From the sneer of Billy Idol to the smooth sashaying of Sade, the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees amplify the institution’s commitment to recognizing a diverse slate.
Of this year’s crop of 17 hopefuls, 10 are appearing on the ballot for the first time and span rock, hip-hop, pop, soul and Latin music. To be eligible for a nomination, the artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of nomination.
Here are the 2026 nominees:
The artists making their first appearance are Buckley, Collins, Etheridge, Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
Lauryn Hill, seen here paying tribute to Roberta Flack at the Grammy Awards, is nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
This is the third consecutive year for Carey and Oasis to make the shortlist and the second consecutive year for Black Crowes and Billy Idol. Iron Maiden was previously tapped for contention in 2021 and 2023; Joy Division/New Order in 2023 and 2025; and Sade in 2024.
Those selected for entry as performer inductees will be announced in April, as well as inductees entering the Rock Hall in the categories of musical influence, musical excellence and the Ahmet Ertegun Award, the latter given to non-performers.
See all 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees in photos
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Ten newcomers, including Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross and more, are on the list of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees.
See who has been shortlisted, beginning here with Chris Robinson, left, and brother Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes.
An international panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals will vote using criteria including an artist’s impact on music culture and influence on other musicians, as well as the scope and longevity of their career and body of work.
This year’s induction ceremony will take place in the fall, with exact dates, location and ticket information to be announced.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 nominees include Shakira, Pink