April 14, (THEWILL) — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, featuring a diverse group of artistes and industry figures.
The list was revealed on April 13, 2026, during a special episode of American Idol. A total of 18 honourees were selected across four categories, representing genres, including Afrobeat, hip-hop, rock and R&B.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will air in December on ABC and stream on Disney+.
Performer Category:
· Oasis – Britpop band known for defining 1990s UK rock.
· Phil Collins – British singer-songwriter and Genesis member, now a two-time inductee.
· Iron Maiden – Influential heavy metal band with a global fanbase.
· Wu-Tang Clan – Groundbreaking hip-hop collective from New York.
· Sade – British band fronted by Sade Adu, known for smooth soul and jazz-infused hits.
· Luther Vandross – Late R&B legend known for his rich, soulful vocals.
· Joy Division/New Order – Post-punk and electronic pioneers.
· Billy Idol – Punk rock artist known for his solo success in the 1980s.
Early Influence Award:
· Fela Kuti – Late Afrobeat pioneer and first Nigerian-born artiste in the Hall.
· Celia Cruz – Late Cuban salsa legend known as the “Queen of Salsa.”
· Queen Latifah – Rapper, actress, and pioneer for women in hip-hop.
· MC Lyte – One of the first female solo rappers to gain mainstream success.
· Gram Parsons – Late country-rock pioneer who helped shape the genre.
Musical Excellence Award:
· Rick Rubin – Influential producer across hip-hop and rock.
· Arif Mardin – Late music producer known for shaping modern soul and pop.
· Jimmy Miller – Late producer known for his work with major rock acts like the Rolling Stones.
· Linda Creed – Songwriter behind classic soul hits including “The Greatest Love of All”.
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
· Ed Sullivan – Late TV host who introduced major acts like The Beatles and Elvis Presley to mainstream audiences.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
