Source: British singer Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden frontman, and British musician and songwriter Steve Harris (left of frame), playing a Fender Precision Bass, performing live in concert with the British heavy metal band, United States, September 1983. The concert was a date on the North American leg of the band’s ‘World Piece Tour’, in support of their album ‘Piece of Mind’. (Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame revealed their list of nominees for their 2026 class Wednesday morning. While the group of nominees feature several prominent rock groups, there are several artists from across many different genres of music.
This year’s group is notable for featuring 17 nominees, above the typical 14 to 15 nominees of a standard year. 10 of the nominees are appearing on the ballot for the first time, and four artists are returning from last year’s ballot.
Australian rock band INXS was a pioneering group of the “new wave” genre. They were formed in 1977, and disbanded in 2012.
Iron Maiden
English heavy metal pioneers Iron Maiden have been one of the genre’s most iconic groups since their formation in 1975.
Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley was an emerging American alternative rock musician that died tragically in 1997 at the age of 30. He has been cited as a major influence for singers like Thom Yorke and Matt Bellamy.
Joy Division/New Order
English rock band New Order rose from the ashes of Joy Division, following the death of frontman Ian Curtis in 1980. They were nominated in 2025 as well.
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill broke barriers in hip-hop during the 1990s, and is often regarded as the greatest female rapper of all time.
Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was one of the biggest names in R&B and soul music during the 1980s. He died in 2005.
Mariah Carey
American singer Mariah Carey was nominated in 2025 as well.
Melissa Etheridge
Folk rock singer Melissa Etheridge broke out in the 1990s and went on to win two Grammy awards for her music.
New Edition
America R&B group New Edition was formed in 1978, and aimed to model themselves as the “new edition of the Jackson 5.” After breaking up in 1991, they briefly reunited in the later 1990s, before fully reforming in 2002.
Oasis
English rock band Oasis, led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, was one of the biggest rock bands internationally in the 1990s. After years of infighting between the brothers, the band spilt in 2009. They’ve since reunited in 2025.
P!NK
American pop singer P!NK was one of the biggest names in popular music during the 2000s.
Phil Collins
Singer and drummer Phil Collins made a name for himself as the lead singer of English rock band Genesis. His profile was elevated significantly upon embarking on a solo career during the 1980s, making him one of the most recognized musicians in the world.
Sade (band)
English band Sade, which takes their name from their lead singer, broke out in the 1980s using elements of jazz, soul and R&B music for their sound.
Shakira
Colombian pop singer Shakira is known for her distinctive voice, global hits, and dynamic hip-shaking performances worldwide.
The Black Crowes
American blues rock band the Black Crowes cemented themselves as one of rock’s biggest acts in the early 1990s with their debut solo album, and went on to champion the popularity of blues rock in the mainstream.
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary Staten Island rap collective known for gritty lyricism and being a groundbreaking force on 1990s hip-hop culture.
