Earlier today, the Rock Hall announced its list of nominees for the class of 2026, and several new names appear on the ballot.
The actual inductees will be announced in April.
“This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture,” says John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, in a press release. “Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 this Fall.”
Artists or bands become eligible for nomination 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording. Among this year’s 17 nominees, 10 appear on the ballot for the very first time: Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, P!NK, Shakira, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan. The list also includes acts such as the Black Crowes, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade and Shakira. Those acts have been nominated in the past but have yet to be inducted.
Nominee ballots will be distributed to an international voting panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals who’ll make the final call. The selection criteria include the following: an artist’s impact on music culture, influence on other musicians that have followed, as well as the scope and longevity of their career and body of work.
This year’s Induction Ceremony will take place in the fall, with exact dates and ticket sale details to be determined.
Subscribe to Cleveland Scene newsletters.
Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter