Ten newcomers are on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination list, including Pink, Shakira and Luther Vandross. Check out who has been shortlisted.
2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees revealed
Of the 17 nominees for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 10 music legends will appear on the ballot for the first time.
From Billy Idol’s sneer to Sade’s smooth tone, the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees strengthen the institution’s commitment to valuing diverse positions.
Ten of this year’s 17 nominees are appearing on the ballot for the first time, and they span rock, hip-hop, pop, soul and Latin music. To be eligible for nomination, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.
The candidates for 2026 are:
First-time artists include Buckley, Collins, Etheridge, Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
This is the third year in a row that Carrie and Oasis have made the shortlist, and the second year in a row that The Black Crowes and Billy Idol have made the shortlist. Iron Maiden was previously named to contention in 2021 and 2023. Joy Division/New Order in 2023 and 2025. And Sade in 2024.
Inductees into the Performers Hall of Fame will be announced in April, as well as inductees who will be inducted into the Rock Hall Hall of Fame in the categories of musical influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Award (the latter given to non-performers).
An international panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry experts will vote using criteria such as an artist’s impact on musical 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 be held in the fall, with exact dates, locations and ticket information to be announced.
