Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order have been announced as the newest inductees into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This year’s list was unveiled during the recent episode of American Idol. To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their debut commercial recording at least 25 years prior.
Renowned artist Phil Collins, who is already a member of Genesis in the Hall of Fame, clinched his spot with iconic solo hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” boasting a collection of eight Grammys, including the 1985 Album of the Year for “No Jacket Required.”
Sade, another nominee this year, emerged as a soul-jazz sensation with chart-topping soft rock tracks such as “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The Wu-Tang Clan, a first-time nominee, revolutionized rap music with their groundbreaking 1993 album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).”
Iron Maiden, a two-time nominee, played a pivotal role in the British heavy metal scene with classic albums like “The Number of the Beast.” Luther Vandross, posthumously honored, left a lasting impact with hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” inspiring modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
The induction ceremony is set to take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a televised broadcast scheduled for December on ABC and Disney+. Notably, next year’s ceremony will return to the Hall of Fame’s hometown of Cleveland.
Aside from the performer category, special committee categories like early influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award will also see distinguished inductees. This year, the early influence award recognizes luminaries like Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons.
Additionally, the musical excellence category will pay tribute to notable figures such as songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin. The Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award will posthumously honor the legendary TV host Ed Sullivan for his significant contributions to the music industry.
While this year’s inductees have been celebrated, other notable artists who fell short for the class of 2026 include Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira. Last year’s inductees included a diverse array of talents spanning various genres, highlighting the Hall of Fame’s commitment to honoring musical excellence.
