Phil Collins and Luther Vandross Nominated for 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

JAKARTA - The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame officially announced the list of 17 nominees for the 2026 class. This list stands out because of the very broad genre coverage, ranging from the glory of britpop, the power of classic R&B vocals, to the dominance of Latin and hip-hop music.

Big names such as Phil Collins, Oasis, and the late Luther Vandross are the main highlights in the competition for the prestigious music honor stage.

This year, the number of nominees was recorded as more than in 2025 which only included 14 names.

A total of 10 artists managed to break into the nomination list for the first time. They are Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins (as a soloist), Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

Meanwhile, the other seven names are old faces who are trying their luck again after failing in previous years, namely The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Sade.

Interestingly, Phil Collins has the opportunity to make history as a musician who has entered the Hall of Fame twice. Previously, the man known for the song "Against All Odds" had already been inducted as a member of Genesis. Now, he has the opportunity to enter on behalf of his phenomenal solo career in the 1980s and 1990s.

Oasis also returned to the radar even though the vocalist, Liam Gallagher, had launched a scathing criticism of this institution in the previous nomination. The massive reunion and world tour that sold out last year are believed to be a strong catalyst for the band from Manchester to finally be chosen.

The chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Sykes, in his official statement emphasized that diversity is the key to the evolution of music itself.

"This year's list reflects how wide the range of music has been shaping our culture over the past few decades. From rock, pop, R&B, to hip-hop, these artists have created sounds that define generations," Sykes said, quoted by Variety, Thursday, February 26.

For some names like Mariah Carey and Iron Maiden, this is their third chance to get in. History records that many new artists manage to get through after the third nomination.

However, challenges remain for artists such as Jeff Buckley and Lauryn Hill who are nominated based on the strength of a single studio album that is very influential in the history of world music.

The voting process will involve more than 1,200 members of the voting committee consisting of artists, historians, and music industry professionals. The final results or list of officially inducted musicians (Inductees) will be announced in April.

In addition to the main category, the Hall of Fame will also announce special award recipients in the Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and Ahmet Ertegun Award categories for people outside the performers.