NEW YORK (AP) In a significant announcement, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order have been revealed as inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This year also marks the induction of both first-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross. The coveted list was unveiled during the Monday night airing of "American Idol."
The eligibility criteria for induction stipulates that artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The nominees were selected and voted on by an extensive panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
Among the inductees, Phil Collins stands out as he is already a member of the Hall as part of the band Genesis. He is known for his solo hits including "In the Air Tonight" and "One More Night," earning him eight Grammy Awards, notably winning Album of the Year in 1985 for "No Jacket Required." Remarkably, Collins gained induction on his first appearance on the ballot.
Sade, a soul-jazz vocalist previously nominated in 2024, is celebrated for her soft rock hits such as "Smooth Operator" and "The Sweetest Taboo." Wu-Tang Clan, revered as rap innovators, burst onto the scene with their groundbreaking 1993 debut album "Enter the Wu-Tang."
Iron Maiden, having been nominated twice before, played a crucial role in the new wave of British heavy metal, producing iconic albums like "The Number of the Beast." Luther Vandross, who achieved over 25 million album sales and had memorable hits like "Here and Now," tragically passed away in 2005. His influence extends to contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, who referenced him in their song "Luther."
This year’s ceremony is particularly significant as it will also honor the distinctive sounds emerging from Manchester, England, including post-punk icons Joy Division and New Order, which shared many of the same members. Additionally, Britpop’s recently reunited band Oasis, featuring siblings Noel and Liam Gallagher, is among those being honored this year. Idol has also made his mark with hits that infused punk sensibilities into pop music, such as "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell."
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a television special slated to air in December on ABC and Disney+. Following this year, the ceremony will return to the Hall’s home in Cleveland next year.
While this year’s list of inductees is exciting, several notable artists did not make the cut for the class of 2026. Those nominated but falling short include Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira.
In addition to the performer category, the Hall recognizes artists under three special committee categories: early influences, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. This year, Queen Latifah will be honored with the early influence award, along with other musical legends such as Cuban singer Celia Cruz, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, rapper MC Lyte, and country rocker Gram Parsons. The musical excellence category will recognize songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin.
Furthermore, Ed Sullivan, the legendary television host known for his influential variety show, will be inducted with the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award, highlighting his pivotal role in promoting musical icons during the 1950s and '60s while breaking racial barriers within American entertainment.
Last year’s class of inductees included notable artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, and Warren Zevon.




