The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees on Monday night during an episode of American Idol. The class includes Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Oasis, Sade, Joy Division/New Order, Wu-Tang Clan, and the late Luther Vandross. First-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and Vandross were among the inductees, along with Collins, who is entering as a solo artist after previously being inducted as part of Genesis.
The inductees were selected by a vote of over 1,200 artists, historians, and industry professionals. To be eligible, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The induction ceremony will take place on November 14 in Los Angeles.
Notable exclusions from the 2026 class include INXS, Mariah Carey, Shakira, Lauryn Hill, Jeff Buckley, and Pink. The hall also honored additional artists in special categories, including Early Influence and Musical Excellence awards.
The 2026 class represents a broad range of genres, including hip-hop, heavy metal, Britpop, and soul. However, the group contains only two women: Sade and New Order’s Gillian Gilbert, which may draw criticism given the hall’s efforts to diversify its ranks along gender lines.
The induction ceremony will feature performances and speeches from the inductees, celebrating their contributions to music history.