The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its 2026 nominees. It’s a powerhouse lineup of legacy acts, that includes long-awaited newcomers. There are 17 artists on the ballot. This year’s class spans genres and generations. It also highlights a global influence, and it spotlights those who’ve shaped the sound of modern music.

Headlining the list are first-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, Shakira, Jeff Buckley, P!NK, INXS, Luther Vandross, Melissa Etheridge, Phil Collins and New Edition. All these artists whose impact has resonated far beyond their peak charts.

Wu-Tang Clan didn’t just change hip-hop – they rewrote its rules. The group emerged from Staten Island in the early ’90s. The nine-member collective merged raw street narratives, martial arts philosophy, and gritty production. This created a sound that was revolutionary in its depth and danger. Their 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was a seismic event – lo-fi, lyrically complex, and fiercely independent. Beyond music, they pioneered a model of artistic autonomy, with each member building solo careers under a shared banner. Their influence stretches far beyond rap, shaping fashion, language, and the very idea of what a group could be. Wu-Tang isn’t just a crew – it’s a movement.

Lauryn Hill delivered one of the most powerful artistic statements of the modern era with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Blending soul, hip-hop, reggae, and gospel, the 1998 album was both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her voice was tender, fierce, and fearless. It carried lyrics that explored love, motherhood, faith, and systemic injustice. These themes were expressed with unmatched honesty. As a rapper, singer, and songwriter, she shattered boundaries, becoming one of the first women to dominate across genres. Though her output has been sparse since, her impact is immeasurable. She redefined what a Black woman in music could say, sing, and stand for.

Shakira broke the mold by refusing to fit into one. With a voice that could shift from a whisper to a roar and a hip-shaking rhythm that captivated the world. She brought Latin rock and pop into the global mainstream like no artist before her. Songs like “Whenever, Wherever,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” and “La Tortura” weren’t just hits – they were cultural moments. But beyond the charts, Shakira wrote her own lyrics, played her own instruments, and danced her own truth. She didn’t just cross borders – she erased them, proving that language, rhythm, and authenticity could unite audiences worldwide.

Jeff Buckley possessed a voice that felt like it came from somewhere beyond this world. When he released Grace in 1994, it was clear he wasn’t just another singer – he was a visionary. Blending rock, jazz, classical, and Middle Eastern influences, Buckley crafted a sound that was haunting, spiritual, and emotionally overwhelming. His cover of “Hallelujah” became a modern standard, but it was his originality. The way he could whisper, soar, and break your heart in a single phrase – that set him apart. Tragically gone at 30, his catalog remains small, but his influence is vast. Artists across genres still chase the emotional truth he captured so effortlessly.

P!NK brought rock’s rebellious spirit back to pop with a middle finger in one hand and a microphone in the other. Over two decades, she’s refused to conform – blending punk attitude, rock instrumentation, and pop hooks into a sound that’s entirely her own. Albums like Missundaztood and The Truth About Love transformed personal pain into anthems of resilience. Her jaw-dropping live shows completed with aerial acrobatics, have redefined what a pop performance could be. She’s not just a singer. She’s a force of nature. She’s stayed fiercely authentic in an industry that often demands otherwise.

INXS brought the heat of Australian rock to the global stage. Blending new wave, funk, and raw charisma into a sound that defined the ’80s and ’90s. With Michael Hutchence’s magnetic presence and hits like “Kick,” “Need You Tonight,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” They crafted anthems that still pulse with energy. Their rhythm-driven rock and sleek production helped bridge continents. Their influence echoes in every band that’s tried to marry groove with attitude.

Luther Vandross was the voice of soulful elegance. With velvet-smooth vocals and a gift for emotional depth, he redefined R&B balladry. Songs like “Here and Now,” “Dance with My Father,” and “Never Too Much.” They weren’t just love songs, they were declarations. A master of phrasing and feeling, Vandross didn’t just sing love; he made you believe in it. His artistry set the standard for generations of soul singers.

Melissa Etheridge arrived with grit, guitar, and unapologetic truth. A pioneer in blending rock and confessional songwriting. She broke barriers with hits like “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” and “Bring Me Some Water.” Her raspy, powerful voice and fearless lyrics – especially about love, identity, and resilience. Made her a voice for authenticity in rock. She didn’t just perform; she testified.

Phil Collins didn’t just play the drums — he reshaped the sound of a generation. As both the powerhouse behind Genesis and a record-breaking solo artist. He blended technical mastery with raw emotional depth, turning complex rhythms into global anthems. His voice – warm, vulnerable, instantly recognizable. His catalog includes his like “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” and “Take Me Home.” While his innovative drumming, especially the iconic gated reverb effect, became a sonic signature of the ’80s.

New Edition laid the blueprint for modern R&B groups. From their early bubblegum soul to mature, sophisticated harmonies, they evolved with grace and staying power. As well as the launching pad for legends like Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant. Later Johnny Gill and Bell Biv DeVoe. The group mastered smooth vocals, tight choreography, and heartfelt storytelling. Their legacy continues in every boy band and vocal group that followed. They proved that brotherhood, talent, and evolution last.

Returning nominees include Oasis, The Black Crowes, Sade, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Foreigner, Joy Division/New Order, Cher, and Grace Jones. All these artists have deep legacies and passionate fanbases.

Fan voting is now open! The top vote – getter will join the official inductees, announced this spring, with the ceremony later this year.

The Class of 2026 has a diverse and powerful ballot. It isn’t just about who gets in. It’s about how we remember the music that moved us.

Fans can vote for their favorite nominees through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Fan Vote! You can cast your vote every day online, up to 7 artists per day. Visit their voting site until April 15th.

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!