Luther Vandross, Phil Collins and Shakira are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its nominees Wednesday, and this year’s list includes first-time contenders like Luther Vandross, Phil Collins, Shakira, Lauryn Hill, and the late Jeff Buckley.

Joining the list of potential inductees for the Class of 2026 are first-time nominees Melissa Etheridge, INXS, New Edition, Pink, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Also being considered are seven artists who have been nominated before: the Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Sade, and a combined nomination for Joy Division and New Order.

This year’s group of artists – spanning rock, pop, Latin, R&B, hip-hop, post-punk, and heavy metal – shows the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame becoming more diverse. After facing criticism for historically favoring older, white artists, the Hall recently updated its selection process to better include artists of all genders, races, and musical styles.

According to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chairman John Sykes, the nominees represent the changing landscape of rock and roll and its ongoing influence on young people.

The 2024 induction class included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Thom Bell, and Lenny Waronker were also honored with special awards during the 2025 ceremony.

Music

Following his critically acclaimed Elvis biopic from four years ago, the Australian director is now releasing a concert film featuring the iconic performer.

Artists or bands can be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame 25 years after releasing their first commercially available recording. A committee of music industry experts first decides on the nominees, and then over 1,200 musicians, industry leaders, historians, and journalists vote on who will be inducted.

Luther Vandross is being honored following Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grammy win for “Luther,” their popular song that features a sample from Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 hit, “If This World Were Mine.” Meanwhile, Jeff Buckley’s nomination arrives after a widely talked-about documentary highlighted his life and career, which was cut short by his tragic drowning death at age 30 in 1997.

Oasis’s nomination comes after their very popular reunion tour, and Wu-Tang Clan’s follows what they announced as their farewell tour. Phil Collins was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of Genesis in 2010, but this nomination honors his career as a solo performer.

The new members joining the hall of fame will be announced in April, and an official ceremony will be held in the fall. Details about where to watch the ceremony – whether on TV or online – will be shared soon. Last year, the event moved to Disney+ after being broadcast on HBO for almost 30 years.

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2026-02-25 14:33