The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to honor artists, producers, songwriters, and others who have had a decisive influence on rock music and popular music in general. The museum is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and the first inaugurations took place in 1986. To be eligible for nomination, an artist must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The dedication ceremony is considered “music’s highest honor.”
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Winners
On April 13, 2026, this year’s inaugural class was announced during a themed performance of American Idol. The ceremony will take place on November 14 in Los Angeles, and will air in December on ABC and Disney+.
Performer Category
| Artist | Background |
|---|---|
| Phil Collins | Legendary singer, drummer and former Genesis frontman. His solo career marked the 1980s with hits such as “In the Air Tonight”. |
| Billy Idol | Defined 1980s rock with its unmistakable, punk-inspired edge and hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell”. |
| Iron Maiden | Heavy metal pioneers with enormous global influence. The band has inspired generations with their epic songs and mascot Eddie. |
| Joy Division / New Order | Two interconnected bands that shaped post-punk and electronic music, respectively. From Joy Division’s dark legacy to New Order’s danceable soundscape. |
| Oasis | Britpop giants from the 1990s, known for evergreen anthems such as “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger”. |
| Said | Iconic vocalist with a smooth, soulful sound. The band Sade stands for timeless classics such as “Smooth Operator”. |
| Wu-Tang Clan | One of the most influential hip-hop collectives of all time. Groundbreaking for both sound and business model in hip hop. |
| Luther Vandross (posthumously) | Loved R&B and soul songs, celebrated for his exceptional vocal talent. The first time on the ballot. |
Special Pricing
Early Influence Award (honoring artists who laid the foundation for modern music):
- Celia Cruz
- Fela Kuti
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
- Gram Parsons
Musical Excellence Award (celebrating individuals who have shaped the sound and direction of popular music):
- Linda Creed
- Arif Mardin
- Jimmy Miller
- Rick Rubin
Ahmet Ertegun Award (To non-performers who have had a major impact on the music industry):
- Ed Sullivan
For Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan, this was their first appearance on the ballot. The other initiates had been nominated in previous years. This year’s ballot featured 17 candidates, including New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Mariah Carey, INXS, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge and Lauryn Hill.
