The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees are here, featuring a diverse mix of legends and first-time contenders across rock, hip-hop, pop, R&B, and metal.
Diverse nominees include pop, rap, and metal artists, highlighting the Hall's expanding beyond traditional rock.
Cultural impact, not just genre, now drives the Hall's selection process as music's boundaries continue blurring.
Nominees like Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan, and Iron Maiden have reshaped their respective genres and eras.
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The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees reflect just how far the definition of “rock” has expanded over the decades. This year’s ballot crosses genres, generations, and cultural movements in a way that feels intentional — and long overdue.
Pop royalty like Mariah Carey represents an era of chart dominance and vocal influence that shaped modern music. Meanwhile, hip-hop’s impact is undeniable with the inclusion of Wu-Tang Clan, a collective that redefined lyricism, branding, and East Coast rap in the 1990s. On the harder edge of the spectrum, metal pioneers Iron Maiden continue to stand as one of the genre’s most influential and enduring forces.
From pop to rap to heavy metal, the diversity of this year’s nominees highlights how the Hall continues evolving beyond traditional guitar-driven rock. It also underscores the reality that cultural impact — not just genre labels — now drives the conversation.
Below, we break down every single nominee on the 2026 ballot and what makes each one Hall of Fame worthy.
Debut Year: 1990 The Black Crowes broke out with Shake Your Money Maker in 1990, reviving blues-driven Southern rock for a new generation. Their gritty sound and swagger made them one of the defining rock bands of the early ’90s.
Jeff Buckley
Debut Year: 1994 Jeff Buckley released his only studio album, Grace, in 1994. Though his career was tragically short, his haunting vocals and emotional depth influenced countless artists across rock and alternative music.
Mariah Carey
Debut Year: 1990 Mariah Carey launched her career with her self-titled debut album in 1990. Her five-octave range and songwriting reshaped modern pop and R&B while producing one of the most successful careers in chart history.
Phil Collins
Debut Year: 1981 (Solo) Phil Collins began his solo career with Face Value in 1981 after rising to fame with Genesis. His blend of pop, rock, and soul dominated the ’80s and produced multiple Grammy-winning hits.
Melissa Etheridge
Debut Year: 1988 Melissa Etheridge introduced her raspy, heartland rock sound with her 1988 self-titled debut. She became a major voice in ’90s rock while openly advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility in the music industry.
Lauryn Hill
Debut Year: 1998 (Solo) Lauryn Hill released The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998, following her success with the Fugees. The album blended hip-hop, soul, and reggae, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards.
Billy Idol
Debut Year: 1982 (Solo) Billy Idol debuted as a solo artist with his 1982 self-titled album after his punk beginnings. His sneer, style, and hits like “White Wedding” defined the MTV rock era.
INXS
Debut Year: 1980 INXS released their self-titled debut album in 1980. The Australian band fused rock, funk, and new wave, achieving global success throughout the 1980s.
Iron Maiden
Debut Year: 1980 Iron Maiden burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut in 1980. They helped define the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and built one of the most loyal fan bases in rock history.
Joy Division / New Order
Debut Year: 1979 (Joy Division) Joy Division debuted with Unknown Pleasures in 1979, shaping post-punk with a dark, atmospheric sound. After Ian Curtis’ death, the remaining members formed New Order, blending rock with electronic dance music.
New Edition
Debut Year: 1983 New Edition debuted with Candy Girl in 1983. The R&B group laid the foundation for the modern boy band model and launched several legendary solo careers.
Oasis
Debut Year: 1994 Oasis arrived with Definitely Maybe in 1994. The Britpop giants delivered anthems that defined a generation and became one of the UK’s most influential rock bands.
P!NK
Debut Year: 2000 P!NK released her debut album Can’t Take Me Home in 2000. She evolved into a pop-rock powerhouse known for fearless performances and emotional songwriting.
Sade
Debut Year: 1984 Sade introduced her smooth, sophisticated sound with Diamond Life in 1984. Her blend of soul, jazz, and quiet storm made her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music.
Shakira
Debut Year: 1991 (Latin America) / 2001 (English-language breakthrough) Shakira began recording in the early 1990s before crossing over globally with Laundry Service in 2001. She blended Latin pop, rock, and global influences into a worldwide phenomenon.
Luther Vandross
Debut Year: 1981 Luther Vandross debuted with Never Too Much in 1981. His smooth tenor and romantic ballads made him one of R&B’s most celebrated vocalists.
Wu-Tang Clan
Debut Year: 1993 Wu-Tang Clan released Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993. Their raw production, lyrical complexity, and business model changed hip-hop forever.
