Rock Hall 2026: Surprises, Snubs, and a Fresh Wave of First-Timers

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 nominees include 10 first-time nominees (Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan) and seven returning nominees (The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division / New Order, Oasis, Sade); inductees will be announced in April. A roundtable debate highlights surprises (e.g., Pink and Collins’s solo nods, New Edition), snubs (Phish, Strokes, Jethro Tull/King Crimson), and who should and will be inducted (with frequent picks like Iron Maiden as overdue, and strong cases for Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Phil Collins).