Honestly, I figured Phil Collins was a lock for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – it just wouldn’t have made sense to leave him out, and thankfully they didn’t! He felt like the only truly obvious pick this year, though. There were a bunch of other artists who totally deserved to get in too, so it was a tough call.
Many people hoped bands like Iron Maiden and Oasis would finally be recognized with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, though those bands probably weren’t overly concerned with the honor. However, it surprised some rock fans when New Edition, a popular R&B group, actually won the fan vote and earned a spot.
Once all the votes were tallied – including millions from fans combined with votes from music experts and industry professionals – the 2026 class was revealed on American Idol on Monday. But did the Hall of Fame make the right choices?
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class announced for 2026
Here is who makes up the performers category:
- Phil Collins
- Billy Idol
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division + New Order
- Oasis
- Sade
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
And the early influence category inductees:
- Queen Latifah
- Fela Kuti
- Celia Cruz
- MC Lyte
- Gram Parsons
Plus, the musical excellence award inductees:
- Linda Creed
- Arif Mardin (producer)
- Jim Miller
- Rick Rubin
Ed Sullivan, famed TV host, will receive the Ahemt Ertegun award.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years. With the inclusion of so many classic rock artists – particularly Iron Maiden, Osas, and Joy Division/New Order – it’s clear the Hall of Fame made a good choice by prioritizing influential rock bands over other suggestions, like New Edition.
Potential snubs
It’s fair to say Mariah Carey earned her place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame not just because she wrote so many songs, but also because she co-wrote a remarkable 19 that reached number one. Perhaps she’ll be inducted in 2027.
The Black Crowes have consistently delivered fantastic rock music for over three decades, even with a few breaks, and have achieved both commercial and critical success.
New Edition didn’t make it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. This is the second year in a row that the fan-voted leader hasn’t been inducted – Phish also missed out in 2025. Despite past criticisms of the Hall of Fame’s choices, most people seem to agree they made good selections in 2026.
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2026-04-14 05:00