The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2026 ballot, a wide-ranging roster crossing pop, rap, metal and more. Headliners on the list include pop icons Mariah Carey, Shakira and rap pioneer Lauryn Hill, alongside rock veterans like Pink and Phil Collins. Hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan and R&B group New Edition also make the cut. Late artists Jeff Buckley and Luther Vandross appear for the first time as nominees.
This eclectic mix shows how the Hall is embracing diverse sounds. Classic singer Sade and metal stalwarts Iron Maiden are nominated again, along with first-timers such as Melissa Etheridge and INXS. In all, ten of the 17 nominees are on the ballot for the first time, highlighting newer genres and artists. Hall chairman John Sykes praised the list for reflecting “ever-evolving faces and sounds of rock & roll,” emphasizing the broad definition of rock today.
Fans can vote in the Hall’s “Voice Your Choice” poll now. The final Class of 2026 inductees will be announced in April. Until then, rock fans are buzzing over the unique ballot, which spans everything from pop and R&B to punk and blues.
