The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its 2026 class of nominees, and the lineup proves that the definition of “rock and roll” continues to evolve. This year’s wide-ranging ballot of 17 artists spans across hip-hop, R&B, pop, metal, and Britpop, but two standout names are making serious waves as first-time contenders: the legendary velvet-voiced crooner Luther Vandross and the game-changing hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan.
For many music lovers, seeing these two iconic acts on the shortlist feels both incredibly exciting and long overdue. Here is a breakdown of their historic nominations and who else is vying for music’s highest honor this year.
It is hard to talk about the soundtrack of R&B and soul without centering Luther Vandross. A first-time nominee on the 2026 ballot, the late singer-songwriter sold more than 25 million albums worldwide during his illustrious career.
Known for his unmatched vocal control and emotive delivery, Vandross gave us timeless wedding-day staples and heartbreak anthems like Here and Now, Any Love, and Never Too Much. Beyond his solo success, his early background as a highly sought-after session vocalist helped shape the sound of the late ’70s and ’80s.
A nomination for Vandross is a nod to pure vocal excellence and a legacy that continues to influence modern R&B artists today.
Entering the ballot exactly 33 years after the release of their culture-shifting 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Wu-Tang Clan’s nomination highlights the Hall’s growing embrace of hip-hop innovators.
The Staten Island crew didn’t just change the sound of rap with RZA’s gritty, martial-arts-sampled production; they completely revolutionized the business of music. By establishing a group dynamic where every notable member could still sign individual solo deals, Wu-Tang redefined entrepreneurial hustle in hip-hop. From C.R.E.A.M. to their sprawling solo classics, the Clan’s impact on global youth culture makes them an undeniable force on this year’s ballot.
To be eligible for nomination, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of induction. This year’s list features a mix of fresh faces and returning favorites. Joining Vandross and Wu-Tang as first-time nominees in the R&B and hip-hop space are the incomparable Ms. Lauryn Hill and the iconic Boston boy band New Edition. Meanwhile, vocal powerhouses Mariah Carey and Sade are returning to the ballot for their third and second nominations, respectively.
The pop category is bringing some serious global heat, with crossover superstar Shakira and pop-rock powerhouse P!nk both securing their first-ever nods. Rounding out the ballot is a stacked lineup of rock, Britpop, and metal legends. That impressive roster includes Oasis, Iron Maiden, INXS, The Black Crowes, Joy Division/New Order, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Billy Idol, and Phil Collins, who is aiming for a solo induction after already being enshrined as a member of Genesis.
The final inductees will be determined by an international voting panel consisting of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Fans also have a voice in the process; the public can vote daily online, which will generate a single “fan ballot” to be tallied alongside the industry votes.
The official Class of 2026 will be announced in April, with the induction ceremony scheduled to take place this fall.
