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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has revealed 17 Performer Nominees for its Class of 2026, a wide-ranging list that stretches from pop powerhouses like Mariah Carey and P!NK to metal legends Iron Maiden and hip-hop pioneers Wu-Tang Clan.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 nominees now move on to ballot consideration, where more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals will vote to determine this year’s inductees.
The 2026 Performer Nominees are:
- 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
- Wu-Tang Clan
Rock Hall Foundation chairman John Sykes said this year’s slate showcases how broad the genre has become.
“This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture,” Sykes said. “Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 this Fall.”
First-Time Nominees Lead the Way
Artists become eligible for Rock Hall consideration 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording. Of the 17 acts on this year’s ballot, 10 are first-time nominees:
- Jeff Buckley
- Phil Collins
- Melissa Etheridge
- Lauryn Hill
- INXS
- New Edition
- P!NK
- Shakira
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
The group reflects multiple eras and styles: from Buckley’s influential alt-rock and Lauryn Hill’s groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and soul to Shakira’s global pop crossover and Wu-Tang Clan’s impact on rap culture and production.
How The 2026 Class Will Be Chosen
Nominee ballots will be sent to an international voting body of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Voters are asked to weigh several factors, including:
- The artist’s impact on music and broader culture
- Influence on other musicians
- Scope and longevity of career
- Depth and significance of the body of work
The 2026 Performer Inductees are expected to be announced in April. At the same time, the Rock Hall will also reveal honorees in three special committee categories:
- Musical Influence
- Musical Excellence
- Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award
Ceremony Returns To The Fall
The 2026 Induction Ceremony will take place this fall, with exact dates and ticket details still to come. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members and donors receive early opportunities to secure seats.
More information about membership and benefits is available at rockhall.com/membership.
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