The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct another highly eclectic class in 2026, led by Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross in the performer category. The news was revealed tonight (April 13) during an episode of American Idol.
Meanwhile, salsa ambassador Celia Cruz, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, rappers Queen Latifah and MC Lyte and country rock forerunner Gram Parsons will be recognized with the Early Influence Award. Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin will receive the Musical Excellence Award and Ed Sullivan is this year’s Ahmet Ertegun Award honoree.
Collins was previously enshrined in 2010 as a member of Genesis, while Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan made the cut during their first year on the ballot. U.K. rockers Iron Maiden, Joy/Division New Order and Oasis had all been nominated twice previously. The latter’s Liam Gallagher has previously referred to the Hall as “a load of bollox,” casting some doubt on whether he and brother Noel will show up to the event in person.
Among this year’s first time nominees who did not receive enough votes for induction are Lauryn Hill, Jeff Buckley, Shakira, P!NK, INXS, New Edition and Melissa Etheridge. The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction will be held Nov. 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater and will air in December on ABC and Disney+.
Last year, the Hall welcomed Soundgarden, the White Stripes, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, Joe Cocker and Chubby Checker. Warren Zevon, Lenny Waronker, Carol Kaye, Thom Bell and Nicky Hopkins were also inducted via special categories.
