Luther Vandross, Sade, and the Wu-Tang Clan will headline the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
On Monday (April13), American Idol judge Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest announced the newest inductees. Also, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, and Oasis are a part of the 2026 class in the Performer Category.
Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Fela Kuti, Gram Parsons, and Celia Cruz were inducted into the Early Influence Category.
Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin & Jimmy Miller
The late Ed Sullivan will be awarded the Ahmet Ertegun Award:
18 artists made the cut across four categories.
According to Entertainment Weekly, more than 1,200 people, including fans voting online, then determine which of the nominees will be recognized.
Left out of this year’s induction were Mariah Carey, New Edition, Melissa Etheridge, Pink, Shakira, INXS, Lauryn Hill, and Jeff Buckley.
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists—including performers, composers, or musicians—must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the nomination year. Selection is based on musical excellence, influence on other artists, innovation, and career body of work.
LUTHER VANDROSS: THE R&B LEGEND
An R&B legend, Vandross transitioned from a premier session singer to a global superstar with over 40 million records sold. He went on to record 11 consecutive platinum albums between 1981 and 1996. An eight-time Grammy winner, Vandross reached his commercial and critical peak with his final studio album, Dance With My Father.
WU-TANG CLAN: HIP-HOP ICONS
The Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized hip-hop. They pioneered a landmark business model that allowed individual members to sign solo deals with different labels, creating a sprawling musical empire. With over 40 million records sold, their legacy that includes clothing lines and film scores.
SADE: QUIET STORM LEGEND
Sade Adu sold over 75 million records and a sound that defined the “Quiet Storm” and “Sophisti-pop” genres. In 1986, she becane the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award (Best New Artist), She helped pave the way for future generations of African talent. Over four decades, she won four Grammys and saw all six of her studio albums reach the US Top 10.
The ceremony will be held on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The broadcast will air in December on ABC and Disney+.