Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominees: Mariah, Carey, Oasis, Shakira Lead Star-Studded List of 17 First-Time Contenders & Fan Favorites | Check Full List Here

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 nominees, and this year's list is packed with huge names. Mariah Carey, Oasis, Shakira, Phil Collins and Lauryn Hill are all in the running for music's biggest honor.

On Wednesday, February 25, the Rock Hall announced 17 nominees for this year's induction ceremony. That is slightly more than recent years, when they usually picked 14 or 15 artists. Ten of them are first-time nominees. The other seven have been here before.

Who Made to the List This Year?

The list of nominees has something for everyone. It spans rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock and pop. Here are all 17 acts up for induction:

First-time nominees:

• Jeff Buckley
• Phil Collins
• Melissa Etheridge
• Lauryn Hill
• INXS
• New Edition
• Pink
• Shakira
• Luther Vandross
• Wu-Tang Clan

Returning nominees:

• The Black Crowes
• Mariah Carey
• Billy Idol
• Iron Maiden
• Joy Division/New Order
• Oasis

Top 10 Must-Knows from 2026 Rock Hall Noms

• Mariah Carey storms in first-time. The pop diva with five octave ranges eyes her overdue spot. Hits like "Vision of Love" shaped 90s soul.
• ​Oasis brings back Britpop fire. Noel and Liam Gallagher's comeback fuels return bid. "Wonderwall" defined an era for millions.
• Shakira shakes up the ballot. Her hips don't lie, neither does global impact. First-time nod rewards "Whenever, Wherever" dance craze.
• ​17 total acts, bigger than usual. Past years stuck to 14-15. This expanded list shakes traditions.
• ​10 fresh faces debut. Newcomers fight veterans for glory. Fan votes count as one full ballot.​

7 Returning Nominees Still Hungry

• Eric Clapton waits again. Guitar god logged multiple past nods. "Layla" legacy looms large.
• ​The Replacements rock on. Punk heart keeps them in mix. Underground influence grows.
• ​Jane's Addiction returns. Alt-rock edge persists. Perry Farrell's raw energy endures.
• ​Veterans push for breakthrough. Seven repeat players know the drill. Persistence pays in Rock Hall.​

How 2026 Voting Works Exactly

There are rules for this. Artists become eligible 25 years after their first commercial recording comes out. So this year's nominees had to release something in 2001 or earlier. Once nominated, more than 1,200 people vote on who gets in. That group includes current Hall of Fame members, historians and music industry folks. Fans also get to vote online. The fan vote counts as one ballot.

When Do We Find Out Winners?

The final inductees will be announced in April. Seven acts will make it in. That is how many they usually pick from the 17 nominees. The induction ceremony happens in the fall. They have not set an exact date yet. But it will be the usual star-studded party with performances and speeches and probably some tears.

Last year's class included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa also got in with a special award.

FAQ: Your questions about the Rock Hall nominees

Q: How many nominees are first-timers this year?

A: Ten out of 17 are on the ballot for the first time. That includes Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, Shakira, Pink and the Wu-Tang Clan.

Q: Has Mariah Carey been nominated before?

A: Yes, this is her third time. She was up for it in 2024 and 2025 too. Third time might be the charm.

Q: Is Phil Collins already in the Hall of Fame?

A: He is in as part of Genesis. They got inducted in 2010. But this is his first solo nomination. So if he wins, he goes in twice. That is a big deal.

Q: Can fans vote?

A: Yes. The Rock Hall runs an online fan vote every year. It counts as one ballot among more than 1,200. So every vote helps a little.

Q: When is the ceremony?

A: They announce the winners in April. The actual ceremony happens in the fall. Keep an eye out for dates.