A diverse array of musical legends, from rock titans Phil Collins and Iron Maiden to hip-hop pioneers Wu-Tang Clan and Britpop icons Oasis, are set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The prestigious list, which also includes Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Sade, Joy Division/New Order, and the late Luther Vandross, was unveiled during Monday night's broadcast of American Idol.
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after their first commercial recording. This year's honourees were selected by a vote of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Phil Collins, already a Hall of Fame member with Genesis, secures a solo spot on his first ballot appearance, celebrated for hits like "In the Air Tonight" and "One More Night", alongside eight Grammy Awards, including the 1985 Album of the Year for No Jacket Required.
Soul-jazz vocalist Sade, a nominee in 2024, is recognised for her soft rock classics such as "Smooth Operator" and "The Sweetest Taboo". Rap innovators Wu-Tang Clan are celebrated for their groundbreaking 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang.
Iron Maiden, nominated twice previously, are acknowledged for their pivotal role in the new wave of British heavy metal, exemplified by albums like "The Number of the Beast". The late Luther Vandross, who sold over 25 million albums and had hits including "Here and Now", continues to inspire, notably Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther".
This year's induction embraces a strong British contingent, welcoming Manchester's post-punk pioneers Joy Division and New Order – who largely shared members – as well as the recently reunited Britpop giants Oasis, featuring Noel and Liam Gallagher.
Fellow English artist Billy Idol, known for his distinctive punky sneer, enters the Hall with tracks like "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell".
Beyond the performer category, the Hall also recognises contributions through special committee awards. The early influence award will honour Queen Latifah, Cuban singer Celia Cruz, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, rapper MC Lyte, and country rocker Gram Parsons.
Songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin will receive the musical excellence award. The Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award goes to Ed Sullivan, the legendary host whose self-titled TV show became a crucial launchpad for musical icons of the 1950s and '60s, helping to break racial barriers in American entertainment.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for 14 November at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, with a television broadcast set for December on ABC and Disney+.
Next year, the event will return to its traditional home in Cleveland. Among those nominated this year but not making the cut for the class of 2026 were Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira.
