The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its newest inductees, including Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, Joy Division/New Order, Wu-Tang Clan, and the late Luther Vandross. The list was unveiled during the recent episode of American Idol. To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before. The decision was made by a voting panel consisting of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
Phil Collins, a soft rocker who is already a member of Genesis in the Hall of Fame, secured his spot with hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night” and has won eight Grammys, including the 1985 Album of the Year for “No Jacket Required.” Sade, known for soul-jazz vocals and hits like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo,” was also nominated in 2024. Wu-Tang Clan, recognized as rap innovators since their groundbreaking 1993 album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” was a first-time nominee.
Iron Maiden, a key player in the British heavy metal scene with iconic albums such as “The Number of the Beast,” had been nominated twice before. Luther Vandross, with over 25 million albums sold and hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” passed away in 2005, influencing artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
This year’s induction will celebrate the sounds of Manchester, England, by honoring post-punk pioneers Joy Division and New Order, along with the reunited Britpop band Oasis led by Noel and Liam Gallagher. Billy Idol, known for adding a punk edge to pop with songs like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” will also be inducted.
The ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a televised presentation set to air on ABC and Disney+ in December. The following year, the event will return to its usual location in Cleveland.
Aside from the performer category, inductees can also enter under special committee categories, including early influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. This year, the early influence award will recognize Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. The musical excellence category will honor Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin. Additionally, the legendary TV host Ed Sullivan will posthumously receive the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award for his significant contributions to music and breaking racial barriers in American entertainment.
Not making it to the class of 2026 were nominees like Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira. Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, and Warren Zevon.
