The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its latest class of inductees, featuring a mix of iconic performers and first-time nominees. Artists joining this year include Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division / New Order. First-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross will also be inducted.
The announcement was made during a Monday night broadcast of American Idol. To qualify, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. Voting was conducted by more than 1,200 artists, historians, and industry professionals.
Collins, already inducted as a member of Genesis, is recognized for solo hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” and has won eight Grammys, including Album of the Year for No Jacket Required. He was inducted on his first ballot appearance.
Sade, previously nominated in 2024, is known for smooth hits such as “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” Meanwhile, the Wu-Tang Clan have been celebrated as hip-hop pioneers since their influential 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang.
This year’s class also highlights the musical legacy of Manchester, England, with the induction of Joy Division and New Order—bands that shared key members—as well as the Britpop group Oasis, led by Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher. Billy Idol, another English artist, brought a punk edge to pop with hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell.”
The honorees will be celebrated during the 2026 induction ceremony, set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will later premiere in December on ABC and Disney+, though an exact air date has not yet been announced.
After several consecutive years in Los Angeles, the ceremony will return in 2027 to Cleveland, the longtime home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor,” said John Sykes in a statement. “We’re excited to celebrate these incredible artists at this year’s ceremony—it promises to be an unforgettable night.”
Notable nominees who did not make the 2026 class include Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira.
Special committee honors were also announced. The Early Influence Award will go to Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. The Musical Excellence Award recognizes songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin.
Finally, more than 50 years after his death, legendary TV host Ed Sullivan will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award, honoring his groundbreaking role in showcasing major musical acts and helping break racial barriers through his influential variety show.
Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, along with industry figures Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, and Warren Zevon.