LOS ANGELES — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its Class of 2026, a diverse group of 18 artists and industry titans that spans the worlds of British Britpop, New York hip-hop, and timeless American soul.
Leading the Performers category this year are the late R&B icon Luther Vandross, influential hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, and British rock legends Oasis. The announcement, made Monday, highlights a class that celebrates the global reach of music across four distinct categories.
The Class of 2026: A Breakdown of the Inductees
The induction process is divided into categories that recognize not only performers but also those who influenced the sound and culture of music from behind the scenes.
Performer Category, this category honors artists who have created a body of work whose influence and significance on rock and roll is wide-ranging.
- Phil Collins
- Billy Idol
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division/New Order
- Oasis
- Sade
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
Early Influence Award is given to artists whose music and talent have directly influenced the evolution of rock and roll.
- Celia Cruz
- Fela Kuti
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
- Gram Parsons
Musical Excellence Award is given to artists, musicians, songwriters, and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music.
- Linda Creed
- Arif Mardin
- Jimmy Miller
- Rick Rubin
Ahmet Ertegun Award recognizes non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the growth of the art form.
The legendary host of The Ed Sullivan Show, Ed Sullivan, is credited with introducing The Beatles to American audiences, a moment widely considered the catalyst for the “British Invasion.”
The Road to Induction
To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of nomination. For this year’s class, that means the debut recordings must have been released in 2001 or earlier.
The selection process is a multi-step journey:
- The Nominating Committee: A group of several dozen music historians and industry professionals narrows down a field of potential candidates.
- The International Voting Body: More than 1,000 ballots are sent to past inductees, historians, and members of the music industry.
- The Fan Vote: Fans around the world vote online; the top five artists on the fan ballot comprise a single “fan’s ballot” that is counted along with the other international ballots.
Ceremony Details
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. While the live event is a major industry milestone, fans will be able to watch the edited ceremony when it airs in December on ABC and Disney+.
“This class represents the incredible breadth of what ‘Rock & Roll’ really is,” said a representative for the Hall. “From the metal riffs of Iron Maiden to the smooth production of Rick Rubin, these are the architects of our modern musical landscape.”
