later.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continues to expand its view of what “rock and roll” means. This year’s nominees show that the definition now includes many styles and voices from around the world.
Fans will now wait to see which artists officially join the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.