So... I guess they just hate Coldplay then?

Posted by Gus on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:02am

What a ballot

Jeff Buckley nomination is quite surprising

17 nominees with multiple acts in each line

What can I say


Also, there are 4 three timers

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:04am

Ha! I knew that them screening the Jeff Buckley and Luther Vandross doc meant something.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:05am

I can breathe a side of relief Joy Division/New Order is back on the ballot! (And likely to get in)

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:06am

At least, Jeff Buckley nomination can give us hope about potential future nomination of Pavement, Replacements, Smiths... Right?

Good thing, although I think Jeff may finish dead last in this round

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:07am

If Mariah doesn't get in this year it will just be ridiculous.

Posted by Gus on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:07am

Alec T

hard to say. There are 4 3 timers on the ballot... Not all of them will be included... I think "most nomintated will be inducted" theory will fail this year. At least one of these four will fail

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:09am

Looking at the ballot, I see only four (maybe 3?) locks:

Oasis
Phil Collins
INXS
Mariah(?)

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:09am

John RC

INXS will fight with Idol, JDNO...

Mariah Carey will fight with Luther Vandross, New Edition, Hill, Sade, Pink...

This ballot is poorly constructed

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:10am

Im surprised. But actually, Id be happy if most of them go in eventually. Although I see Jeff Buckley as more of Musical Excellence or Influence than as Performer.

My seven votes, most likely:
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Oasis
INXS
Sade
P!nk

Although I already know either Lauryn Hill or Wu-Tang Clan are likely to be inducted as well.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:12am

I would like to think, #8-#12 were pretty close last year, plus Crowes performed in ceremomy, so all of them return

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:12am

Omar

I feel like they will all get in though Iron Maiden might be sidedoored

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:15am

Well um that's certainly a lot of choices. Anyway I think can manage to make some early predictions on the class.

Oasis
Phil Collins
INXS
JD/NO
Iron Maiden
Mariah Carey
Shakira
Wu-Tang Clan (if 8)

Posted by Plebeian on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:16am

Joy Division-New Order was the most painful cut for me. But here's my votes on the fan ballot:

Jeff Buckley
Mariah Carey
Lauryn Hill
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:17am

Early predictions:

Oasis
Phil Collins
INXS
Iron Maiden
Mariah Carey
Lauryn Hill
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan (if 8)

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:19am

If I dont consider "most nominated act on the ballot will win" theory, I think Mariah Carey face very huge competition this time, even worse than 2024. Two strong hip hop acts, Sade, New Edition, pop star Pink and in some extent Shakira...

I don't feel Mariah Carey will suddenly have more votes with increasing competition

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:20am

Very interesting. Quick initial thoughts.

Guess they're taking a break from the 60s and 70s. Not a single artist with any success before the 80's. Wonder if they'll ever go back. They really leaned heavily into the 80s.

No artist has a clear lane to induction. Multiple nominees in every category. Predicting inductees won't be easy.

Pleasantly surprised to see Jeff Buckley and Shakira on the list. Don't sleep on Jeff. My 18-year-old son and his friends really got into him last year. He's got a better shot than some think.

Surprised that Coldplay didn't make the list this year. Maybe waiting for Oasis to get inducted?

More thoughts later.

Posted by Michael W. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:22am

I think the 2026 inductees will be:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Lauryn Hill
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Spoiler: Sade

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:22am

I would say only Phil Collins is lock

Every other have huge competition against each other

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:23am

I knew if they were gonna nominate Jeff Buckley now would be the best time to do it because of his rising popularity and him getting a hit on Billboard after 30+ years.

This is another stacked ballot I'm not sure how Mariah will fare seems like she needs to get in now or she wont be back on the ballot for a while or even worse she might have to go into Musical Excellence.


My 7-8 picks would be


Mariah Carey
Jeff Buckley
Lauryn Hill
Phil Collins
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Sade
Oasis

Posted by Ralib on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:25am

Iron Maiden could benifit from being an older guitar band in this round... And they actually have no competition

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:26am

This is ridiculous! No Jan & Dean, no Monkees, no Jethro Tull, no King Crimson, no Commodores, no Diana Ross, no Alice In Chains.

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2026 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

https://rockhall.com

Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Jeff Buckley
Joy Division/New Order
Lauryn Hill
Luther Vandross
Mariah Carey
Melissa Etheridge
New Edition
Oasis
P!nk
Phil Collins
Sade
Shakira
The Black Crowes
Wu-Tang Clan

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 2026: PHIL COLLINS, LAURYN HILL, MARIAH CAREY, OASIS, PINK LEAD NOMINEES
Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan are also on the ballot
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-phil-collins-lauryn-hill-1235521755/

MY BALLOT

Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
New Edition
Sade

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:26am

I agree with Richie, that would be a very good class. But I think a women is missing either Melissa, P!nk or Shakira will make it. And I'm leaning towards Shakira. She has a rock edge, and as mentioned before the noms dropped, i assumed a Latin artist would get nominated because of the political climate and the year Bad Bunny has had, and I feel the same sentiment will continue in inductions.

Posted by Naz P on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:28am

Naz P,

As much as I love Shakira, I just have a really hard time seeing her get in on her first nomination especially if Mana and Los Lobos both failed to do so, so I see her doing the same.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:30am

richie

Shakira is way more famous and popular than Mana and Los Lobos in US, she had 6 top 10 hits... She is popular act audience spoken English, not Mana, Los Lobos mostly are spanish listeners

She definitely has better chance, and I think as long as she finishes #8, she will be in

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:31am

In 2025, only Cyndi Lauper was voted in as female candidate...

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:32am

So, with no heavily expected Sixties of Seventies acts (yes, Iron Maiden counts, but its not a obvious one), does that mean then a Musical or Excellence entry might happen just to appease that demographic of fans? It would feel like that would perhaps be the spot for a The Monkees or some other same period act?

Posted by TheCorriynial on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:34am

True, and I don't really see her getting ME. But I do think another women who is more obviously rock leaning will get inducted. Melissa makes the most sense on paper but I can also see them going for P!nk. It just feels too soon for P!nk and Shakira, but Shakira has the edge. The Hall needs more Latin artists inducted and that's obvious at this point.

Posted by Naz P on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:34am

Iron Maiden has no competition this round.

I do think if they will be ever voted in, it will be this year

Their lane is even way cleaner than last year's Soundgarden

And they are oldest rock act on the ballot also helps.

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:35am

Shakira will be performing at Copacabana Beach in May like Madonna and Lady Gaga did in the past two years. I think that will really help her case because it's a huge event.

Posted by Gus on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:35am

I could see Wu Tang Clan fails, and Hill inducted, I dont think both two will be voted in...

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:36am

Honestly, this one is better than last year's ballot when it was filled with Classic Rock acts and favorites from the old guard.

I agree that Phil is a lock since he's the one that has overlap support from the voters and the general public. But I would also say that Oasis is also a lock since they gotten more favorable opinions since the reunion.

And Joe + Kristen, please put more pressure on the voters to pick Mariah this time when you go talk to them.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:37am

Random thoughts:
Shocked to see Alicia Keys not get nominated. Strokes not so much.

My Shakira prediction payed off.

Happy to see Jeff Buckley get nominated.

Annoyed to see The Black Crowes come back, seeing as they were ond of the weakest links in last year's ballot.

Posted by Raichu on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:37am

Shakira's popularity in the Hispanosphere is equivalent to people like Madonna or Beyonce in the Anglosphere. Also she's had, and continues to maintain wayyyy more cachet in the US than any of the previous Latino nominees. She also spent the entirety of 2025 touring STADIUMS in the Americas including the US, which resulted in her having the highest grossing tour for a Latin female artist EVER.

Posted by ChrisD on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:38am

Omar,

As much as I love Iron Maiden, I see them getting the Judas Priest treatment (in other words, they'll get in via Musical Excellence on their third nomination this year just like Judas Priest did on their third nomination in 2022, rather than as Performers).

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:40am

And I think Mariah Carey will fail again, so many similar acts split votes with her...

Posted by knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:40am

richie

Everyone can vote 7 now, Soundgarden I believe benifit a lot with extra votes.

And Maiden dont have anyone split votes now, different with 21 and 23

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:41am

I think this year we will have 8 performer inductees

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:42am

Omar,

Yup, I agree with you, I think that we will have 8 Performer inductees this year (maybe even 9 Performer inductees this year if the votes are close).

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:46am

Would I be wrong to say that right now, the top 7 in the fan vote is SUPER basic? I think this is a very interesting ballot, but the top 7 is just white guys from the 80s. Not to say they're undeserving, but the pieces are there to have an awesome induction ceremony and they're not being put together.

Posted by The Towerman on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:50am

What happened to Beck

He tired to be friendly with rock hall, performed in 25 ceremony

And then he failed to be nominated again

What really happened to him?

How poor he finished in 22, if he finished even worse than Mc5 and dolls?

Or did his grammy album of the year really made him have industry enemies

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:50am

I think Mariah is Good. A 3rd nomination this soon and Beyonce being eligible next year is definitely good for her chances. Mariah is arguably the biggest or best selling female artist ever, she has to get inducted at some point so I don't really see the point in waiting. It's just taking up ballot spots.

Lauryn Hill has the benefit of being in hip hop as well as R&B. She's my favorite artist but I kept telling everyone I wasn't being biased in my predictions. It was obvious she was on the horizon. Missy was always gonna be the first female MC inducted, Salt N Pepa needed to come in after because they were overdue, as I kept saying Lauryn was gonna be third not Queen Latifah. Lauryn has made a bigger impact on MUSIC, while Queen has a bigger impact on screen. Then with Mary J Blige and Tribe inducted it was inevitable. I think Lauryn will either get in as a performer or ME this year. I don't see them inducting her after or with Beyonce.

Phil Collins is absolutely going to get in. I feel the same about Iron Maiden and Oasis.

After that idk but I think INXS, JD/NO and Melissa have good chances. With Wu Tang and Luther right behind them.

Posted by Naz P on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:51am

I feel like people who major Phil supporters will also vote for Luther Vandross since both have the same kind of music (although Luther is more respected to critics than solo Phil).

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:53am

Congrats to the 17 RRHOF 2026 Nominees. I would give it a quick B grade. Happy to see INXS and Phil Collins earn their 1st Nominations. I would believe Phil Collins is a lock here. He will receive votes from the British block of voters and older Rock voters and from many others. Collins 75 years old now and has some health issues. It should be his time to earn 2x induction.

I think the ballot is set up for multiple time Nominees like Iron Maiden, JD/NO, Mariah Carey, Oasis to finally earn induction. RRHOF Committee wants these artists inducted as they have been nominated 3x now. New Edition is 1 of the weaker Nominees I've seen. A few mentioned New Edition over the year of Nominees. Very surprised to see New Edition as a Nominee. I've had Luther Vandross & Shakira as possible Nominations over the last few years. Will be interested if they will be inducted. It appears the RRHOF decided on Pink as there are several woman artists that could have been nominated. We have talked about this several times during this nomination cycle. Alanis, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Diana Ross, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, etc. Melissa Etheridge is an interesting pick. She should do well in the voting like Sheryl Crow and has plenty of respect in the music industry. Billy Idol could be inducted this time around. He's 70 years old now. Very disappointed Diana Ross wasn't nominated this time around. She's in her 80's now and it just appeared it was Ross time for a 2nd induction. Will be interested to see Roy's different possible combinations of inductees. Always a FAV to see here at FRL.
KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:53am

Naz P

I don't agree with you about Carey case

I don't think voters did not vote for Mariah last two rounds will suddenly vote because Beyonce will be nominated, they don't care about eligibility actually. And she has a ton of others splitting votes compared in last round

I don't think voting base of Mariah Carey will increase this round

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:56am

I actually LOVE this ballot! My first impression is: be still my 90's baby beating heart should they induct all of Oasis, Mariah and Lauryn Hill!!!

-What happened to Alicia Keys? FYE is clearly being de-emphasised as an accomplishment
-Shakira is THE MOST inspired nomination for me this year omg, now WHAT a way to fulfill the recently established Spanish slot without having to placate to boomer sensitivities. This completely disregards a pecking order for this lane (Vicente Fernandez/Celia Cruz/Gloria Estefan/Los Lobos/Soda Sterio/Selena should come first), but they've already proven to not care with rap
-Pink and Melissa Ethridge are their respective generations' version of each other. Completely indifferent contributions to music, not an outrage if either or both (hopefully) are skipped over
-They REALLY want Oasis in before getting to any of 2000's bands, so much that they won't even nominate younger bands within their lineage on the same ballot. While they're clearly moving onto 2000's women, which is what this ballot is signaling
-WHO keeps bringing up the Black Crowes?
-INXS...sure. I am more excited for Kylie Minogue to induct them, then her surprising on the 2027 ballot

Posted by ChrisD on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:56am

VERY good list this year, a lot of even leveled artists that are long overdue so I think almost everyone has some shot here.

Some various thoughts all in one comment

1. Collins is the obvious one lock this year. Only artist who voters will put automatically up. Luckily there are likely 8 slots, and luckily it is only one lock out of them.

2. Similarly, very little boomer rock which is great, lots of the later era. This is great because like last year they are almost always autolocks so get Collins his deserved induction and work on the eras that need work

3. I am not surprised Pink is nominated. I AM surprised Pink is nominated not to get her a FYE, but the prior year to snipe a FYE out of Alicia.

4. Coldplay has some serious issues with the nominee committee. The theory that they were left out just because they could not perform is discredited. I personally think the decline in critical respect and idea they sold out and faked in in for 16 years really hurt them, even if they have a Hall career. I now cannot see them earlier than 2029, Linkin Park will probably go first.

5. Four 3 nominee artist is very interesting, as not all of them will make it. If any Maiden likely wont, Oasis might not since they just shit on the hall again lol.

6. Again, worried for Jd/No. Very happy they are still a priority and seemingly possible in this year, but they have to make it in main category under every possible way for the Halls credibility

7. Told you all Black Crowes was getting in for favors lol, again them over Smashing Pumpkins or AIC makes it look clownish

8. Also told you Ross was not getting in, too risky. Maybe in a year things settled.

9. Rap was the other half of the two I predicted lol. Nice but also interesting Hill was nominated solo. As I alluded to before I am REALLY interested in the performance if she is inducted. Will she arrive 2 hours late to her induction lol

10. I am not into boy bands but it is actually kind of nice New Edition is getting nominated before all the 90s/2000s ones, as they kind of blueprinted the whole format but got screwed over so bad.

11. Very happy Sade is getting continued attention

Will be a fun nominee process

Posted by GuestG on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 05:57am

GuestG

I now tend to think if JDNO and Maiden fail again, they will receive another nomination in 2027 until they are voted in as performer

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:00am

Very little overt queer (not just gay, but socially "alternative") representation this year...if even a lack of glittery glamour. Luther Vandross, yes but was intensely closeted. Wondering what the B-52s, Culture Club and Queen Latifah have to do to be considered ever...but I've learned to temper my hopes seeing...the Black Crowes and Melissa Ethridge.

Posted by ChrisD on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:06am

If Coldplay are being held back because critics don't like them the situation is just even more ridiculous for the Hall. I mean, they have three acclaimed albums (Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Viva la Vida) while two of this year's nominees are being recognized for just one record in their whole careers.

Posted by Gus on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:10am

ChrisD,

Actually, there is an out LGBTQ+ act. Melissa Etheridge is a lesbian. Her coming in 1993 was one of stories of the year.

Posted by TheCorriynial! on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:16am

Error correction: Her (Melissa Etheridge) coming out in 1993 was one of stories of the year.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:18am

omar,

I agree with their opinion. There are certain artists the Hall committee is smarter than its voters and knows need to go in Performers or they will look like a clownshow so keep nominating them (like how it took Sabbath 9 times lol), IM and JD/NO are way too important to not go in as Performers

Posted by GuestG on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:21am

They nominate Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, Sade, the Black Crowes, Pink, Wu Tang Clan over Diana Ross?!

I would love for someone to tell how any of those artists are most deserving to be on the ballot than her.

Posted by E. M. Kraft on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:29am

@TheCorriynial: Whoops you're right I forgot, and there I even put her name in the same comment lmao. Personal bias, admittedly.

Posted by ChrisD on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:31am

More thoughts:

If Iron Maiden doesn't get voted in this time, then metal truly has no chance at all. They are the only act on the ballot with absolutely no direct competition and should get every traditional rock fan's vote. The rock truthers are probably not particularly happy with this ballot. Outside of Maiden, Crowes, Idol, and a couple Phil songs there's not much that gets played on classic rock radio.

Phil is the only one I feel confident is getting inducted and New Edition feels like the most likely to miss out. Oasis probably has the second best chance of induction. Outside of them I think everyone has a legit shot, which is fun.

I'm glad to see Pink on the ballot because it validates talent as a criterion. While her contemporaries like Britney and Christina may have enjoyed more chart success, at least initially, Pink was always the more creative, distinctive and talented artist and her legacy is far greater. It's nice to see that rewarded.

The groundwork has been laid for a very diverse and interesting class to be inducted. It's going to be an interesting few weeks.

Posted by Michael W. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:35am

Michael W,

INXS gets played on Classic Rock radio as well.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:37am

Billboard predicted Top 8

1.Phil Collins
2.Oasis
3.Melissa Etheridge
4.Iron Maiden
5.Mariah Carey
6.Lauryn Hill
7.Wu Tang Clan
8.Sade

https://www.billboard.com/lists/rock-hall-2026-nominations-odds-most-likely/

Posted by Naz P on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:41am

@E.M. Kraft:

They're not. Accolades like this are an industry pat on the back. Almost no consideration for their actual achievements. Because personal feelings about an artist's conduct, or what their significance is in the voter's childhood memories, will always supersede objective judgment on the artist's contributions to the way music sounds, looks or functions.

I lowkey knew Diana wouldn't make it into the ballot, despite my hopes considering her major visibility in 2025 which was unusual for her. She was nominated for the Traditional Pop Vocal Album Grammy in 2023, which she should've won since it's a category that's favoured aged veterans, but instead they decided to give it to Michael Buble, who's won in that category before. That's when I knew there was still industry ill-will, which is crazy considering she's over 80.

There's still hope for side category though...

Posted by ChrisD on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:42am

Could JD/NO get in with INXS?

That happened with Eurythmics and Duran Duran

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:43am

If Wings are inducted in 2026, Denny Laine of the Moody Blues would join Curtis Mayfield and Matt Cameron as the other artists who waited 8 years for a second induction.

Phil Collins will be joining George Harrison as the other artist who waited 16 years between first and second induction.

This means no empty spots will be filled this year.


THE NUMBER OF YEARS AN ARTIST HAD TO WAIT
BETWEEN THEIR FIRST AND THEIR SECOND INDUCTION
INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

01. 0 Years - Stephen Stills
02. 1 Year - Clyde McPhatter, Eric Clapton
03. 2 Years - Neil Young
04. 3 Years - Jimmy Page, John Carter
05. 4 Years - Michael Jackson, Sammy Strain, Peter Gabriel
06. 5 Years -
07. 6 Years - John Lennon, David Crosby
08. 7 Years - Dave Grohl
09. 8 Years - Curtis Mayfield, Matt Cameron
10. 9 Years -
11. 10 Years -
12. 11 Years - Paul McCartney, Paul Simon
13. 12 Years -
14. 13 Years - Graham Nash
15. 14 Years -
16. 15 Years -
17. 16 Years - George Harrison
18. 17 Years - Jeff Beck
19. 18 Years - Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne
20. 19 Years - Lou Reed, Greg Rolie
21. 20 Years -
22. 21 Years - Stevie Nicks
23. 22 Years -
24. 23 Years - Ron Wood
25. 24 Years -
26. 25 Years -
27. 26 Years -
28. 27 Years - Ringo Starr
29. 28 Years -
30. 29 Years -
31. 30 Years - Tina Turner
32. 31 Years - Carole King

THE NUMBER OF YEARS AN ARTIST HAD TO WAIT
BETWEEN THEIR FIRST AND THEIR THIRD INDUCTION
INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

01. 8 Years - Eric Clapton

THE NUMBER OF YEARS AN ARTIST HAD TO WAIT
BETWEEN THEIR SECOND AND THEIR THIRD INDUCTION
INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

01. 7 Years - Eric Clapton

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:44am

I would like to see INXS inducted solely on the basis of not being able to handle their fans talking about them all the time on that Rock Hall group on Facebook anymore. Give us peace!

Posted by K. M. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:44am

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVLa238jA9o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Rock hall video with songs of each nominees returns.

Can not find one in 2025

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:51am

Pat Benatar, Duran Duran and Eurythmics (all 80's icons) were all nominated and inducted in the same year, so I see the same happening with Phil Collins, Billy Idol and INXS (all 80's icons) this year. I think that the lack of 70's boomer Classic Rock acts (and boomer acts in general) will really help those three acts this year. besides the fact that they're currently the top three in the fan vote right now says something as well. so I think that all three (Phil Collins, Billy Idol and INXS) are in this year.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:55am

Billboard prediction was BS...

See their 2024 2025 prediction

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:55am

There would be at least one popular and connected candidate that would surprisingly fail every year

23: Cyndi, Zevon
24: Lenny, Mariah
25: Mariah, Idol

Who will be this type of nominee in 2026? I could definitely see Idol miss again...

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 06:58am

Oasis are solid #2 in induction chance for me

Except for Black Crowes, they have no similar nominee on the ballot to share the voters unlike 2024 (Lenny, JA, DMB) and 2025 (SG, WS, Black Crowes, Phish)

Are there anyone will vote for Crowes over Oasis?

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:00am

Do voters usually vote in March late February?

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:01am

richie

Phil Collins more in line with Lionel Richie, George Michael, that kind of MTV star. Not in Pat Benetar line

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:01am

Omar,

I think that Billy Idol will get in this time around especially that he has a new documentary coming out on Friday called Billy Idol Should Be Dead and we all know that the Rock Hall loves their documentaries, so I think that the documentary will help him just like it did with The Go-Go's and Cyndi Lauper.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:03am

Melissa Etheridge could have been another Sheryl Crow.
She seems well-connected and engaged in the classic rock circle.
However, she appears to have been absent from public events recently, and her visibility seems to be in decline.
In contrast, Crow is still very active in public appearances and industry events.
They are different, and I don't think Melissa will receive an immediate induction like Crow did.

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:04am

richie

Most voters do not care about documentation, which was mostly about getting the nomination.

In voting, no one cares.

I think only one of INXS and Billy Idol will be included, not two (Only classic rock can get multiple similar acts inducted easily)

Eurythmics Duran Duran were a little different, Eurythmics were female-rock line, Duran were in another line. So they both voted in. But INXS, Idol are in the exactly same line.

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:07am

Omar,

My predictions for the 2026 inductees are:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Lauryn Hill
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Spoiler: Sade

Iron Maiden and Joy Division/New Order possibly get in via side categories.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:14am

This list sucks and I don't care about the rock hall anymore.

New edition?? Pink??

Let's hope for maiden JDNO and oasis Billy idol Sade INXS I guess

Posted by Will m on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:15am

The more I look at the ballot, the more that I love it.

Regardless of what people say in here.

My problem with though is that I wish all of the nominees got in at once this year.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:19am

At least Wings are not nominated, thankfully

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:19am

Do voters usually vote in March late February?

I guess that is why they shorten the fan vote?

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:23am

The only ones I see being locks currently:
Phil Collins
Iron Maiden
Oasis

Ones I'm almost sure will get in:
INXS (JD/NO could get the ME backdoor)
Jeff Buckley (he seemingly has a lot of momentum behind him)
Lauryn Hill

Ones that have a surefire shot at the 7th spot but is still a question mark:
Wu Tang Clan
Luther Vandross
New Edition
Melissa Etheridge
Billy Idol

The rest like Mariah, Pink, Shakira, Crowes, Sade and Billy Idol will be fighting for crumbs and will be discarded for the next ballot. I think people are once again overestimating Mariah's chances especially with the picks this year.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:26am

Alec T

And think many voters just vote immediately after they receive the email

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:26am

Timothy Pernell,

As much as I love Jeff Buckley, I just don't see him getting in on his first try, I think that he is the least likely to get in this year along with New Edition IMO.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:29am

Alec T,

Here's what I'm confused by: in the FRL page, when you vote for who you pick for RRHOF, it said 64 days but the countdown section said 37 days. So it's just 37 days to vote?

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:30am

Richie,

Dude, Jeff is getting in. I didn't say NE was a lock, I just said they had a shot. It's still early lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:31am

Timothy Pernell

I don't know why everyone think Mariah chance is high again

Her case is no different with 24 and 25, probably even way worse. Because there are way more competitions, similar rnb/pop artists...

Every time Mariah is nominated, and everyone thinks she is locked, but... Her popularity does not transform to actual votes.

I don't know why votes did not vote for her last two rounds will suddenly vote for her this year, especially with other more choices. If voters didn't vote for Mariah in 24 and 25, why will they vote in 26...

I think Jeff Buckley is like early Kate Bush nominations, received increasing huge acclaim so he got nominated, but still not huge enough to past finish line (he had a billboard top 100 hit recently, but this is not big enough), he is not the late Kate Bush (running up that hill was in top 5 in billboard)

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:34am

Timothy Pernell,

but I disagree with you, I think that there are other acts that are more likely to get in this year than Jeff, so for that reason, I just don't see it happening this year (let alone ever) IMO.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:36am

Her album was not initially ranked on any Rolling Stone "Greatest Albums" list


Kate Bush received increasing critical acclaim in the 2010s, so she received her first nomination in 2018.

Her acclaim continued to grow in the early 2020s (and her album rose from being unranked to reaching the Top 100 on the Rolling Stone album list), she received two other nominations before 2023.

I see a similar pattern with Jeff Buckley.

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:41am

I think that Phil Collins is the only definite lock this year, I think the rest are pretty wide open this year.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:41am

Prediction

Phil Collins
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Lauryn Hill
Luther Vandross
Wu Tang Clan
INXS

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:43am

Omar,

I think that with 17 nominees this year, I think there will be 8 Performer inductees this year just like for 2024, rather than 7.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:45am

Knox,

You might be right about Jeff. I think right now my prediction is way too high because I honestly wasn't expecting him on the ballot.

And yeah I don't really get why people get too optimistic about Mariah. Her best chance was in 2025 when it wasn't R&B/hip-hop-heavy, female-heavy and this year is the worst one as far as her chances go. It's clear JOHN SYKES wants her in there at least. He's openly admitted it more than a few times but so far the voters don't share his optimism. And they likely won't once they see names like Lauryn Hill (who returned to the Grammys to a great performance after 27 years), Luther Vandross, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Sade, Wu Tang Clan and Shakira.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:45am

Richie,

Jeff might as well miss getting in for this class but I doubt he WON'T get in. If he doesn't get in as a performer, he'll get in another way. He's one of "those names" despite the fact that he only released one album during his lifetime while a second came out posthumously (which is what happened with the Notorious B.I.G. though Biggie was far more successful and a much bigger mainstream name).

I think Knox could be right: he might get in after multiple nods like Kate Bush.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:48am

I guess with 17 artist this year they nominated this year I just wondering if there going to be 8 or 9 artist that gets inducted in the rock and roll hall of fame plus the lead singer of iron maiden and the drummer will be in planet comicom in Kansas city this year I don't know if I want it to them or not about they nominated again

Posted by Joshua Hamilton on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:51am

Forget it, Timothy.

Despite him keep saying "As much as I love"… Richie always seems to have something against Alternative acts that are up for consideration, and keep saying as if they are an obscure artist that nobody knows. And he words his posts as if he doesn't want them inducted.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:52am

Joshua Hamilton,

I really think that there will be 8 or 9 Performer inductees this year. I really truly do.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:53am

I remember 2022 had 17 noninees

But only 7 were selected

But at that time voters could only vote for five, now can vote for 7

Not sure about this year

7/17 is my safest guess, will not be surprised if it will be 8/17, but I still guess 7/17

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:56am

General feelings on inductees' chances right now.

Almost certain to be inducted:
Phil Collins

Pretty sure they're going in:
Oasis
Iron Maiden

Decent chance of induction:
Lauryn Hill
INXS
Joy Division/New Order
Shakira
Wu-Tang Clan
Billy Idol
Mariah Carey
Jeff Buckley

Would be surprised, but not out of the question:
Pink
Sade
Melissa Etheridge
Luther Vandross
The Black Crowes

Odds are slim:
New Edition

Posted by Michael W. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:58am

THE 2026 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

WHEN VOTING FOR SENIORITY

Phil Collins
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Billy Idol
INXS
Luther Vandross
New Edition
Sade

WHEN VOTING FOR MOST RECENT ACTS

P!nk
Oasis
Shakira
Jeff Buckley
Wu-Tang Clan
Lauryn Hill
Mariah Carey
The Black Crowes

WHEN VOTING ROCKIST

Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Iron Maiden
The Black Crowes
Joy Division/New Order
Melissa Etheridge

WHEN VOTING FOR BANDS ONLY

INXS
Sade
Oasis
Iron Maiden
New Edition
Wu-Tang Clan
The Black Crowes
Joy Division/New Order

WHEN VOTING FOR SOLO ARTISTS ONLY

Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Luther Vandross
Melissa Etheridge
Mariah Carey
Jeff Buckley
Lauryn Hill
Shakira
P!nk

WHEN VOTING FOR WOMEN ONLY

P!nk
Sade
Shakira
Lauryn Hill
Mariah Carey
Melissa Etheridge
Joy Division/New Order

WHEN VOTING FOR MINORITIES ONLY

Sade
New Edition
Mariah Carey
Lauryn Hill
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
Shakira

WHEN VOTING FOR DEAD MEMBERS

INXS
Iron Maiden
The Black Crowes
Joy Division/New Order
Jeff Buckley
Luther Vandross

WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR TICKET SALES AND TELEVISION RATINGS

P!nk
Shakira
Lauryn Hill
Mariah Carey
Wu-Tang Clan
New Edition
Jeff Buckley

BEST CASE SCENARIO FOR TICKET SALES AND TELEVISION RATINGS

Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
The Black Crowes
Oasis
Joy Division/New Order

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:59am

Omar,

In 2022, The last time that there were 17 nominees, Voters could only vote for five, but seven were inducted that year. But now that they can vote for seven and with 17 nominees again this year, I think that there will be 8 or 9 Performer inductees this year.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 07:59am

2023 class will be inducted inevitably (which is rare in ballots since 2000)

And 2023 class, for repeated noninees, three 3/3+ timers were included (Kate Bush, Spinners, Rage), three two timers failed

In 2024 class, only 3 timer (Soundgarden) included, two other two timers (Cyndi and WS) wins.

In 2025 class there are 4 three timers and 3 two timers. How will it goes? Since 2023, every 3/3+ timer were inducted. This year may break the rule. I don't think all of the four will be included ad performer in 2026 unless rock hall decides to induct 8-9 performers

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 08:01am

Richie you might be right on 8 artist maybe 9 artist I don't know yet but I wouldn't be surprised thou with John Sykes trying to get more artist getting inducted and I think more splits on Billy idol lane this year with phil Collins and Inxs both be nominated this year

Posted by Joshua Hamilton on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:01am

Joshua Hamilton,

I do think that all three of them (Phil Collins, Billy Idol and INXS) will get in this year though.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:04am

John R.C.,

Yeah you're right. He does seem heavily biased against alternative acts.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:09am

Knowing the the voting body bias towards American artists I wouldn't be surprised if Phil Collins is the only foreign originating artists to make it and maybe Oasis for their 3rd try.

Posted by RALIB on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:19am

I think they will find a way to put all 4 of the 3rd time nominees even if they have sidedoor 1 or 2 of them

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:21am

Richie, I disagree. Foreign artists no matter how popular or huge they are with general public have hard time getting in. Thats why the Smiths are still not in.

Posted by Ralib on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:21am

Ralib

No, you remember Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Peter Frampton, George Michael, all British acts, they were included easily

The main factor is if you are big in American

Before the huge reunion tour, Oasis were basically two hits wonder in US

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:34am

Alec T

From 2023, 2024, 2025, all 3/3+ timers were all included. In 2026 it is harder because we have four, not three 3 timers

And I think rock hall has not immediately side category the nominee in the same year of nomination since 2023

It is pretty hard to operate to include all four in 2026

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:37am

I can see Phil and Oasis inducted in the same year.

Traditionally that has never happened but it's not a "never-say-never" thing.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:38am

Omar, yeah that's true if they had huge crossover success in the states they are more likely to get in. But like Kate Bush is another example of being widely acclaimed but wasn't able to get in until the Stranger Things feature.

Posted by Ralib on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:39am

I feel Luther Vandross is lock

He fits the model of Spinners, Kool and the Gang

Rnb act that boomer know

equals to

induction now

Because they can get votes from boomer, black people, pop people.

So yes I think Luther Vandross is surefire lock

I would say Phil Collins, Luther Vandross and Oasis are my lock

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:39am

Ralib

Yes, being British act is not problem

Problem is if you are only popular in British

If so, you are likely to be snubbed

There are some exceptions though, T. Rex, Roxy Music, but they are also well respected in America classic rock circle

Another common problem for many British acts is that they did not fight that hard for their popularity in United States. They mostly only cared about their career in UK...

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:43am

I could see INXS, Phil Collins and Oasis all included this year

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:46am

If the Rock Hall really valued Pink, why did they nominate her in her second year of eligibility instead of her first, which could have made her a potential FYE nominee? And then nominating her in the second year may have taken away Alicia Keys' potential first-year nomination. Now neither of the two artists received a nomination in their first year of eligibility.

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:53am

Pink is much bigger than the Black Crowes. The Black Crowes are the new J. Geils Band. A total waste of a nomination. Should have gone to Beck or Kravitz (who ain't making it either). There are better 90s acts out there.

Hopefully, all the previously nominated (besides Crowes and Idol) just get in so we can move on.

Linkin Park and Coldplay are massive snubs and 2027 is LOADED. Essentially, we got some huge names that could be waiting to the 2030s. This is a failure. Pink and Shakira could fail. They both deserve it. You have Usher waiting. Alicia Keys is a huge miss.

The head of org wants Mariah Carey. The voters likely are aware. Plus, the whole music industry has been honoring her this year.

Some recency bias on some nominations like Luther (Kendrick Lamar) and Buckley (TikTok). You need something to get you on the ballot when you are a longshot. Luther will get a lot more votes than people estimate.

It should have been the Fugees instead.

Melissa Etheridge has zero chance. Could be a last place finisher.

Iron Maiden has a clear path. It is now or never. Likely musical excellence another year. Sad but true.

Phil Collins and Oasis beef will resurface. Oasis ain't showing up and this could be the excuse. Hell, Oasis ain't no guarantee anyway.

INXS nomination is way overdue. But really, why now?

Wu-Tang Clan / Lauryn Hill will battle for votes. Luther / Sade will battle for votes. I'll take Lauryn and Luther (Kendrick Lamar's "Luther" has been a massive help).

Posted by Jim C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:55am

Honestly, I'm still amazed that all of us think it's a foregone conclusion that solo Phil Collins is going to get nominated that we just kinda willed it into existence.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 09:57am

Omar,

Now that you put it like that, you're right. Luther definitely is a lock.

He's also doing pretty well on the fan vote (which actually surprised me!).

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:04am

My guess:

R&B fans are one of the most dedicated people in the world that they'll support their the artists. And they've done a good job holding up to many R&B artists when most of the White establishment barely make any notice to them.

But anyway, Luther is one of my top 3 focus on this ballot (the others being Mariah and Wu-Tang).

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:08am

Interesting list of nominees and quite a few choices I liked but I didn't expect them to be all nominated within the same year. Im loving this list of nominees.

Anyhow here is who I voted for (not that I think they will get in)
Joy Division/NO
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Sade
Oasis
Jeff Buckley

INXS, Billy Idol and New Order all share the same 80s 70s alternative/new wave/post punk genre that use to get played on stations like WLIR and KROQ. I guess that probably opens up doors for Tears For Fears, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Petshop Boys to be in nominated in the upcoming years. I use to think that TFF would be like no chance in hell they will get mentioned as a nominee 10 years ago

The ones who I think will be inducted
Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
INXS
Jeff Buckley
Oasis
Melissa Ethridge
Lauryn Hill

Posted by jay j on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:08am

If going by seniority, acclaim, genre bias, and impact in the USA this would likely be the inductees

PHIL COLLINS
JOY DIVISION/NEW ORDER
LUTHER VANDROSS
MARIAH CAREY
JEFF BUCKLEY
WU TANG CLAN
LAURYN HILL

OASIS IF 8

Posted by RALIB on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:10am

Melissa Ethridge seems to be the nominated because of Crow...

Her popularity endurance is pretty bad

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:18am

I am thinking about Shakira

I do think she has really good chance

I do think rock hall really wants to push Latin acts in

And there is a reason rock hall nominates the biggest latin act to open lane for others

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:20am

Mariah seemed to receive lots of awards and engaged in lots of activities in 24 and 25 rounds as well, and still failed

I do think many other awards are also just decided by a smaller committee, and Mariah Carey faced problems with a bigger voting pool. Voters dislike her will not vote for her regardless of knowing what John Sykes wants or she receives how many awards recently

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:22am

The Black Crowes- Good job. Can we get them in this time?
Jeff Buckley- Had to look him up
Mariah Carey- Whatever
Phil Collins- Surprised he hasn't been inducted by now, or even nominated before
Melissa Etheridge- had to look her up
Lauryn Hill- I can see her and Carey getting in. Seems to be the trend
Billy Idol- Fair chance, but would be nice
INXS- Good chance
Iron Maiden- Can they get in this time?
Joy Division/New Order- Please get it over with, ok?
New Edition- not familiar with their work
Oasis- still no chance
P!nk- not familiar
Sade- not familiar
Shakira- not familiar
Luther Vandross- Definitely need some deep-voiced soul singers
Wu Tang Clan- good chance

Posted by Cardgage on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:33am

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026: Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Oasis, Pink Lead Nominees
Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan are also on the ballot
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-phil-collins-lauryn-hill-1235521755/

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 2026 Nominees: See the Complete List
Ten artists receive Rock Hall nominations for the first time.
https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/rock-hall-fame-nominees-2026-list-1236186061/

Rock Hall 2026 Nominees Roundtable: Snubs, Surprises and More
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rock-hall-2026-nominees-snubs-surprises/

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:37am

Phil Collins, P!nk, and Oasis Lead the 2026 Rock Hall Nominees
https://www.vulture.com/article/phil-collins-pink-oasis-lead-the-2026-rock-hall-nominees.html

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:38am

Omar

I read last that that voting stalled in March last time

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:42am

I just wanted to say that this is the probably the first nominee ballot ever that no 60's/70's boomer acts are on it, Are you so glad that there are no 60's/70's boomer acts on the ballot this year because they would always automatically get in and that it's a ballot focused on the two most neglected decades (the 80's and the 90's) this year making it so unpredictable on who gets in this year?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:42am

Wu-Tang's lineup needs updating, as Cappadonna is included on the Hall's website.

Posted by Raichu on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 10:52am

Hate to repeat myself but do we know how many ballots usually go out in February and March?

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 11:11am

Future Rock Legends got 7 right in prediction!

INXS
Melissa Etheridge
Pink
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 11:13am

That is a very different ballot than what I was expecting. Very overlapping and 80s/90s clearly.

I wouldntbsleep on New Edition, either. There's a ton of star power between Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant.

Likewise, I forgot Wu-Tang had so many prolific rappers. There could be 12 acts on this ballot that deserve immediate induction.

Many, many more thoughts to come

Posted by K-Dawg on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 11:42am

Richie,

The 80s are not neglected. The 70s are still more neglected, as there are so many genres that are still missing key performers. The 90s are neglected, but that's expected. What I think I see here is a beginning of floodgates opening for the 2000s. 3 of these acts clearly had their success in that decade

Posted by K-Dawg on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 11:46am

Sade chances are underrated like I said last nomination

They have massive critical and commercial success, lots of respect from industry and critics. They have had a major revaluation from the public recently and are highly regarded. As of writing they are top 7 of fan poll with no campaigning done (back and forth with JD/NO) in a poll where artists like Sade are usually voted the bottom so that tells you how regarded they are. With their genre influence they hit all criteria for induction.

Sade has decent chance to get inducted this year even with tough ballot for that lane

Posted by GuestG on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 11:50am

Has Bobby Brown been forgiven after what he did with Whitney Houston?

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 11:51am

Whitney Houston's problems came before Bobby Brown, that's why her and their daughter have both passed. Bobby Brown has even stated it in interviews. Bobby Brown needs to lose about 100 pounds before the induction, so he can look the way he did in the 80s. The rest of New Edition still looks great.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 12:07pm

I guess Iron Maiden needs to be inducted before King Crimson and Jethro Tull show up on the ballot!

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 12:09pm

I was hoping to see John Mayer and Alicia Keys first noms this year.

Posted by tintum on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 12:53pm

Another else think all 4 of the 3 time nominees will get in all at one?

I predicted that they could do this

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:22pm

The Black Crowes
Phil Collins
Billy Idol- Fair chance, but would be nice
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Luther Vandross

EXCELLENCE

Devo
Lenny Kravitz
The Big Bopper
Chic

INFLUENCE
Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats
Big Maybelle
Motorhead
The Sugarhill Gang

NONPERFORMER
Ed Sullivan
Wolfman Jack
Orville Gibson

Posted by Cardgage on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:23pm

The Black Crowes
Phil Collins
Billy Idol- Fair chance
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Luther Vandross

EXCELLENCE

Devo
Lenny Kravitz
The Big Bopper
Chic

INFLUENCE
Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats
Big Maybelle
Motorhead
The Sugarhill Gang

NONPERFORMER
Ed Sullivan
Wolfman Jack
Orville Gibson

Posted by Cardgage on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:24pm

The Black Crowes
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Luther Vandross

EXCELLENCE

Devo
Lenny Kravitz
The Big Bopper
Chic

INFLUENCE
Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats
Big Maybelle
Motorhead
The Sugarhill Gang

NONPERFORMER
Ed Sullivan
Wolfman Jack
Orville Gibson

Posted by Cardgage on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:26pm

Roy, as far as the TV ratings go - the special is watched by like 5 million people in edited annual form on television and millions upon millions of more live or after-the-fact on Disney+

Names like Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, P!nk and Lauryn Hill are massive global superstars and really widen the tent compared to Boomer/Gen X favored acts. Black Crowes and Melissa Etheridge and New Edition are like theater (~2,000 attendees in a big urban area) acts, basically. Buckley and Vandross would play arenas if they were alive. Collins would be arenas if he was still at it.

Stadiums: Oasis, Shakira
Stadiums/Arenas: Iron Maiden
Arenas: Mariah Carey, New Order, P!nk, Lauryn Hill (and festival headliner), Sade
Amphitheater Headliner: Billy Idol

Posted by Casper on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:44pm

AcclaimedMusic.Net Ranking

59 - Oasis
72 - Joy Division, 76 - New Order
194 - Jeff Buckley
254 - Wu-Tang Clan
287 - Lauryn Hill
296 - Iron Maiden

600 - INXS
614 - Sade
661 - The Black Crowes
687 - Phil Collins
818 - Mariah Carey
976 - Billy Idol
1867 - Shakira
1880 - P!nk
1952 - Luther Vandross
3309 - Melissa Etheridge
3515 - New Edition

Posted by Casper on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:52pm

Already posted early in the morning. Great work by the FRL Nominee Detectives over the many months of predictions. Continually tweaking and working their potential lists of Nominees to the final day. We had all of the Nominees predicted which were scattered over many nomination lists. Some had Jeff Buckley and mentioned New Edition. Also, a few had Shakira on their lists.
I was surprised NO Alice In Chains, NO Diana Ross, NO Bryan Adams, NO Scorpions, NO Smashing Pumpkins, NO The Bangles, NO Weezer etc. There was great discussion on who would earn the 70's & 80's Rock slot. Blue Oyster Cult, Boston, ELP, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, REO Speedwagon, Styx, etc. RRHOF Committee selected not 1 of these bands. I'm impressed that the Committee continues nominating Iron Maiden. They are incredibly deserving considering they are masters of musicianship and excellent in concert. They also have amazing longevity and have built up a strong and loyal voting over 50 years. Have sold millions of albums and plenty of memorable songs. 2 Minutes To Midnight, Aces High, Flight Of Icarus, Run To The Hills, The Trooper, Wasted Years, etc. Great to see 9 Iron Maiden members potentially inducted.
Surprised Jethro Tull has not been nominated as they have a dedicated, loyal group of fans. On deeper reflection, I believe the New Edition nomination was a smart move by the Committee. Throwing a net over the whole early group instead of trying to induct Bobby Brown solo or Johnny Gill down the line. Or trying Bell, Biv, DeVoe first. It also gives them 6 potential voters in a few years.
I've been a fan of Billy Idol since the 1980's and hope he earns induction this time around. Richie brings up a good point about Billy Idol and the documentary. Sometimes, it does assist an artist or group in earning induction. I think Mariah Carey & Phill Collins will be inducted this nomination cycle. A KING salute to ROY as he has posted the different possible combinations of artist inductions. I'll give my 7 possible inductees for this 2026 cycle in no particular order.
1. Mariah Carey
2. Phil Collins
3. Iron Maiden
4. Billy Idol
5. INXS
6. Oasis
7. Luther Vandross

KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:53pm

My Predictions:

1. Phil Collins
2. Lauryn Hill
3. Wu-Tang Clan
4. Oasis
5. Billy Idol
6. INXS
7. Joy Division-New Order

8. Sade

9. Shakira

10. Luther Vandross
11. Mariah Carey
12. The Black Crowes
13. Melissa Etheridge
15. Jeff Buckley
15. P!nk
16. Iron Maiden
17. New Edition

Posted by Casper on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 13:56pm

DECADES FOR EACH ARTIST

Jeff Buckley: Sixties
Mariah Carey: Nineties
Phil Collins: Eighties
Melissa Etheridge: Nineties
Lauryn Hill: Millennium
Billy Idol: Eighties
INXS: Eighties
Iron Maiden: Eighties
Joy Division/New Order: Eighties
New Edition: Eighties
Oasis: Nineties
P!nk: Millennium
Sade: Eighties
Shakira: Millennium
Luther Vandross: Eighties
The Wu-Tang Clan: Nineties

Posted by Cardgage on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 14:26pm

The reason for my multiposts is because of the lack of an edit feature

Posted by Cardgage on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 14:28pm

Cardgage,

Jeff Buckley is Nineties, not Sixties.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 14:29pm

Guess we underestimated the JD/NO support on the NomCom

It feels like that is the Post Punk act they want to get in

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 14:46pm

Fascinating list and I am enjoying all the comments. My take, purely FWIW:

Phil Collins -- Should be a lock, career and accomplishments are indistinguishable from those of Lionel Richie
Mariah Carey -- They have stacked a lot of solo women out there, might make it difficult. But there is no excuse for including Janet, Whitney, Cher and Dionne Warwick and not including Mariah. Her accomplishments exceed those of the others I listed. But a tough lane.
Iron Maiden -- Seems like they cleared the lane for them. I think they get in.
Luther Vandross -- Has the 70's soul lane to himself, probably gets in. His work with the likes of Bowie can only help him.
Shakira -- Really surprised she is nomminated this early! The crowded solo field will hurt her as will the fact the voters will not be familiar with her work. She gets in but maybe not this year.
P!nk -- See Shakira. Qualified but will she stand out over Mariah, Melissa, Shakira and Lauren Hill?
Lauren Hill -- The most difficult one to call. Her accomplishments solo and with Fugees make her a no-brainer. But if you just look at solo work, it is one (magnificent) album and not a lot to go with it. I would rather have seen the Fugees, but I think the committee got it right. She may go in as an influence if not elected.
INXS -- Can't decide if they will get the classic rock vote or they are just a filler candidate. More qualified than Frampto, Nocks or Ringo, but that is not a high bar.
Black Crowes -- I never really got these guys. If you like jam bands or roots I prefer Phish or Wilco. I wouldn't vote for them, but they obviously have a lot of support to be a two-time.
Sade -- Speaking of two-timers, I don't see them getting in. Too many others. Feels like she is there so that voters have an easy one to omit from their list.
New Edition -- Not impressed. The solo works are better than the group stuff, kind oiof like Fugees except an an order of magnitude inferior. Indistinguishable from NKOTB (another Maurice Starr production. Maybe he is the one that should get in.)
Wu Tang Can -- Feels to me like they are a lock. As with so many otheres the solo works lend credibility to the group efforts, but in this case the group work is enormously influential. Presidents come and go but Wu Tang is forever!
Melissa Etheridge -- Really surprised it took so long, I hope her moment has not passed. People forget how courageous it was for her to out herself when she did. She inducted Bonnie Raitt, and I thought she was imminent back then.
Billy Idol -- I always found him to be more form than substance, but he did rock, and that will resonate. Maybe he can resurrect his Elvis impersonations for the ceremony.
Oasis -- Way overdue, ridiculous that they are not in. I think this is their year.
Joy Division/New Order -- Each band has a strong case on its own, combined should be a no brainer. I can't tell if the voters resent the two names (analagous to Parliament/Funkadelic but not quite). A travesty they are not in.
Jeff Buckley -- Everybody knows "Hallelujah", but is that enough? Wonderful talent, probaby an ME more than anything.

All the nominees are qualified, and would be better than a decent number of current inductees.

Posted by J C Souljah on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:00pm

I was glad no Bangles or Wings. There have to be easily 100 artists more qualified.

Posted by J C Souljah on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:14pm

Predictions:

Phil Collins
Mariah Carey
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Luther Vandross
Wu Tang Clan
Billy Idol
INXS
JD/NO

But I would prefer Lauren Hill and elissa Etheridge over Billy Idol any day.

Posted by J C Souljah on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:18pm

since the rock hall announced class of 2026 nominees, its was disappointing that diana ross was not nominated yet even she is mostly want to be nominate and inducted this year, but im okay that mariah carey, luther vandross, sade, lauryn hill was nominated it was suprised that new edition was nominated also, well i already voted just minutes ago, but then congrats to the class of 2026 nominees.

Posted by Coffeelovergirl on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:33pm

Wings is getting in in the Sidemen category this year.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:40pm

What a lousy ballot! No acts from the 60s. The remaining snubs such as Herman's Hermits, The Turtles and The Monkees are more deserving than any of this year's nominees maybe withe exception of Iron Maiden.

Posted by Chris on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:49pm

Roy,

Wings getting in would be an embarassment, but the Hall has done worse, so you are probably right.

Posted by J C Souljah on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:53pm

I think all of 3 time nominees get in but Iron Maiden or Joy Division/New Order will get put in through the Musical Excellence route

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 15:55pm

Cardgage probably confused Jeff Buckley with his father Tim Buckley who also has a solid Hall case. Plenty of great albums from him, well worth checking out for those who don't know his work.

Shakira is a tricky one. Her best work was in the 90s but she made the English-language play in the 00s.

Lauryn Hill should be listed as a nineties artist, not a "millennium" artist. All of her key work was done in the nineties and she's put out next to nothing ever since.

Regardless, the key detail here is that there's basically no artist from the 50s-70s here and that's pretty astonishing, and, frankly, about time!

Posted by Casper on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 16:49pm

Ranking Them By Actual Importance:

1. Joy Division-New Order
2. Iron Maiden (it's ok to have this one at #1)
3. Oasis
4. Wu-Tang Clan
5. Shakira
6. Sade
7. Mariah Carey
8. INXS
9. Lauryn Hill
10. Luther Vandross
11. Jeff Buckley
12. Billy Idol
13. Phil Collins
...............................................................
14. P!nk
15. New Edition
16. The Black Crowes
17. Melissa Etheridge

Putting together this list has definitely moved me to a firm "Yes" on Luther Vandross, Jeff Buckley and Phil Collins. Lauryn Hill's peak value could probably be #1 but I just can't slot her higher than 9th given what that short career entails. Just too hard to stack that one album up against strong, important discographies from her peers (even if, rightfully, given credit for the Fugees material)

Posted by Casper on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 16:56pm

Would I laugh if 2-5 if the other women got in this year (not counting New Order) and Mariah Carey did not? Yes.

Does part of me want to see how long this can keep going on for with Mariah Carey failing to get in over-and-over despite the ballots mathematically becoming weaker and weaker? Yes.

Like some of you, I just don't see how her chances got any better. In fact, they're worse. Because among the minute portion of voters that were on the fence about her candidacy, now there's 5 women that weren't on the ballot last year to consider. People either like Mariah or they don't and the only way she really gets in is if votes get split enough that she ends up in the Top 7 or 8 randomly one of these years.

Posted by Casper on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 16:59pm

Or does the Rock Hall find ways to put all of the 3 nominated acts in?

Posted by Alec on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 17:01pm

Sade has a good resume. Seems underwhelming, but solid sales and "Smooth Operator" is evergreen.

I find the Rock Hall's exclusion of some great songwriters like Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, and Harry Chapin to be puzzling. Zevon got in. Buckley should have been musical excellence. Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, and JJ Cale would be good musical excellence candidates. Musical excellence is perfect for under the radar songwriters that get covered a lot. Lucinda Williams is another one.

From the 1960s, I want the Guess Who. BTO being a successful offshoot should help, but it isn't even necessary, Guess Who have a strong resume.

I see Mana as a strong musical excellence candidate.

Posted by Jim C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 17:05pm

I feel JD/NO is close cause some ABC reporter asked Peter Hook about the Rock Hall last here and he said "I'll be there"

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 17:15pm

Ok I wanna get my initial thoughts and predictions out before I read everyone else's comments. This is a very interesting group and one that has potential to be a great class almost no matter where it goes.

First... no Coldplay? Atp someone either dislikes them big time or they are purposefully dodging the whole thing. Either way I wanna know why cause 2026 was supposed to be their year- no one on the ballot will have the same pull. Also, no Alicia either and while I am sad and confused why they chose others over her, I think it is for the best seeing the competition this year and some names that need to get their shine first.

As for the actual nominees. The ones Im rooting for get exclamation points:

The Black Crowes- I'm not going to act as if I am very knowledgeable about the rock and alternative acts but I do know about them and their work. I dont see them as standout nominees but an induction cant be too far off.

Jeff Buckley- I really do not care for artist who's main priority comes from a single album. In some cases it is their only one, in others it is simply the only one people care for. Either way it sort of feels unfair to have people like that compare to artists with fully fledged and decade spanning successes and discographies. Jeff was talented for sure but ehh.

Mariah Carey!!!- Third time. It should never have taken this long but at least a third consecutive nomination means she has someone's support. Like said previously, they need to get her in before Beyonce steps in the ring and the fact that its taken this long is kinda disrespectful, especially when you consider the women who have done far less, been far less influential and have far less of a stellar collection of work get in before her with no problem. Make it happen Hall.

Phil Collins!!!- I am very astonished Phil has taken this long to be acknowledged. I hope that they can make this a one-done deal and let him in and give him that one final bow.

Melissa Etheridge- not very familiar with most of her work so i dont have much to say in this case but... well im sure there are more deserving names up this year.

Lauryn Hill- So mixed feelings here. Lauryn has been easily one of the most influential, sampled, referenced and revered artists of the last 30 years and that is based off 1* album (I have a feeling they are considering her album with The Fugees for this induction). On the other hand I once again do not like the inclusion of artists who are known for one body of work no matter how good, alongside artists who's musical excellence and influence has been spread over many pieces of work. Knowing the Hall, she will get in but at the expense of others who frankly deserve it more most likely.

Billy Idol- last time felt random, this time feels like a concentrated effort. Im fine with anyway it goes tbh.

INXS- yes, yes. Its really about time they go in. As performers too!

Iron Maiden- I thought they already got in as ME inductees tbh but I am glad they are getting another shot. I will never understand the aversion the Hall has to metal- and I dont even like the genre. The rebuffing just doesnt make sense when they check all the boxes and they have already let some in.

Joy Division/New Order- I been waiting for them to get in for like half a decade now lets goooo Hall

New Edition- a very... interesting choice. I see the vision and they are like the earliest version of a boy band that all the 90s ones were based off but I dont see the merit too much. Good for them though maybe a nomination will suffice.

Oasis- I am really confused as to why this is their third nomination. I thought the Hall would jump at the chance for a group like this.

Pink- Real shocker here tbh. Over Bryan Adams and Alicia Keys... is a choice. But I have been a P!nk fan for years (I listen to her more than them other two combined) so I am still glad to see her being recognized like this. I dont think she will make the cut this year and frankly, I think she can go dormant for a few years until they get some bigger and more urgent names in, but I am excited for the year when it is her turn.

Sade!!!- an impeccable, influential, acclaimed discography that has stood the test of time. In a perfect world, this would have happened a decade ago.

Shakira- possibly the biggest surprise here. Like Pink, I am glad that Shakira is being recognized for her role in music history. I dont know if she was the right choice as a Latin artist pick (first one since when??) but her nomination is a step in the right direction. She might need to come back in a few years though but who knows.

Luther Vandross!!!- after Mariah, there is no one I see on this list more deserving. I really hope this gets him straight in as it is decades overdue and he has been worthy of this many times over no matter how you flip it.

Wu-Tang Clan!!!- Another must! I have faith the Hall wont shut them out and the path forward is so clear here.

Posted by ABJ on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 17:29pm

Fan Vote Leaderboard update:

Phil Collins, INXS, and Iron Maiden are still leading comfortably in the top 3. At first it seeks like Luther Vandross was in danger of losing, but his margin is wide enough that he is now comfortably safe. Sade is now in the top 7 at #6.

Mariah Carey made a big jump to #8, but she is close to #7 that she has a chance to be in the final 7.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 17:53pm

*Forgot to include Billy Idol since he's in the top 3 and not Iron Maiden.

And also, I feel like Mariah might get inducted this year because of one thing that will be hard to ignore for next year:

Beyonce will be eligible next year.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 18:02pm

To anyone surprised, there is very little rock acts you haven't been paying attention. AC/DC, Queen, Black Sabbath (unbelievable struggle to get inducted), Skynyrd, and tons more have failed many times. Rage Against The Machine was 5 times.

Billy Idol, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Black Crowes, and INXS being the only rock acts doesn't increase their odds. They got Eddie Trunk's vote though.

Posted by Jim C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 18:47pm

I don't think lots of voters that did not vote for Mariah last year will suddenly vote for Mariah because "Beyonce will be nominated next year"

I do think the reason Mariah was not voted by them because they think Mariah music is Walmart music or because of the former husband of Mariah. And this will not change in this year.

Posted by Knox on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 18:48pm

Based off some recent discussion here :^) here is the nominees ranked by total monthly Spotify listeners

1. Shakira - 77,549,724
2. Pink - 35,166,479
3. Mariah Carey - 32,326,870
4. Phil Collins - 29,260,230
5. Oasis - 27,337,398
6. Sade - 25,524,989
7. Billy Idol - 16,715,152
8. Lauryn Hill - 14,824,052
9. Jeff Buckley - 12,184,177
10. Joy Division/New Order - 11,246,944 (Joy Division - 4,051,454, New Order - 7,195,490)
11. INXS - 9,323,722
12. Iron Maiden - 8,953,203
13. Wu-Tang Clan - 5,682,344
14. Luther Vandross - 5,339,091
15. New Edition - 2,932,430
16. The Black Crowes - 2,720,646
17. Melissa Etheridge - 974,388

Posted by GuestG on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 18:58pm

Best 2 Nominations:
INXS, Truly deserves it.
Luther Vandross, so happy for him it's about time.
Worst 2 Nominations:
Jeff Buckley, only has one song and he didnt even write it, its just absurd .
P!nk, has done nothing new, and is very political, yet she is nominated, yet Morrissey isn't nominated because he is also political but on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Posted by JoeBLowfromIdahoe on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 19:02pm

It amazes me how many people think Jeff Buckley is getting inducted on a first time ballot. Really?? He had one album, his most notable song is a cover, not to mention nothing of his has ever cracked into the charts except for a song that peaked in the low 80s on Billboard years after he died. I know the criteria for induction is your impact and influence, but one's sales and chart success has to speak for something and his doesn't. His nomination is like Fela Kuti's. Not well known to the public, beloved by a niche of music lovers, and frankly, taking up a space that could have gone to far more deserving artists and bands.

Posted by E.M. Kraft on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 19:05pm

Buckley's nomination is a result from Rateyourmusic, Acclaimed Music, and Pitchfork surpassing the legacy rock mags (Spin, Rolling Stone, Kerrang, etc).

I tried to argue that sales matter. People don't care and will sight influence, etc to exclude 100 million selling artists.

Posted by Jim C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 19:22pm

Indo think Crowes may be surprising inductee

They are probably getting boomer rock vote this time

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 19:27pm

Looking at the fan vote and I absolutely refuse to believe Shakira is dead last with her historically durable contingent of aggressively and chronically online fans from LATAM. Mana she is not. She has by far the highest career streams relative to her nominee colleagues. Major social media views and engagement across all platforms. Crazy to think of current results. Something is not lining up.

Late Mariah and Pink surge probably coming from their constituents waking up in Asia-Pacific, where they enjoy disproportionately outsized popularity for being Americans. Mariah will probably outpace Oasis in the top 7 in the next day or two.

Posted by ChrisD on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 19:40pm

Hi everyone!

After some time in waiting for the Olympics to end, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have now announced that 17 artists are nominated for the 2026 Class in the Performance category. As we have seen under John Sykes' leadership, there is a conscientious effort to broaden the field of honorees and the styles of music they record and perform. Indeed, it can be said that Rock and Roll is these days a catch all term for recorded music. With apologies to Eddie Trunk, all 17 nominated artists are rock stars; some are just not the sort of rock stars the purists think of. And all 17 deserve a spot. Even so, we can only vote for 7 in either a fan ballot or official ballot; and either 8 or 9 at most are likely to go in this year. In my opinion and determining this idea from the Revisited/Projected Rock Hall Project; 10 of these artists have the most likelihood to get inducted into the RRHOF this year. These 10 have, of course, gotten inducted into Revisited/Projected so these are more likely to go in.

Phil Collins: The only true virtual lock this year. And honestly, I am pleased to see Collins leading the fan vote too! He has been on quite a good retrospective look in popularity and in films and television shows. Paradise, for instance, has so far done 3 different remixes/covers of Another Day in Paradise. And Phil himself has recently been interviewed for a BBC documentary. Only time will tell if we hear new music from him. Yet what we have is impressive enough to get inducted as soon as can be. I expect a vast majority of living inductees to include Phil Collins on their ballots, not just Peter Gabirel and the rest of Genesis. Let us also hope another track of Collins goes on the perpetually delayed GTA 6.

Mariah Carey: I think she goes in this year. Mariah has just received the Musi cares Person of the Year award by the Recording Academy and is soon to be touring. And I think she has the most significant clout and name recognition among the nominees. So, it is time Carey gets inducted.

Lauryn Hill: I would definitely put Ms. Hill on my ballot and any other ballots. Her recent performance shows and media events have been making a newer generation of listeners aware of how much of importance she has meant to r and b and hip-hop. This is not to mention that The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was recently named by Apple Music as the most significant album of the past 100 years. That is some clout right there. She is going in, I think.

Billy Idol: I see him likely to get inducted this time. He has a new memoir and documentary about him coming out, and it is now close to 50 years since his first-Generation X recordings. Idol has much more momentum in going in this year.

Sade: It might be somewhat difficult, yet Sade is someone that needs to be inducted right away. Her music still holds up and is so unique. Hopefully the voters surprise us, and Sade goes in this year.

Oasis: They are going to continue to be nominated until they get inducted. Now is as good a time as any for them to go in, especially since it has been 30 years since What's the Story (Morning Glory) came out. Maybe even a full-fledged reunion can be done between the Gallagher brothers and Paul McGuigan while the time is ripe.

Wu-Tang Clan: Yes, definitely yes. It may not be a given among the voters, yet as one of the most creative rap collectives the Wu deserve an induction. I'm sure ODB would have been bemused and confused upon receiving this prestigious honor.

Iron Maiden: Possibly the second most likely virtual lock this year, and not a moment too soon. If any of your fellow posters have seen 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, I think you will understand why the time is now. And the most important hard rockers to get nominated this time out, so there is certainly a need to get them in.

INXS: A bit bittersweet, since Michael Hutchence is not around to see this happen. Even so, there was a period of time from 1982-1991 or so that INXS were maybe the most important act out of Australia. Hutchence was one of the best frontmen out there, and he and the guys had the songs and personalities to prove their worth. Kick still holds up as an album of its time and ahead of its time. It might be difficult this time, but INXS should go in at some point.

Joy Division/New Order: Once more, the RRHOF does the right thing to have this as a 2 for 1. Post-Punk Goth that went electronic and deeper than most bands of their kind. Great musicianship, particularly Peter Hook as one of the defining bassists of his era. No word if there may be a reunion between Hooky and Bernard/Gillian/Stephen, yet it would be nice. They likely have a chance to get inducted in a side category if they fall short in the Performance ballot.

So those 10 have the inside track to get inducted. As for the remaining 7, it is possible that at least 1 or 2 will make it through this time. Although they would not be on my ballot, there is validity in each nominee.

Luther Vandross: Of the 7, Luther is the one most likely to get inducted this year. Albeit posthumously. Definitely one of the best in his field, and quite distinctive. And one of the better career trajectories among r and b artists.

Pink: Well, FRL called it. Pink (Alecia Moore) is a nominee. I am okay with this. A varied career and a near chameleon like presence in different genres and soundscapes. And possibly one of the best live performances people out there today.

Melissa Etheridge: FRL called it again. And once again, Etheridge is a deserving nominee, though I am not sure an induction is forthcoming. One of the better open books of female artists.

Shakira: Another pleasant surprise. Shakira is definitely having a moment now, with Zootopia 2' success and new material coming out. I do not think she goes in this year, yet I can see it happening at some point.

Jeff Buckley: I never thought this would happen. However, even with only 2 albums to his name (and even then, My Sweetheart the Drunk was never finished). Jeff Buckley had one of the most important moments of time in which his songcraft went above many other contemporaries. Everybody Here Wants You remains a favorite of mine, and a bittersweet indication of how things could have been had he still be here.

The Black Crowes: I do not see Chris Robinson and company going in, yet they are pretty decent. The time though may come when an induction could potentially happen. It may be a while though.

New Edition: The first important boy band, and given what Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant have done since: a steppingstone to New Jack Swing. I do not think there is much of a chance for them to get inducted, but I do think there will be a considerable number of voters checking their boxes for these guys.

I have picked on my fan ballot Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Iron Maiden, Sade, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order as worthy of being inducted this year. With that in mind, I think we will possibly see 8 individuals go in as performers. So, I am thinking that Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Oasis, Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan and Joy/Division/New Order will be the individuals that will receive induction. I have little clue as to who goes in through the back door among the other categories. Although I think Devo has a shot at an influence induction at this point. And it is possible that Sir Paul McCartney may have enough clout to get his 70s backing band, Wings, to be inducted separately. Plus, as non-performers, Robert W. Pittman and/or any and all of the 5 original MTV VJs would be well worth of inclusion. It is not as if MTV, or Paramount/Skydance for that matter, have any plans to celebrate 45 years of MTV. And I doubt any merger with Warner Brothers (the original MTV owners) would change the current trajectory. So, a better honor is available by the RRHOF. In any matter, this is what I think will happen and who will be inducted. I want to also congratulate Neil and everyone at Future Rock Legends for 20 great years of this website. I have been around for 18 and I think especially since the establishment of the Revisited/Projected Rock Hall of Fame Project, we have democratized and enhanced the restoration and education and importance of recorded music and/or Rock and Roll. I look forward to 20 more, provided the music never fades away.

Expecting Rockstar Games to get vaguer on GTA 6 release dates (it comes out in December, yet notice we have not said what year),

Lax43

Posted by Lax43 on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 19:50pm

A lot of people say some of these nominees aren't going in because they are not American.

But the 2026 ballot is somewhat similar to 2019 where the majority of that class were British.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 20:33pm

Since Rick Krim took over as NomCom chair in 2023

All acts that have been nominated 3 or more times have gotten in as Preformers

That is why that I think Mariah,JD/NO,Oasis and Iron Maiden all get in as Preformers in the same class

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 21:12pm

Actually, you could argue that if Sade was inducted, Africa would be brought into continents in the Rock Hall where members are from, since Fela Kuti wasn't inducted yet.
In case someone didn't know, Sade Adu was from Nigeria, although then British Nigeria.
(I could be wrong, please correct me for the record. But as far as im aware, no one is inducted that was either born or mainly based in Africa).

Posted by TheCorriynial on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 21:32pm

Regarding the Oasis members that FRL mentioned on BlueSky, it is somewhat not surprising if you watched their documentary a decade ago, and Guigsy and Alan White were somewhat absent from being interviewed.

And also, I'm surprised that the Gallagher Brothers have a decent relationship with original drummer Tony McCarroll since they fired him because they think he's not a good drummer at their level, and Tony sued them in the 90s. Plus he's getting some interviews about the band when they reunited.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 21:36pm

Jeff Buckley should not even be on this list. He only has 1 song, and the song is not self penned. Kate Bush has multiple acclaimed albums. She has huge recognition with other artists. Jeff Buckley is not someone who has widely impacted other artists.
I don't see any similarity with someone as talented as Kate Bush.
So many great influential artists still haven't even been nominated and the nominating committee sees fit to nominate someone that didnt even write his own one song.
Just wild! This has more to do with the fact he left his body tragically and his family connections.

Posted by Henny on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 22:04pm

You know Iron Maiden is such an outrageous Rock n Roll Hall of Fame snub when people that aren't into Metal and Hard Rock think it's unbelievable they aren't in already

Posted by Alec T on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 22:16pm

Trevor Rabin from Yes is from South Africa. So Sade would be the first African-descent African in the RRHOF

Posted by K-Dawg on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 22:39pm

Just checked the leaderboard right now, and there is a chance that Luther Vandross might pass Iron Maiden in the standings since he is only ~500 votes away from them.

Posted by John R.C. on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 22:55pm

If they removed those members from Oasis, does that mean they've already negotiated with the Gallagher brothers?

And if the brothers said no to including Paul McGuigan and Alan White,

Could that mean Oasis will 100% be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, and that the Hall and the brothers have already discussed who will attend the ceremony?

Otherwise, if the Rock Hall just removed two members without notifying the brothers, that seems strange.

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 22:59pm

Electronic ballots from the voting committee are due on March 25 and the Fan Vote ends on April 3, so I think that we'll get the 2026 inductee announcement on Monday, April 6 during that night's episode of American Idol.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 22:59pm

I think Wings (without Paul), will be inducted through ME this year

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:02pm

My predictions for the 2026 inductees:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Spoilers: Lauryn Hill, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Melissa Etheridge, The Black Crowes, Pink, Shakira

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:10pm

Omar,

They need to do a blanket of "backing" groups, similar to what they did in 2012, to rectify some of their mistakes. This does include Wings, but the Silver Bullet Band, the Wailers, the rest of Steve Miller's band, and I'm probably missing a couple, should be included.

Posted by K-Dawg on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:12pm

K-Dawg,

Which acts do you see being inducted this year for 2026 (If 8 inductees this year like for 2024)?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:14pm

I'm still working on that, richie. Some of my perspectives differ than others here, it seems. It's gonna take awhile to compile it

Posted by K-Dawg on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:16pm

K-Dawg

Yes, if they induct Wings (I think it is very likely to happen this year), they also need to induct other backing groups

The Revolution (Prince), Crazy Horse (Neil Young) are other names come to my mind

And E Street Band should not be only backing group that is inducted

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:25pm

What happened to Beck

He tired to be friendly with rock hall, performed in 25 ceremony

And then he failed to be nominated again

What really happened to him?

How poor he finished in 22, if he finished even worse than Mc5 and dolls?

Or did his grammy album of the year really made him have industry enemies

Posted by omar on Wednesday, 02/25/2026 @ 23:58pm

It may be ironic that a nominating committee that had, if what I remember reading is correct, a composition that was 45% women, may end up with a selected class that has actually very few women inducted from the long list.

I may be wrong about this, but I suspect the people actually voting for the inductees are likely 20% women and 80% male.

So, those 45% of women in the nominating committee put forth nominees including Melissa Etheridge. I think Melissa is talented. I own two of her albums. As time has passed, I've liked her original output less than I did when she was popular. She is not an artist who will get a very high percentage of male votes when there are women who are more talented on the ballot. Melissa won't get many votes from minorities, unless the minorities are LGBTQ. She will finish in the bottom 3.

But, she may draw enough votes from female artists who are more likely to be inducted, like Mariah Carey, Pink and Sade, to keep those three from being inducted.

The same is true of Shakira. I have 5 or 6 Shakira albums, and personally like her a lot. I like intelligent women. She's one of those hyperintelligent women who hides her intelligence well, but it slips through. And she may get quite a few votes from Latin voters, but those Latin voters are more likely to vote for, out of this list, again, artists like Mariah Carey, Pink and Sade, and she may take votes from Lauryn Hill and Jeff Buckley.

I have Jeff Buckley's Grace, and it's quite a good album, maybe even a great one. But one good album should not a Rock Hall entry make. I don't think Jeff Buckley would have been on this list without substantial backing of the women on the nominating committee. He'll take votes from damn near everybody, because it really is a great album. But he'll take votes disproportionally from female artists, than, say from Billy Idol or New Order or from frontrunners like Phil Collins, INXS, and Oasis.

New Edition has almost no chance of making it into the Rock Hall at any time. They will draw votes away from Lauryn Hill and Sade and Mariah Carey, and I suspect they will come last in actual balloting everywhere. I don't think Bobby Brown will be forgiven anytime soon. Their nomination may actually delay the eventual nomination of NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys because they will do so poorly.

This ballot to me suggests that there are going to be a lot of male artists inducted this year, despite a 45% presence of women on the nominating committee . Although I like a few of them, the heavy male voting blocks that would have rammed Boston or Styx into the Rock Hall, will probably vote almost all male this year:

I see Phil Collins and INXS as the locks on this ballot. with both Phil and INXS getting lots of male and female votes.

Oasis is near a lock as well. Have most of their albums. Their first two albums are both classics. Some of the songs on the solo Liam and Noel albums are quite good as well. I think people may vote for them this year just to see if they would show up and see what they would say/do. And they might show up.

Iron Maiden has had an alley cleared out for them. I don't listen to Iron Maiden much and have only one of their albums. But their contribution and influence are undeniable and I would vote for them on this ballot in a heartbeat.

I think Billy Idol may get in as well, as there not enough pure rock nominees to draw votes away from him and dilute that proportion of the voting block.

So, on a ballot with 9 female leaning artists, who I would say are
Luther Vandross, Pink, Sade, Mariah Carey, Melissa Etheridge, New Edition, Lauryn Hill, Jeff Buckley and Shakira) and only 5 male leaning artists (Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Oasis, and New Order) with Phil Collins, the Wu-tang Clan and the Black Crowes being gender neutral in my eyes, it would be easy to vote for the 5 male leaning artists, throw in Phil Collins, and still have another vote for a female leaning artist.

However, a female voter has 9 artists to choose from, and I suspect most women will vote for Phil Collins as well, leaving 6 votes to divide among the 9 choices. That's going to make it very difficult for female leaning artists, despite their high percentage on the ballot.

Who I would choose: (assuming 7 votes)

Phil Collins
INXS
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Joy Division/New Order
Sade

Who will make it will be:

Phil Collins
INXS
Oasis
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Pink

with Luther Vandross if there are 8.
and Mariah Carey if there are 9.

This ballot would have been a good year for Barry White or War.

Posted by Eric Tompkins on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 02:47am

Iron Maiden's path is clearest for metal acts in a long time.

Look at the metal acts nominated alongside other classic rock or heavy rock artists in previous years:

2021: Iron Maiden competed against Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, NY Dolls, and Todd Rundgren.

2022: Judas Priest competed against Rage Against the Machine, NY Dolls, MC5, and Pat Benatar.

2023: Iron Maiden competed against Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, White Stripes, and Warren Zevon.

This time, Iron Maiden faces almost zero competition, probably only Billy Idol, if you even consider him heavy rock. But many voters likely see Idol as pop star.

This should be the year Maiden finally gets voted in. Many boomers who previously didn't vote for metal acts might now cast a vote for Maiden simply because they're the act they know from their era. Billy Idol, INXS, and even JDNO could benefit from this as well, but Maiden are probably the biggest beneficiaries. Many of the older voters might dislike them, but they see Maiden as the most obvious guitar-driven rock act on the ballot. If they don't vote for Maiden, the remaining options feel less "rock" to them. Also, Maiden is almost the oldest rock pick also helps a lot.

Posted by knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 04:06am

I think Luther Vandross, Phil Collins, Oasis are lock

And Iron Maiden have good chance

I think INXS are more likely to be included than Billy Idol, INXS has more appeal to general pop voting body. And they are "classic rock" to rock voters. If there are only three 3 timers, I think Billy Idol is in this class, but there are 4 3 timers, so I think Idol probably will be "sacrificed" again.

Based on the current three classes, god chance other two 3 timer will be pushed in as well (Alec T mentioned every 3/3+ timer are inducted in that year)

I think there is probably only one rap act, I go to Lauryn Hill, her voting pool is wider.

And Shakira may get huge boost from industry people with recent trends.

So the class is going to be:
Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, INXS, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Sharika, Joy Division/New Order

Seems to be a pretty balanced class that fits well with current rock hall inductees pattern and potential move

Posted by knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 04:15am

One thing about Mariah: her foreign Asian base is gonna show up for a vote. The same thing happened last year especially after Mariah tweeted for fans to vote on Twitter and that's likely why she moved up on the fan vote. But Pink's fans were like "whoa Nelly" lol

Luther being so close to Iron Maiden WOW!!!

As things settle, this is how I look at the list:

Phil, Oasis, Luther and Iron Maiden are the only locks this year. Their reputations are so that no one could really argue with it. Outside of Oasis maybe (more on that).

So that leaves three more to choose from.

Pink - I think her chances are good that she could fill the 5th slot. She's the bigger of the female rockers nominated (Melissa Etheridge) and she could be like Cher and Cyndi in the past taking votes away again from Mariah despite MC outselling both. Only thing that could be a detriment: she doesn't really have a classic single. Yeah she had a bunch of hits but nothing that really stood out. But her career is respectable enough that the committee and other voters might overlook it.

Lauryn Hill - probably one of the most acclaimed "one album" wonders (or two album wonders) of all time. Way more than the Sex Pistols even. That's her only real hang up: she's only released one solo album but that album - "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" - is on many all time lists and is the best selling neo soul album in history. Lauryn could also be another detriment to multi-hit legend Mariah and would only invoke more ire with Lambs still upset Mary J. Blige got in over her. If this year inducts two or more female artists, it would be Pink and the artist formerly known as L. Boogie.

Wu Tang Clan - I think the Wu is too iconic to be ignored this year. This is not an Eric B and Rakim situation. They will fill in the seventh (and final-ish) slot of this class.

Of course there's a possibility of an eighth inductee. This is where it could lead to:

Shakira vs. Mariah. Even as Mariah does okay on the fan vote and Shakira not so much, that hasn't stopped inductees before - Jay Z and Missy Elliott produced the lowest fan votes but the industry thought differently. So Shakira has that advantage. Only way Mariah can eek in an induction is if she produces a great video chronicling her 36-year career and going over how she shaped pop and R&B as well as the merging of hip-hop in both genres. I think if it's constantly brought up that she had more number ones than Elvis and Madonna, that would turn people off. The fact that she's one of the top 20 best selling artists of all time should matter and shouldn't but if sales and hits are the first things brought up, it's not gonna go well with voters. Here's the thing: Mariah WILL get inducted but politics are definitely playing a part why she never got farther and with a very crowded list of female nominees and urban leaning nominees, I can see voters choosing other artists (Pink, Lauryn, Wu, Luther) over her, New Edition (another act who pioneered the R&B/hip-hop merge as early as Candy Girl) also stands in the way shockingly enough so that's why my predictions on Mimi getting in on her third attempt is low but I can still see her still winning enough support where she can fill in the magical "eighth" spot but Shakira could also steal that spot just on her name and the fact that she could be the first female Latina inductee is definitely possible. Her name is big too. Maybe not "I sold 220 million globally" Mariah big but still big. Either way, the Diva from Long Island and SHAKIRA SHAKIRA will be the nominee for the "wildcard".

Now for those who could possibly be a dark horse contender:

JD/NO: as an alternative follower it is frustrating the committee keeps nominating these guys and they always lose in embarrassing fashion (not as embarrassing as Mariah). I get that they're heavily influential but Sykes wants to draw a crowd rather than necessarily do the right thing by these guys. That said, they have a fighting chance of getting in. Either as performers or Musical Excellence - and those who may whine about them getting in the latter way, just come to terms that this might happen. Anything to stop the insanity… AND INDUCT DEVO NEXT YEAR, DAMMIT!!!

INXS - another band who could be the dark horse and this could be their way of avenging against Oasis. In fact, Oasis famously beefed with Phil and the late Michael Hutchence, whose death is approaching its 29th anniversary. With the latter, during the final year of Michael's life, he was a presenter of a BRIT Award that Oasis ended up winning and Liam Gallagher famously derided MH as a has been right in front of him. Would it be quite hilarious if INXS beats Oasis to get in?! Stay tuned because that can definitely happen.

Now for those who don't stand a ghost of a chance least for this year:

Billy Idol - I think it'll be tough for him since there are bigger 80s names on here (IM - though they started in the 70s, Luther, Phil obviously). His chances would probably be better if half of the acts here weren't nominated. I think he'll get in but this is the worst year for him than 2024 was.

New Edition - as a Xillenial, I was happily stunned to see the boys from Boston (besides Washington, DC's Johnny Gill) getting inducted but I don't think their chances are enough. You got Luther, Sade, Mariah, Lauryn, and the Wu to tend with. That said we might see them again next year, just not now.

Black Crowes - that OTHER band full of brothers who used to beef but now get along as they age will not have it any easier than last. It would've been better nominating Lenny again. And as much as I opined that Pink lacked a classic single, the Crowes definitely lack a classic anything besides the controversial album cover to Amorica. They will likely be on another ballot though.

Jeff Buckley - I think if anyone deserves an ME induction, it's Jeff. Yes his album "Grace" is classic and his rendition of "Hallelujah" is considered one of the greatest cover songs of all time but he wasn't a huge name or even a big name by any means. Much like Luther, Jeff likely got Sykes' attention due to a powerful documentary on the tragic rock balladeer's short life. But having a documentary doesn't always mean an instant induction though it couldn't hurt (Whitney had a 2018 documentary for instance and the following year was nominated - and subsequently inducted into the RRHOF not too long afterwards). The fact they nominated him over a much bigger alt icon like Beck and SONIC YOUTH is a choice. That said, the only path he has is a ME induction. Only reason he's even considered is because of his tragic death, really.

Sade - they're probably the most critically acclaimed band on this list outside the JD/NO bands and their 26-year catalog is solid (one of the very few bands and musical acts in general where each album went platinum or more in the United States) but did they pick the WRONG time to nominate them. Not only crowded among the urban acts but also the foreign acts/bands (only American groups nominated this year are the Crowes and NE). Split votes will doom their chances.

So here's how they stand:

The seven (almost) surefire RRHOF 2026 inductees:
Phil Collins
Luther Vandross
Iron Maiden
Lauryn Hill
Pink
Wu Tang Clan
Oasis*

Possible eighth inductee:
Mariah Carey
Shakira

Dark horse inductee:
JD/NO
INXS

Try again guys:
Billy Idol
The Black Crowes
New Edition
Sade
Jeff Buckley

Now I could be wrong. Jeff Buckley could still get inducted as a performer though it would make less sense than Lauryn, who's still alive and has been musically active even if she only released one studio solo album. Sade could pull an upset. The Irons could still be blocked by those who don't think metal is a respected genre. Anything can happen!

Good luck to all of them.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 05:54am

Woops!!!

Forgot about Melissa Etheridge! She would be in the try again aisle.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 05:55am

Oasis is not a lock.

People keep saying they are but they are not.

Yes the have an advantage (3 times nominated theory + obvious resume) but nothing has changed from their setbacks. The just recently trashed the Rock Halls fan poll at the actual building, and then trashed when they were nominated again. Voters/boomers cannot take their form of humor and think they do not want it or ungrateful for it. Nothing has changed from last year, last year they had all the hype of the upcoming tour that sold out and failed. This year is after the tour which lot media attention after a few shows when it was obvious they were not changing setlist and going through motions. They have no vote boosting scenario compared to last year, so why is this year different? Why are they locks but the other 3 time noms not? (And even then, people saying Maiden are locks, lol no)

They might make it, but it will be despite of their antics not because of them.

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 06:17am

GuestG

The reason Oasis should be a lock is that

And in the voting period in 2025, Oasis still had not toured yet, and no one in Feb/March/APR actually saw how the live would go... And now everyone sees they can fill stadium in America.

Additionally, Oasis face lot of similar acts splitting votes in 2024, 2025.

2024: Lenny Kravitz, Janes Addiction, Dave Matthews Band (final inductee)
2025: Soundgarden (final inductee), White Stripes, Phish, Black Crowes

And in 2026, they only fight with Black Crowes... Are you really think people will vote Crowes over Oasis?

I think it is their time, being 3 timer is also big big plus.

Posted by knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 06:37am

Timothy Pernell

Will they induct two rap acts at the same time?

This never happened before.

Posted by knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 06:39am

Omar,

Famous Flames were inducted in 2012 as a pure backup band.

Also, for thoise who want an African represenatation, Miriam Makeba is way overdue, and enormously influential, both musically and politically. Mama Africa!

Posted by J C Souljah on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 07:48am

GuestG,

Which acts do you see being inducted this year for 2026 (If 8 inductees this year like for 2024)?.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:03am

Just listened to the Who Cares About the Rock Hall nominee reveal episode, and not only Joe gets his ballot (as usual since 2023), but Kristen is now an official voter. So here are their votes:

Joe's ballot:

JD/NO
INXS
Mariah Carey
Wu-Tang Clan
Sade
Luther Vandross
Lauryn Hill

Kristen:

Mariah Carey
Lauryn Hill
Wu-Tang Clan
New Edition
Luther Vandross
[sixth and seventh spot still open, but Kristen's leaning towards one vote for JD/NO and Shakira]

Posted by John R.C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:04am

Timothy, it's not just that Jeff Buckley's Grace album is a classic.

It's widely acclaimed and considered to be like top 10 best albums of all time/ That album was single handedly responsible for kickstarting Radiohead and Coldplay's careers. and his cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah was inducted into the National Recording Registry for it's impact.

Yes he only had one studio album but his influence and impact is still growing generations later

Posted by Ralib on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:07am

And not only that, a lot of legends have sing praises to both Jeff and his album, Grace. Legends from Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, David Bowie etc.

Posted by John R.C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:10am

I could see rock pureists vote like

Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Black Crowes
INXS
Iron Maiden
Oasis
One of Joy Division/New Order Melissa Etheridge

Posted by Knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:20am

My predictions for the 2026 inductees are:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

If 8: Sade
If 9: Lauryn Hill

Spoilers: The Black Crowes, Melissa Etheridge, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Pink, Shakira

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:21am

Jeff Buckley is influential, but not on the influential level of Sex Pistols/Lauyrn Hill...

And if you talk about alt/indie lane, Smiths, JDNO, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Replacements are all more influential and should be inducted before him

Posted by Knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:23am

Knox,

While they "should be" with their third try that does not mean they will be, we know how the voters have weird petty grievances or being entirely clueless of artists.

Additionally they did sell out their American tour by the time voting came around IIRC, still could not get in

I think they are likely inducted but they are not "locks". Only lock is likely Phil Collins due to many factors

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:43am

GuestG

"Sell out" and actually see "how the concert goes" are two different things

Plus they have no competition this year (24 and 25 they have lots of other acts split votes)

I think they were not that far behind in 24 and 25 (if they finished dead last, they will not be nominated this round). Additionally, no competition and people actually see them live will be enough to push them over the finish line.

Posted by Knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:48am

One of the things that I really love about this ballot is that there are no 60's/70's acts (aka the silent/boomer generation favorites) on the ballot this year, because they would always usually dominate the classes, so I think that it's really nice and refreshing that for once, there aren't any acts of that kind on the ballot this year and it's an all 80's and 90's ballot (with a couple of 2000's artists in Pink and Shakira) this year, so I'm really excited and curious to see where the vote is going to go this year.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:51am

Will Styx and Boston be forever snubbed?

Posted by Omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 08:53am

Knox,

Most agree the four returning artists from last year were likely the first four out, so it is reasonable they make it. It is not guaranteed they make it however. Even without as obvious lane blockage (and there is some 80s rock acts that might take votes first) this will not change if the issue with voters is the brothers personalities themselves

Omar,

No, according to Goldderby they were even discussed this year. The Hall is intentionally ignoring 60s/70s this year due to very heavy 80s/90s backlog caused by every 60s/70s boomer act being an automatic entry. Because they have committee supporters they will be a final nominee in the upcoming years, but they are slow dropping them now so they can clear the backlog quicker. Which I applaud because when we are seriously talking about Oasis, JD/NO, Mariah Carey ME sidedoor so we can get in Joe Cocker and Peter Frampton something needed to change

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:09am

I think the boomers will vote for Luther Vandross

He has to be the most boomer related act on the list

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:32am

Oasis hates Phil Collins. This is a failure. I never thought they'd show up and perform, but with Phil Collins headlining ? No way. Once again, the Rock Hall voters have screwed up. The fact that many huge names require multiple ballots is concerning. These voters play games and vote for longshots they love versus deserving artists. Read the Vulture articles -> they admit it. Well, I want more women in so -> if they have a better resume, get them in. Oasis should make it in this ballot, but they are not performing and that's on the voters. Don't save Oasis for another go.

Phil Collins has the fan vote already won.

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:39am

The downfall of no 60s/70s acts is they get older while they wait for their rightful place in the RRHOF

Unless the Monkees are going to be ME'd or whatever, Micky Dolenz gets a year older AND he's doing a one man tour for the band this year. They belong, yet the Hall doesn't care if they're all dead or not.

There are other acts, but none so glaring...

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:45am

GuestG,

Actually, There are five returning artists from last year (The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order and Oasis), not four. and Yes, I'm so glad that the Hall is intentionally ignoring the 60's/70's this year to give the 80's/90's more of a bigger chance to get in this year and not miss out on induction repeatedly caused by every 60's/70's boomer act automatically getting in each and every year. so I'm so glad that they did this this year, I'm very proud of the Hall for doing that.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:46am

Okay, so what is your solution then Jim C?

Because all you've done in here is done nothing but complain about mulitple artists even though they are obviously worthy for induction. You have said nothing positive about any artists besiders a few of them.

Honestly, you have nothing to provide anything worthy for discussions other than put artists down because you think they are has beens and unimportant.

Just leave, Jim C.

Just leave.

Posted by Lilly C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:47am

Early predictions. I actually think they will extend to 9 if that means all four of the 3-time nominees get in. I feel committee will all vote for them or play other classic hall tricks to ensure they get in. If some don't I think these acts will get up to 5 tries like Rage, but since 3 rule has not been broken in years I am presuming they will.

1 Phil Collins
2 Luther Vandross
3 Inxs
4 Wu Tang
5. Sade
6. Oasis
7. Mariah Carey
8. JD/NO
9. Iron Maiden

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:49am

Styx and Boston are middle-tier 70s picks along with Meat Loaf and America. Lower-tier 70s acts are Mott the Hoople, Blue Oyster Cult, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Three Dog Night, and ELP.

I think Toto, Supertramp, and Kansas are the best 70s acts not in. Boston should be first from the middle-tier.

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 09:49am

Absolutely called the Jeff Buckley nomination lol.

Here's my first instinct on a class prediction:
INXS
Joy Division/New Order (if 8)
Lauryn Hill
Luther Vandross
Mariah Carey
Oasis
Phil Collins
Wu-Tang Clan

Posted by RG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:01am

My bad Richie! Black Crowes just keeps being forgotten lol

To clarify I think many people assume that Billy Idol, Mariah Carey, JD/NO, and Oasis in some degree was first four out last year and that is why they returned. Black Crowes might be in first 5 out but also might be returning as a favor for playing along in the ceremony. I do think Black Crowes will be set up for an induction during their 3rd ballot appearance. Without many boomer rock nominees it would not be far fetched for the typical voters for them to move to Black Crowes

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:02am

My solution is voting the best and selecting the best every round regardless of outcomes. Oasis should get in. They aren't going to perform. Oh Well. Vote them in. Same with Maiden. Unlikely to perform. But out of this ballot, they need to go in.

Why is Coldplay / Linkin Park waiting? Because Billy Idol didn't get in? Or because Mariah keeps failing? Multiple nominations are denying opportunity to tons of bands. They need to rotate bands. Rage Against The Machine was nominated 5 times in 6 years to finally get in. Better that they drop bands for years and bring them back later. This has worked in the past (Dave Matthews, Bowie and others).

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:02am

Boston has more Spotify listener than Kansas, Supertramp

Top song has more number than Kansas, Supertramp top song

Yes, Kansas, Supertramp are top tier, and Boston is mid tier despite Boston has better "number" in our Jim C's "theory"

Sorry, he always did this self contradicted things

Posted by Knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:03am

GuestG

Also not sure about 23 ballot, everyone except for Zevon returns to the ballot. If Zevon was really dead last at that time? Or likes of Maiden finished dead last but rock hall finally decides to nominate them again. I will not he suprised if Zevon really was #14 despite Sykes said "he did well"

I am thinking it is really coincidence that since Rick Krim took over, all 3/3+ timers are inducted... If rock hall plays "games" to make them included, or just simple as they were near enough so rock hall was confident they would be included in third/third+ nomination... We don't know now. But still feel 5/5 for 3/3+ timer since 2023 is weird to me.

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:12am

Knox

Yeah. One of the things that frustrates me about Jim C.'s posts and theories is that he contradicts himself. And he did by design by cherry picking artists and his personal favorites.

Say what you want about the Hall, but at least they have better tastes and run it better Jim C. if he were to run it. Because just by going through his theory, his own Hall of Fame would be the equivalent of a barren wasteland.

Posted by Lilly C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:18am

For example, is it possible that Oasis, Mariah, and JDNO all finished close enough to receive a third nomination?
If it's true that artists get a third nomination because the Nomination Committee feels they will be voted in next time

otherwise they would be moved to Musical Excellence because it's hopeless for them to get voted in

I still think it's strange that all three of them were "close enough."

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:18am

I wonder if now that voters have 7 choices

Could they use their 6 or 7th choice on Iron Maiden?

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:21am

And considering Dionne Warwick, Warren Zevon were all side categoried only using 1/2 nominations...

3/3+ nominations have different meaning since Rick Krim era...

Still not sure why some acts get third nomination and some act not.

Especially I think Dionne probably was near enough, why not gave her another chance? Or she also performed nowhere near the finish line.

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:22am

As long as JDNO and Maiden finished #8-#9, I think rock hall will induct 9

Others, it may depend on if there are ties. If not, i think there will be 7

Posted by Power on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:24am

My no guts, no glory prediction:

I think that they will do 10 Performer inductees this year to clear out the backlog and also to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the inaugural 1986 Rock Hall class. plus 2 Musical Excellence inductees, 2 Musical Influence inductees and 1 Ahmet Ertegun Award inductee as well for a total of 15 inductees this year.

so my revised predictions for the 2026 inductees are:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:25am

Alec T

Iron Maiden faced very little competition compared with previous years for metal acts, except for maybe idol, are there any other heavy rock acts on the ballot, are there a lot boomer on the ballot (except for Phil and Luther Vandross, and now boomer can vote for 7 not 5). Maiden has best ballot for metal acts since 2020.

I do think boomers may finally use additional votes for Maiden (despite they may not like or even can't stand Maiden), because Maiden are old guitar band they know, and their era of "true rock" music

Posted by Power on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:28am

Although a bit random, I was looking at Latin's history with the Rock Hall, it really feels like they've fumbled it. They started off correct with Santana and Richie Valens, then via a side committee, Herb Alpert & Jerry Moss (Herb Alpert and Tijuana Brass were Latin, although it was for his work with A&M), then I see the vision for Los Lobos, even though they weren't inducted or nominated since.
Ever since, it feels like they went out of order. Mana, then Shakira this year? I can see Mana following Los Lobos, but straight to Shakira? Gloria Estefan (either with Miami Sound Machine or not) seems to me would have been the better choice as at least Gloria Estefan is still known and seemed to be to me the next Latin nominee to me. I could see Shakira doing much better had Gloria Estefan went after Mana.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:55am

I think Shakira makes more sense than Gloria. She's more modern, currently sells out stadiums in the US, has had more recent global mega hits, etc. She's absolutely the right choice to break this music.

I'd also slot Selena ahead of Gloria. Gloria just did so much adult contemporary schlock and her creative peak was a decade before that of Shakira and Selena in the mid-90's.

Posted by Casper on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 10:58am

And I don't think they want to have a backlash again of sidedooring an important Metal act

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 11:05am

I know fan vote means nothing

But how did black Crowes went from #8 last year to #15

Posted by Knox on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 11:09am

My thought line with Latin to me is something like:
Santana/Richie Valens - Los Lobos - Mana - Gloria Estefan - Selena - Shakira

As anyone knows, it was Valens and Santana that brought Latin Rock to popularity in the US. You needed those two for Los Lobos and Mana.
After that, you have the more modern Latin Pop line, which to me, as I hear modern Latin, seems to be influenced by the Estefan/Miami Sound Machine stuff. Then both Selena and Shakira have basically both said had it not been for Estefan, they likely would have never made it (and literally for Shakira, helped her in singing in English).

Posted by TheCorriynial on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 11:16am

I remember some people worried that even Ozzy would get in through the main ballot

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 11:32am

Omar,

My theory for Zevon has always been the following

Zevon might have done alright, not last but maybe 10th or so, maybe even close to cutoff. However, note that he is a 70s boomer rock act, one with a LOT of people who didn't like him for whatever reason. Boomer rock acts almost always are getting in first time immediately due to the voterbase being geared towards them still. Zevon was the only boomer rock artist on ballot and only other boomer acts were Spinners and Nelson. So even if he was first one out that was a bit of a spectacular failure when he had an open lane for something that always get voted in. If he couldn't then, when would Zevon ever get inducted? Hall assumed he never would, or maybe cannot even get committee support again, so ME he goes. They might have felt he was. If Frampton, Bad Co, Foreigner, etc fail to get in first time I think they might looked at ME for them too instead of taking years.

With metal, alternative/indie, pop divas, it is well known they have voter issues as genres so they need a few more nominations before eventually getting in or being determined impossible to indict, so they get more leeway. Additionally, it is based on who they can get away with ME. With Zevon he is not a massive name in the genre so they think they can get away with it. If Carey, Maiden, JD/NO, Oasis are put in ME they look like clueless clowns to the entire genre and largely overall, so they will avoid that as long as possible.

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 12:02pm

My no guts, no glory prediction for this year:

I think that they will do 10 Performer inductees this year to clear out the backlog and also to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first inaugural Rock Hall induction class in 1986 and the expansion of the museum in Cleveland that's opening this fall. so my revised predictions for the 2026 inductees are:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

10 Performer inductees, plus 2 Musical Excellence inductees, 2 Musical Influence inductees and 1 Ahmet Ertegun Award inductee for a total of 15 inductees this year.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 12:30pm

@TheCorriynial: I think the way the Hall has handled Latin music makes sense in context. It made sense for Santana and Richie Valens to be the first of their genre to be inducted because they were peers of the Anglo artists that they were focusing on at the time...Santana with the Eagles, Creedence Clearwater, etc. and Richie with Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, etc. All of Santana/Richie Valens - Los Lobos - Mana - Gloria Estefan - Selena were either born in the US, or foreign born but established their musical project in the US, and afterwards headquartered in the US for the majority of their career. And most of their most recognised songs are in English.

Shakira is different in that she is foreign born with a largely foreign career. Her US output only makes up a third of her achievements/vision for the scope of her career. In a way she diverges a bit from the lateral plane of the Santana/Richie lineage, since she swerves off a bit to the left to start her own branch. Bad Bunny and Karol G, in the way that they were able to balance their careers off of foreign and US audiences with non-English music, are like blossoms from the Shakira branch. The duality with her English career has kept her consistently famous in the Anglo-US in a way that Mana never had.

But you are right that the pecking order is blown to shreds with putting Shakira before Gloria, if even for personal reasons, in that the Estefans were responsible for launching Shakira's career in the US. But the Hall has done it with rap...even worse for female rap (Queen Latifah still waiting in the literal wings...having appeared on the induction stage at least twice but still waiting on a nomination), and I don't particularly find it egregious in this Latin context.

But if they REALLY wanted to be accurate, then they would've restarted with samba (Brazil), rumba (Cuba) tango (Argentina), and ranchera (Mexico). I don't expect them to.

My lineage would go, considering people with a realistic chance of Hall consideration:
Carlos Gardel (early influence) - Tito Puente (early influence) - Celia Cruz (early influence) - Vicente Fernandez (Mexican equivalent to Elvis) - *Latin pop/rock arrives in the US* - Richie Valens (already in) - Santana (already in) - Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine (give it the JDNO treatment to give Emilio Estefan a trophy) - Selena - *Latin pop boom in the late 90's* - Shakira - Daddy Yankee - Bad Bunny

Posted by ChrisD on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 13:05pm

Boston is almost like a fake band. The guy used hired guns to re-record parts on the songs he recorded at his home studio. What members really deserve induction besides Tom Scholz and maybe Delp?

Supertramp just edges out Boston slightly as they had two legit great songwriters. Metrics wise, Supertramp is maybe 5% better.

Kansas had 7 gold plus albums in a row and were way more successful touring than either Supertramp or Boston. Kansas is still going today.

Toto had less sales (50m+) but the most influence and impact of any 70s act (Thriller alone).

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 13:13pm

Supertramp really edges Boston out across Europe. Canada and USA -> Boston wins.

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 13:23pm

Copilot AI rankings of 70s:

Supertramp – massive global reach, huge sales

Toto – enormous modern streaming, strong global sales, worldwide touring

Boston – huge sales, strong streaming, less global touring

Kansas – strong sales, strong streaming, wide touring

Styx – strong sales, moderate streaming, mostly North American reach

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 13:39pm

I actually like this class so much I don't mind who get's inducted. I listened to Melissa Etheridge's top ten on Spotify and I am OBSESSED with Come to My Window. Literally on repeat. And she's a lesbian. I approve. The single only person I do not, however, is Pink. WAY too early for her. And I know Britney still has a ways to go to be fully reappraised by the legacy critical establishment, but still. Pink before Britney, why? Because Pink outfitted as "rock" in her early days? It's like inducting Belinda Carlisle before even considering Madonna.

She's a pop rock stylist who abandoned that persona and image just when it wasn't commercially viable anymore. How very..."rock and roll". Pink-haired, tongue-pierced, tattooed, belly button displayed, baggy pants worn, Claire's/Toys R Us version of punk without any knowledge of the actual principles of punk....anti-establishment, DIY, individual expression, etc. Those used to be literal marks AGAINST someone like a Pink to even be considered for the RRHOF. Britney at least doubled down on her capital P Pop-ness, with severity, sometimes with darkness and self-reference.

Posted by ChrisD on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 13:44pm

One thing I think helps Oasis is that there is no other 90s Alternative band in their way

They went ahead Jane's Addiction in 2024

And Soundgarden in 2025

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 14:36pm

https://x.com/i/status/2027097162216050821

Unfortunately Iron Maiden will tour in November

So they will not come to ceremony

They also had tour dates in October, September

So they won't appear

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 15:38pm

Omar,

I think that this will be another Oasis situation with Iron Maiden where they had tour dates scheduled around the time of the induction ceremony, so I think that they will miss out on induction again this year.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 15:47pm

Rock Hall is requiring voters now to choose 7 nominees on their ballot

Adds fuel to my theory's fire

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 16:11pm

with the Rock Hall now requiring voters to choose 7 nominees on the ballot, I think that the votes will be very close and we'll get more than 7 Performer inductees this year (like 8, 9 or 10 Performer inductees this year).

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 16:21pm

Great comments and discussion on the RRHOF 2026 Nominees. It's a strong group of 17 Nominees. Salute to Roy on his different combinations of potential RRHOF inductees. Any potential class appears to be a strong one. It shows the depth and quality of the 17 Nominees.
The RRHOF has done excellent work on the 1980's popular and successful musical acts. Many have been inducted now. Bruce, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Janet Jackson, John Mellencamp, Madonna, MJ, Ozzy, Prince, Tina Turner, U2, Van Halen, Whitney Houston, etc.
Some others have been nominated a few times like Iron Maiden and New Order. They should earn induction soon. I was excited to finally see INXS earn their 1st nomination. 1 of the best and popular groups in the 1980's and early 1990's. A strong discography and many great songs. Beautiful Girl, Disappear, Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart, New Sensation, One Thing, Suicide Blonde, etc. It's difficult to believe Michael Hutchence will have passed 30 years in 2027. No doubt, INXS would have already been inducted earlier if Hutchence was still alive. They probably would put out another 8-10 albums and had some monster tours. INXS has plenty of loyal fans and should have a strong showing in the Fan Voting. Will be interested if INXS earns induction 1st time around.
These Special Awards for Musical Excellence and Musical Influence could make 2026 a special class. Groups like DEVO and J. Geils Band might have exhausted their chances on the ballot. Would be good candidates for ME or MI. Emmylou Harris & Los Lobos would be good selections for 1 of the awards. The Guess Who has been gaining momentum the last 3 or 4 years. Could see them as a good chance Musical Excellence. I've heard Suzi Quatro mentioned over the years as an early influence. Surprised she hasn't been inducted yet. The Runaways would give Joan Jett a 2nd induction and 1 for Lita Ford. I don't know what happens with Chic. Could see them inducted as a MI in 2026, 2027, or 2028.
Surprised Mariah Carey has not earned induction. Whitney Houston sailed in quickly when nominated. I think MC will be inducted this time around. Once Mariah Carey is inducted, they can move to the 1990's and early 2000's woman singers and musicians. There's several deserving woman candidates waiting for nomination. I'm curious on who the FRL Regulars think would be good candidates for the Musical Excellence and Musical Influence awards.
KING

Posted by KING on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 16:46pm

richie
If RRHOF really wants someone, RRHOF will not care if they show up

See Kate Bush, RATM, Chubby Checker...

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 16:59pm

Omar,

The Rock Hall is now requiring voters to choose 7 nominees from the ballot now, so I think that the votes will be close and we'll get 8-10 Performer inductees this year.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 17:02pm

Does this mean that it will be a more "populist" class because those with higher name recognition will benefit from the forced seventh vote…or…?

Posted by ChrisD on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 17:08pm

I do think this way is used against older boomer voters.

Industry votes would likely vote for 7 already past two years easily

But I do see some voters only vote for boomer rock acts, vote about 2-3 each year

And I think this way will benefit from more recent rock acts, like Maiden, Oasis, JDNO, INXS, Billy Idol, Crowes.

The main problem may be old guards in rrhof, did not vote any act after their era...

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 17:23pm

I think that the Rock Hall now requiring voters to choose 7 nominees from the ballot will result in the votes being close and we will get a very big class this year (with 8-10 Performer inductees).

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 17:59pm

That's only if more than one artist gets the same number of votes, which makes them tied.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:04pm

Eddie Trunk hates this ballot, " Of the 17 nominees for @rockhall, 7 of them are rock acts. And that's being generous. I've been in rock radio 43 years. Maybe 7 I have ever played on rock radio. Again being generous. Ponder that.. way less than 50% actual rock for Rock Hall…"

This has been the case from almost the beginning (Abba, Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Jackson Five, etc).

They set this precedent so long ago that it has become tiresome to do it every year.

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:19pm

Roy,

I think that there'll be multiple artists that get the same number of votes this year, resulting in 8-10 Performer inductees this year.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:21pm

My early crack at the full 2026 Rock Hall class

Preformers
Mariah Carey
INXS
Wu Tang Clan
Luther Vandross
Phil Collins
Oasis
Joy Division/New Order
Iron Maiden

Ahmet Ertegun Award
Estelle Axton

Musical Excellence
Barrett Strong
Wings

Musical Influence
Dick Dale
Peter Tosh
Los Lobos

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:33pm

Alec T,

I think that they'll do 9 or 10 Performer inductees this year, 2 Musical Excellence inductees, 2 Musical Influence inductees and 1 Ahmet Ertegun Award inductee for a total of 14 or 15 inductees this year.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:37pm

Where are performers from the 50s/ 60 s?
I feel there are some names that need to be considered: Monkees, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Johnnie Ray, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Roy Hamilton, Johnny Rivers, Bobby Vee, Turtles. Most of these performers were both songwriters and musicians. I don't consider rap artists to be either. I think the Rock Hall should include an " veterans" category like the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Posted by Lilly on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:47pm

Apparently "Eddie Trunk" thinks Joy Division is not traditional guitar rock music and I actually laughed at him.

I would say he is not actually a fan of traditional rock music if he is unaware of a band this well known and mainstream. This guy is so clueless he probably does not know who Beach Boys are either lol

Posted by GuestG on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 18:59pm

Blaze Bayley is getting snubbed if Maiden gets in. But really, I don't mind. At some point, they started inducting too many band members. I would have excluded Hagar from Van Halen. But knowing the Rock Hall, it is likely better that Hagar got in because solo he would have no shot (although Montrose, Chickenfoot, "I can't drive 55", and more).

Posted by Jim C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 19:01pm

Eddie Trunk only loves Hard Rock/Heavy Metal artists. And even people who love the genre find him tiring and made jokes that his only claim to fame was "I'm personal friends with the members of KISS".

Posted by John R.C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 19:13pm

The older Eddie Trunk gets, the stupider he becomes.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 19:42pm

Knox,

No, but anything can happen but I think people get funny about Lauryn being included in the hip hop category though she does rap (on Miseducation, she sang more than rap). It would definitely be historic!

Ralib,

I get all of that, I do. I guess with me it's who the Hall prefers: Jeff or Lauryn. My mind may change on Jeff's chances.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 19:50pm

Chubby Checker was touring the night of his induction so he accepted his via satellite instead of in person. That definitely won't stop Iron Maiden. In fact they might love it.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 19:55pm

Yet he voted for JD/NO the past 2 times

Posted by Alec T on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 20:03pm

Yes I know it's early and that a lot of voters haven't made their picks yet, but it seems like the two nominees that voters seem to love to cast their votes are Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

Posted by John R.C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 20:40pm

And BTW, the museum just screened the "Luther: Never Too Much" documentary tonight, which definitely helps Vandross' case for induction.

Posted by John R.C. on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 20:42pm

John R.C.,

Ned Raggett voted for Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

Bill Bragin voted for Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

so JD/NO, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are the four nominees that voters seem to love to cast their votes so far.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 20:47pm

Public ballot means nothing

Most public voters are hipsters or critics

Most important industry voters and past inductees, they don't show ballots in public

Remember DMB received ZERO votes in public ballot in 2024, and they were voted in by all voting body

Public ballot tracker is NOTHING

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 21:10pm

I am still hard to believe hill and Wutang will be both voted in

And everyone seems to guess WuTang

Posted by omar on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 21:30pm

My tentative list:

Mariah Carey
Luther Vandross
Iron Maiden
Phil Collins
New Edition
Wu-Tang Clan
JD/NO
Sade
Shakira

I have my reasons for each nominee

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 22:15pm

K-Dawg,

I see Billy Idol, INXS and Oasis all being more likely to get in this year than New Edition and Shakira IMO.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 22:28pm

I think that we'll get yet another populist class again this year for 2026.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 02/26/2026 @ 23:00pm

For Spotify number

U2 and Toto have similar "number"

And are you sure Toto is as popular as U2 currently

Can toto fill out arena and stadiums like u2? Toto can just tour in the theatre

But yes... Toto and U2 have similar "number"...

Sorry, another example that only considering Spotify number is BS

Posted by Knox on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 02:59am

Toto was a band that hot 35-40 years ago. They have enduring mega-hits like Rosanna and Africa. They sold 50m records and toured worldwide. They had a good original run from 77-90 (the second singer had a few hits). Compared to their contemporaries, they outperformed their success back then and it should be noted. Add in their band members being top sidemen, you have a band that deserves a nomination chance. Can anyone really argue The Black Crowes are better?

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 08:59am

Toto clears Billy Idol as well. Billy Idol's run ended around the same time, but his main run was even shorter. Plus, Mony Mony was a cover so you can reduce his hit count.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:05am

Weezer's cover of Africa actually revived the band. It was their first hit in a long time and it was a deliberate choice to use the popularity of Africa to help them. Lukather doesn't like the cover and doesn't think Weezer is really a fan of the band.

Who's covered Billy Idol for a hit?

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:11am

Out of the highest-certified digital singles (10m), there are only 5 from the 80s ("Africa", "Don't Stop Believin", "Thriller", "Billie Jean", and "Livin on a Prayer"). No U2. U2 had a comeback from 2000 to 2010. Since the forced iTunes album, U2 has been on a popularity decline. Quality-wise their albums have sucked and they haven't had a gold record in USA either.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:21am

I am thinking "3 timer" will break this year

I think 5/5 for 3/3+ timers since was just coincident

Dont see how JDNO win with two more popular similar acts INXS and Billy Idol nominated as well

It is hard to imagine 4/4 for three timers, considering Idol and Sade both have legitimate chance

And additionally, I do think lots of industry guys may just vote for Phil Collins and 6 other popular guys (some combinations of Shakira, Mariah, Hill, Luther, Pink, New Edition, Sade, Wu Tang...), which will be bad for other rock candidates .

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:22am

But can the general public or even the Rock Hall voters name one member of Toto or what they looked like?

People know Billy Idol. People love Billy Idol. And his iconic fashion and look made him one of the most recognizable Rock stars in history even though he was criticized as a cartoon version of a Punk. Not a lot of people can name a single member of Toto or know what they look like besides Toto superfans and Quincy Jones.

And this is coming from me, someone who doesn't care that much about Billy Idol

Posted by Lilly C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:23am

I could see a class end up like

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Hill
Sade
Pink
Shakira
Luther Vandross

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:30am

I just can't see it being only 7 Performer inductees this year, I really think that we'll get 8-10 Performer inductees this year, I really truly do.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:33am

All three (Buckley, Mariah, and Luther) were all on Rolling Stones 2008 list of 100 Greatest singers of all time.

Posted by Ralib on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:36am

I don't think Jeff Buckley has a path this year

Looks like mostly supported by critics, but he will seriously lack industry votes to past finish line

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:42am

I do think John Sykes this year may actually make phone calls to many industry voters to vote for Mariah Carey

He may already set up awards for Carey and did lots of things behind the scene to tell other voters to vote for Mariah in 26

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:44am

Joe + Kristen at the Who Cares podcast is gonna work very hard to convince voters that they call to vote for Mariah as well.

Posted by John R.C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 09:55am

Luther's documentary aired on TV-One last night. It was pretty doggone good in chronicling Luther's 34-year career (including the 22 he spent as an R&B superstar). Interesting the Rock Hall screened it but yeah I think Luther is for sure a lock for the 2026 class. But that could also mean trouble for the other R&B acts since the rest (L. Hill, M. Carey, Sade) will likely be split. Mariah could likely pull off an upset in this scenario if people are bullish on Pink and M. Etheridge, who hasn't really been a big presence in years.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:14am

I don't think Joe + Kristen and his called critics voters will have any influence on result

Finally, it is on how industry guy views Mariah

I still think her two failures may because of Tommy Mottola, industry people close to Tommy Mottola may not vote Mariah at all....

And this time may be Sykes will fight harder for lots of industry voters

And yes mainly industry votes decide the final inductee

But if circle related with Tommy Mottola fight against Mariah Carey thisnround again, she may fail again...

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:19am

Etheridge was engaged in activities with industry and inner circle actively before

But she does not engage much and has public appearance in recent years, different with Sheryl Crow

And her popularity endurance is almost zero nowadays

This gives me a feel of lesser Warren Zevon...

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:22am

Timothy Pernell

It is pretty possible for industry guys to vote for Phil Collins and 6 pop acts (including all of Sade, Hill, Mariah)... So probably three will be all voted in many ballots rather thaj splittings votes

I can imagine an industry voter who may also engage in Grammy award, vote for like (phil Collins, Sade, mariah, hill, pink, shakira), and all these pop acts get enough votes to be included, and most other rock acts left out...

Posted by James on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:25am

My no guts, no glory prediction:

I think that there will be 10 Performer inductees this year to clear out the backlog and also to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the inaugural 1986 Rock Hall class and the expansion of the Rock Hall museum that's opening this fall.

So my revised predictions for the 2026 inductees are:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

I think that there'll be 10 Performer inductees, 2 Musical Excellence inductees, 2 Musical Influence inductees and 1 Ahmet Ertegun Award inductee for a total of 15 inductees this year.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:34am

Apparently, the live tracking is broken on the leaderboard. Anyway, I looked at the ballot some more, and more I do, more I wonder if (even though the Influence, Excellence etc are done separately), if maybe we are looking at a almost all this year ballot run.

Whatever the performers are (say 8-9), then the MI spots could be taken up by Buckley and Hill, JD/NO as Excellence. Then most likely the few that are left are likely a next year ballot spot (and possible induction).

Posted by TheCorriynial on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:41am

TheCorriynial,

Which acts do you see being inducted this year for 2026 (If 9 inductees)?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:42am

Am I the only one that isn't bullish on Billy Idol's chances?

I think it would have been better if he sat out a ballot and then returned in 2027

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:47am

Alec T,

I really think that Billy Idol will be like Pat Benatar and Cyndi Lauper and he'll get in on his second try this year just like Pat and Cyndi did.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:55am

Personally, this would be my ideal nine, with some concessions in mind.
For example, if Mariah is being inducted, then im assuming Joy Division/New Order are a MI/ME.
Im also in thought that being a special year, the Hall might do something like this where if there is a bunch of ties, they just include them all in the same genre (I.E Luther, Sade, Mariah)

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Posted by TheCorriynial on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 10:58am

Pat and Cyndi were off the ballot for a cycle and then return and got in on their second try

I feel like Billy could be like Oasis or Mariah and maybe have wait 2 straight tries to get in

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 11:00am

I really think the Rock Hall at least will find a way to put Oasis and Mariah in through the ballot this time around even if gotta change some things

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 11:01am

Joe and Kristin if you're seeing this, please also advocate for Shakira this year omg!!! Not only is she deserving, she WILL deliver the best performance of the ceremony…guitar, belly dancing, ropes, drums, yodelling, waka waka…she is also the PERFECT person to usher in the new token Latinx slot!!!

Posted by ChrisD on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 12:57pm

Also would Diane Warren be seriously considered for non-performer? She's out there hard this year campaigning for the Oscar despite the fact that she's going to lose to Kpop Demon Hunters. Is she any schlockier than Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil??

Posted by ChrisD on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 13:07pm

JD/NO need her vote more I think

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 13:17pm

Not sure about Mariah but I feel like it's almost impossible for Oasis to miss this year. Their induction might even open the doors for Coldplay in the "Big British Band" quota in the next few years.

Posted by Gus on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 13:40pm

TheCorriynial,

I think that the 2026 inductees will be:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

Musical Influence:
Jeff Buckley
Lauryn Hill

Musical Excellence:
Joy Division/New Order

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 14:23pm

You can't blame the public for forgetting about huge snubs. Supertramp, Kansas, and Boston have same problem as Toto. Largely faceless to the general public.

Billy Idol only has a chance because of his looks / coolness / image. Generation X also helps. But Idol cannot really fill out a full 79 min Greatest Hits CD. They used extended versions of his hits to fill out time on Vital Idol. Hagar, Eddie Money, and Rick Springfield had comparable success in the actual 80s (10 year runs with under 10 hits). Idol does have better streaming numbers today so he is better than those guys, but it's not by much.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 14:41pm

Robert Palmer is similar to Idol. Less hits but an iconic MTV video. He'd been slightly behind Eddie Money and Hagar. Maybe better than Springfield (Jessie's Girl has endured and his other hits forgotten).

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 14:46pm

Money and Idol had around 11 Top 40 hits. Hagar has 4. You need to include Van Hagar for him to contend.

Rick Springfield had the most top 40 hits (17 or so) and a lot are forgotten (He had a few in the 70s and he did well in Australia).

Palmer had 9. Power Station had 2-3 also.

Billy Squier only had 4. He doesn't really belong in a HOF discussion.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 15:08pm

Artists listed on the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums List (2023 Version):

496. Donde estan los Ladrones? - Shakira
*403. Supreme Clientele - Ghostface Killah
389. The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey
*347. Liquid Swords - GZA
309. Closer - Joy Division
262. Power, Corruption & Lies - New Order
247. Love Deluxe - Sade
*219. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx - Raekwon
217. Definitely Maybe - Oasis
211. Unknown Pleasures - Joy Division
200. Diamond Life - Sade
157. (What's the Story) Morning Glory? - Oasis
147. Grace - Jeff Buckley
*134. The Score - Fugees
27. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu-Tang Clan
10. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill

Posted by RG on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 16:04pm

Reading through the forum I'm quite surprised to see I'm the only one who is as high on Melissa Etheridge's chances as I am - and I'm not even including her in my fan votes. Does this ballot not set her up cleanly for the Sheryl Crow/Carly Simon singer-songwriter induction route? Her odds are definitely not at the very top, but to me they are comfortably in the upper half out of all the nominees.

Is there anyone else out there who shares this sentiment?

Posted by Mason on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 17:33pm

Mason,

I think that Melissa Etheridge will be like Lenny Kravitz and miss out on induction the first time around but get in on her second try when she gets nominated again.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 17:45pm

Does anybody think that we could get 10 Performer inductees this year if we get a bunch of ties in the voting and the votes are close?. I honestly think that we might this year.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 17:59pm

Possibly or at least 8 or 9 if they decide to side door either Iron Maiden or JD/NO

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 18:06pm

Alec T,

Who do you see being the 2026 inductees (If Iron Maiden and Joy Division/New Order both get sidedoored and If 9 inductees)?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 18:08pm

Etheridge has really grinded out concert dates. She averages 60 plus a year across 42 years. Her streaming numbers are terrible. She did sell 25m albums, but I guess she doesn't have a signature song. "I'm the only one" has 60m. Her secondary hits really have no streams ("I want to come over" is shockingly low). Joan Osbourne has way more monthly listeners because of "One of Us" (200m+).

Etheridge should benefit from the lack of rock acts, but Pink could be the spoiler. Pink is climbing in fan vote and looks to be second place finisher.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 18:22pm

Looking at the fan ballot leaderboard, I'm still surprised that Luther Vandross is running away with a comfortable position in the top 5. Stuff like this is making me feel certain that he is all but certain that he's a lock along with Phil Collins.

I'm also surprised that Iron Maiden isn't doing well on the fan ballot. And Sade is closing in on passing them by just a few hundred votes. It might be possible that Mariah Carey also passes them and be on top 7 for the first time in a couple of weeks.

Posted by John R.C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 18:24pm

shriversarge,

What's the running order in the official voting so far for the 2026 class?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 18:50pm

I actually think there won't be a ton of switching around on the fan ballot. As John R.C. suggests, there is some surprises, but I personally think its settled.

The only spoiler I can see is Mariah. But even then, most of her vote (back when it live updated) seemed to come very late, mainly when it was more in the Asian time zones area, where both her and Pink have strong (or stronger) fan bases. But once the US/UK time zones area groups vote, it usually flips back to more votes for Sade/Iron Maiden. Also, over 4000 vote is still tough to crack into the top seven (as it sits right now).

Where the most flipping will likely come around is in the 9-11 spots, as it seems like Oasis/Etheridge/Hill/Wu Tang seem to flip (and earlier today Etheridge was #9, but now in 10th).

Posted by TheCorriynial on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:00pm

I have a question

Why you think JDNO may be excllence

While Jeff Buckley may be influence

JDNO should go influence route as well if side categoried

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:06pm

The poll this year is being highly manipulated by direct calls to action by the artists, far more then in usual years. Might be due to its younger, pop-heavy lineup. Close to every artist directly alluded to voting besides the ones at the bottom, so the fanboyism of all artists really prevents getting a clear idea of where artists might stand.

Maiden is one of the few that did not because they do not want to be in a Hall of Fame. Though they always had the same rabid fan support as their prior nominations.

The only thing I would opinionate is Sade is VERY impressive, because them being very silent on social media means they did not mention it yet they are holding on to a top 7 spot over many of the artists directly mentioning it. Last time they appeared they were in the bottom half placing 11/15. Either their fans really picked up this year, many pop fan voters for other artists think Sade is cool and are picking them too when voting, or they just have a lot of natural, overall support for induction.

Posted by GuestG on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:13pm

Mason,

Due to the unpredictable nature of RRHOF voters, I can see Melissa stunning everyone and getting in over the more famous female names (Pink, Mariah), which is why I'm even more unsure of Mariah's chances. Plus, Sykes is gonna have to try a bit harder than he has if he wants to convince the industry and some artists that Mariah should be in there. Anything can happen this year.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:18pm

Richie

NO don't get shriversarge in here!

Omar

MC5 should have gotten Influence but they got Excellence remember?

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:20pm

Checking the leaderboard of the official fan vote, New Edition might replace Mariah at 8th place! Wow.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:22pm

Alec T

But some user here mentioned Jeff Buckley as influence, and JDNO as excellence, I don't understand

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:28pm

While I was typing this, Sade passed Iron Maiden.
Anyway, Guest.
Sade is probably getting some help unexpectedly. Although, there is reports of new music from them some time. Also Sade herself released a single, "Young Lion" a couple years ago, which was meant for a certain group. But I think influence here also. If anyone listened to Olivia Dean's recent album, it does give off somewhat of Sade vibe. Also Dean's Grammy performance of "Man I Need" gave me Sade vibes, with its background and all. Maybe that also reminded older voters of Sade, and also, younger voters on where Neo-Soul/Sophisti-Pop sound came from, which Sade was one of the first of. And also maybe in the Hall itself they see the influence as well, as many rappers seem to have liked her music at some point in the past (Kayne is the big one I can think of).

Posted by TheCorriynial on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:31pm

Am I feel this time may have a class only include Phil Collins as rock pick

Because it is easier to have industry people (which are most decisive power) to vote for 5-6 pop related acts, and 5-6 pop related acts (Mariah, Sade, Hill, Pink, Shakira) all received enough votes and no room for other rock acts

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:32pm

Omar,

I disagree with you, I think that there will be many Rock acts inducted this year, As well as it should be.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:34pm

I can't see

Shakira or P!nk getting t over INXS or Oasis

Though it will be interesting given that 7 votes on official ballots are required now

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:37pm

Alec t

I really think must vote for 7 is for boomer rock voters

I do think there are some old voters just vote for Checker, Bad Co, and Joe Cocker...

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:40pm

Who benefits from the having 7 votes required from the official ballot?

Also at the very least

A lot of the Rock boomers will now have to vote for Maiden and I think Oasis will get a ton of new voters after the successful reunion tour

If not now then when?

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:40pm

I feel Sade seem to have lots of momentum this year (not obtained from fan vote, fan vote means zero), i think if boomers want a contemporary rnb act, it will be more likely Sade than Carey...

But Carey is in her third time, "third time" is a magic number in Rick Krim era. I think this rule will break this year, it is hard to imagine 4 3 timers all voted in this year... And if not for "three timer", I think Sade chance is active better than Carey

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:43pm

Omar

Actually it's for all voters

All offical voters must vote for 7

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:47pm

Omar,

I think that boomer voters will vote for Phil Collins, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Sade and Luther Vandross for sure since they're the oldest acts nominated with no 60's/70's acts nominated this year.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:48pm

In rick krim era, except for historical remain noninees like Kate Bush, Spinners, Rage, are there any 4/4+ timer ever nominated?

Probably this will be Mariah, Oasis, Maiden JDNO last nomination regardless, and if they are not voted in, they will be side categoried or will be forgotten like Devo

I still don't think it will be said in the nom com meeting obviously that "let us make four three timers all included this time" or " three timers are all guaranteed to be included"

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:49pm

Alec T

I think most industry voters (which are usually a little younger) already voted 7 in 24 and 25

The only guys voting for less than 7 are probably white rock boomer

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:50pm

And are John Sykes really showing the voting result of last ballot to give nom com member more instructions?

And if someone brought some name up, will John Sykes really said "no, he did bad in previous round" so "let's not nominate him"

I mean five of them are all nominated again, and don't think all five are near enough

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:53pm

On a different note, Neil Sedaka passed away today. He was always one of my "snubs" for at least musical excellence or even Ahmet Ertegun, as he would have been the perfect follow up for the Brill Building folks, after Carole King & Goffin and the others inducted already.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:54pm

I feel like they will vote for Maiden,INXS,Billy Idol,Black Crowes/Melissa Entridge, Phil Collins,Joy Division/New Order and Oasis even if they are not big fans

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 19:55pm

Melissa Entridge probably is that she was industry darling before, but she has engaged in public inner circle activity for a while and people may start forgetting her...

Still feel her case is more similar with Zevon than Crow

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 20:08pm

I feel like out of all the "third time nominated" artists, I think Iron Maiden will be the one who will miss. Compared to the others, the reaction to them being nominated feels muted.

Oasis is riding high on the their reunion tour, Mariah has the big name and success, and JD/NO has the music enthusiasts/critics on their side that they can get them to the finish line.

Posted by John R.C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 20:09pm

Chris Stein from Blondie has voted for Wu Tang Clan

https://x.com/i/status/2026732301380419662

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 20:10pm

And I feel like this might be the class:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Joy Division-New Order (or INXS)
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
If 8: Lauryn Hill

Posted by John R.C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 20:11pm

I think that the 2026 inductees will be:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

If 9: Lauryn Hill

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 20:51pm

I still think Iron Maiden has too little competition this year to not get over the hump. I also think they'll benefit from the mandatory 7 votes since it will presumably lead to a larger class — leaving the Hall with plenty of other ceremony events & performances when they inevitably don't attend. That could convince some voters who did not vote Maiden in the past for that reason to vote for them this time around.

I would definitely say Joy Division/New Order is most likely to miss out of the four third-time nominees, unfortunately. They're against Billy Idol and INXS — both of whom are also dominating the fan vote. In the 2 years they missed, the only 80's new wave competition they faced was Idol last year. This cycle features their hardest competition and as far as I know, John Sykes isn't going to push for them like he will for Mariah Carey.

Posted by Mason on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:15pm

Right now my class prediction is

Phil Collins
Oasis
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
Iron Maiden
Melissa Etheridge
Mariah Carey
Billy Idol (previously had JD/NO here but their momentum is nowhere to be found)

One of Lauryn Hill/Sade/Pink would be my 9th inductee.

Posted by Mason on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:19pm

Do JD/NO get sidedoored right away as part of the 2026 class of inductees if they miss out on the vote again?

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:20pm

Are we really sure that Billy Idol's chances suddenly just got better?

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:26pm

- Hopefully not, but strong chance they would.
- I just like Idol's chances the most out of those three aforementioned artists. Very few new wavers have ever gotten in on first nomination so I'm pessimistic of INXS.

Posted by Mason on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:31pm

INXS is less like Billy Idol in 2025 and more like The Go Go's in 2021 and Duran Duran in 2022

Posted by Alec T on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:36pm

INXS actually had a very short run in America. 87-90 was strong. Then only 1 top 40 in 92 and then "Pretty Vegas" in 05 reached #37. Some strong singles ("Original Sin", "Don't Change", "Mystify", "Bitter Tears") really underperformed.

Definitely might not make it.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:37pm

The only thing that is making me give INXS the edge is the very vocal Induct INXS movement.

And I've seen many people say they are one of the worst egregious snubs.

Posted by John R.C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:41pm

I think Billy Idol's chances are the best they'll ever get. Black Crowes is such a weak act. If there was a better 90s American rock act and there was another American legacy rock act, he'd be in more trouble.

Posted by Jim C. on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 21:47pm

I think that both Billy Idol and INXS will get in this year, with the lack of 60's/70's boomer rock acts on the ballot this year, I think that boomer rock voters will vote for them, ensuring the both of them enough votes to get in this year.

Posted by richie on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 22:03pm

It's not gonna be as "pop-heavy" as some think. INXS has been one of the biggest snubs in Rock Hall history and now they're here, I can't see voters looking at INXS, Oasis, Pink and Shakira and think "oh I'm definitely picking Pink and Shakira over two legendary rock bands". No LOL

The best pop acts that have a chance at induction here is Mariah (pop-R&B) and Pink. I think for some here, they favor a pop-friendly class where reality will have it split between pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop and I think the same scenario will happen for the 2026 class.

If a class with two hip-hop performers seem unrealistic, so would a class with more than 2 or 3 pop-oriented acts.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 22:35pm

Oh yeah, New Edition just passed Mariah on the official fan vote leaderboard.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 22:37pm

I predict that they pass Maiden tomorrow too

Posted by Mason on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 23:14pm

I just wanted too comment about P!nk saying she was nominated in her 1st year of eligibility. Under the old system she technically would be and given how the hall of fame has been run in the past few years some nominating committee members might just think this is her 1st year of eligibility so any artist that is nominated in there 2nd year of eligibility going forward will be a 1st year eligible in my book. I also honestly think that is also a reason given the surprise nature nomination of The White Stripes a few years back they ultimately didn't get in. Even at the time I wasn't as confident in there chances that they would get in because suddenly they are on the ballot.

Posted by 0pac big on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 23:25pm

Mason

I do think George Michael, Kate Bush, Cyndi Lauper and Cyndi Lauper were also split votes with JDNO in 23 and 25

Posted by omar on Friday, 02/27/2026 @ 23:48pm

Iron Maiden
Oasis
Phil Collins
Luther Vandross
INXS
Wu Tang Clan
Mariah Carey
Pending: Sade/Pink/Hill/Idol

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:01am

Omar,

I think the 2026 inductees will be:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

If 9: Lauryn Hill

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:09am

Potential fate of JDNO

1. Votes in this year as performer (unlikely if we follow normal voting logic)

2. Lost this year and induct as side category in this year (almost impossible, rock hall has not side categoried nominees in the same year since Judas Priest)

3. Lost this year and induct as side category in 2027 or a ramdom later year (possible...)

4. Lost this year and noninate again in 2027/2028 and then voted in(not sure because in Rick Krim era, no one is nomination for four times, unless it was historical remaining picks like Kate Bush, Rage and Spinners)

5. Lost this year and be forgotten as Devo, rock hall turns attention to other new wave/alternative guys (not totally impossible)

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:12am

There's a good chance that Iron Maiden will be knocked out of the top 7 very soon. Sade now has a comfortable gap between them, and New Edition are a few hundred votes away.

Posted by John R.C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:13am

I think in nom com, the support for four three timers is

Mariah > Oasis > Iron Maiden > Joy Division/New Order

I could see a scenario former three are voted in this year and rock hall side category JDNO maybe next year

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:17am

Still think about "three timers" pattern occurred in rick krim era this year.

May thought about it more before making final prediction

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:19am

Neil Sedaka is a possible side category inductee this year

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 00:22am

I remember no one predicted Rage Against the Machine in 2023

And yes they were voted in

So there will be a three timer who seemed have no chance to be voted in. One of Iron Maiden or Joy Division/New Order

Posted by Knox on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 02:00am

THANK YOU EDDIE TRUNK! R&R HALL OF SHAME!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp0hWA8WtJw

Rock HoF 2026 Nominees: Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUXQjVg3ZIw

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Pushes Diversity Over Rock & Roll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi8RPrrCyJ0

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominees! REACTION & PREDICTIONS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Fdpj2Lgtc

A Reaction to the 2026 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Nominees!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ES62YuXrT0

RANT 2026 Rock Hall Of Fame Nominees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFGoE3Gu84U

Hey Rock Hall:Just Admit It…You HATE Rock! | Professor of Rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiMTIYJAytk

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominees — I Already Know Who's Getting In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ8tWsz-McA

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominees… Are You Serious?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmC86vBX5VI

Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominees - OMG What is this S**t!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ug08tLG5kY

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees: Who's a Yes? Who's a No?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeuo6nZh24g

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Has Released Their List of 2026 Nominees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LN4fNPrUQ4

Phil Collins, INXS, Melissa Etheridge Nominated in 2026 Rock Hall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRSQ6qnixIY

Live Reaction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD5SxQSL9JI

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaecYcHtuko

The R&R Hall of Fame Reinvents Rock Yet Again in 2026! Tribal Form 113
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzQfchIwoC0

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 05:55am

Since the leaderboard is back up, Pink has moved into second over Billy Idol, and New Edition has taken seventh over Iron Maiden. I can't see New edition staying in the top seven for very long though.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 07:54am

I don't share the opinion that the trend of three-time nominees getting in on the third attempt will continue. Now has Rick Krim done well in that regard in getting artists inducted on their third try? Sure, but things don't work out that perfectly especially if you have two artists who look like shoo-ins (Mariah, JD/NO) struggling. I'm not saying they won't get in this year but don't be surprised if they miss again (no pun intended, Phil).

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 08:02am

Timothy Pernell

I remember that on the 2023 ballot, almost everyone predicted Willie Nelson, George Michael, Missy Elliott, Cyndi Lauper, and Sheryl Crow as "safe picks," yet two of them still missed. And did anyone in FRL even predict RATM in 2023? I don't think so. RATM somehow pulled off a miracle to get voted in despite huge competition in the heavy rock category (Iron Maiden, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes). Based purely on "theory analysis," RATM's chances were probably third among those four.

I believe that three out of the four three-time nominees will eventually be voted in. If we induct eight artists this year, we may have at most four returning nominees, but probably three. So it could be three three-timers + one two-timer + four first-timers (8 inductees), or three three-timers + four first-timers (7 inductees). I don't think it will be only two out of four three-timers in the Rick Krim era. Two two timers + four first timers + 1/2 three timers is not likely happen based on my gut feeling (In 2023 all two timers missed).

I think Oasis and Mariah are the safest guesses among the three-time nominees to be inducted this year. And either Iron Maiden or Joy Division/New Order might pull off a "miracle" to become the third three-timer inducted this year.

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 08:23am

Omar,

I think that Mariah Carey and Oasis will be the two three-time nominees that will get in this year with Iron Maiden and Joy Division/New Order missing out on induction once again this year.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 08:44am

Guess I was wrong about New Edition, they just moved into sixth over Sade. Im still not convinced they'd be inducted this year though. I do see the vision though. Although, does anyone think this nomination should have been like Joy Division / New Order as a New Edition / Bell Biv DeVoe?

Posted by TheCorriynial on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 08:57am

richie has a huge hate toward non billboard charted acts

Posted by knox on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 08:57am

Still remember no one predicted RATM as performer in 2023 round, and most guys predicted Kate Bush as musical excellence in 2023.

And both of them were voted in (despite they had slim chance based on "theory"), they were inducted over surefire picks like Cyndi Lauper (and in some extent Warren Zevon)

So yes this is the reason that one of JD/NO or Maiden will be voted in this year, yes they had slim chance if you just analysis based on "pop hits"... But this was how rock hall ran things recently.

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:10am

I think that we'll have 8 Performer inductees this year and we'll have four first-time nominees (Phil Collins, INXS, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan), two two-time nominees (Billy Idol and Sade) and two three-time nominees (Mariah Carey and Oasis) get in this year for the 2026 class.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:11am

TheCorryiynial,

Technically a NE induction honors BBD's own legacy albeit shorter than NE lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:11am

Omar,

but I disagree with you, I think that Iron Maiden and Joy Division/New Order are both destined for a side category induction at this point, rather than a Performer induction.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:14am

richie

but I disagree with you, Kate Bush and RATM had no chance from your logic and they are in as performer.

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:16am

Omar,

I know that, but they were more well-known than Iron Maiden and JD/NO, so I see Maiden and JD/NO getting backdoored.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:29am

Knox

No matter how much Richie says "As Much As I Love" about these certain acts

He's clear he doesn't like or is ignorant about Alternative and Hard Rock/Metal acts

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:35am

richie

Kate Bush and Rage Against the Machine are not more well known than Iron Maiden at least . Maiden probably has similar fame with RATM and way more famous than Kate Bush in USA...

And Iron Maiden is touring arena and stadium in America...

And you said lionel Richie was not gonna inducted, you said chubby checker was not inducted and only could be early influenced. You said Mariah Carey got 100% of the votes in 2024...

Regardless let us agree to disagree, you don't need to let me accept your opinion. You don't need to repeat your opinion to me thank you

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:36am

Omar and Alec T,

I think that Iron Maiden and Joy Division/New Order are potential spoilers, I'm not predicting either of them based on recent history, but I won't be surprised if one or both sneak in this year.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:47am

https://blabbermouth.net/news/nicko-mcbrain-on-iron-maidens-latest-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-nomination-its-a-great-accolade-to-even-be-considered-again

Looks like Maiden camp actually CARES about rock hall despite of what Bruce Dickinson said.

Statement from Maiden camp does not look like they will do "fxxk the rock hall" things, instead they said "it is good accolade"

I think good chance they will be in this year, probably Tom Morello or Dave Grohl (who recently met Bruce I think) told Maiden camp some positive things. And Maiden camp feels good about their chance this year and somewhere soften the tone and attitude

And I think it is possible rock hall finds a date so that they can show up.

Posted by Knox on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:48am

Am I the only one feel Black Crowes could make a miracle

I mean it is possible Crowes get all the votes from boomer rock voters (mostly people voted for Bad Co, Joe Cocker, Peter Frampton) and then enough to sneak in

And their returning may mean they were not that far behind in 2025, looked like Phish and Mana were #13 and #14

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:52am

My revised predictions for the 2026 inductees:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

I think that there'll be 9 Performer inductees this year for 2026.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:54am

I can see in case of JD/NO missing out again that they put DEVO in through Muscial Influence or Excellence

Especially if those rumors are true if the ceremony is in Cleveland again

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 09:56am

Alec T

It is possible but I won't bet on Devo.

I am still stunned that Devo became three and done and seemed to be forgotten by rock hall. They had two vip supporters in the room (Grohl and Tom), but they did not get fourth nomination

This makes me wonder if three is the new threshold? 2023 rock hall deal with some historical remaining picks, but for newer picks, three seems to be maximum nomination number

Will Devo gets fourth or musical excellenced in a random year (there are really no patterns in side category)

Posted by Knox on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:04am

It seems like for the first time, the R&B acts* are leading the Rock Hall official fan vote. And I'm glad considering that Classic Rock mostly dominated in them. Heck, Luther is not that far off from closing in on INXS.

*Phil Collins counts since he named R&B as his primary influcence as a solo artist.

Posted by John R.C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:04am

John RC

It seems that there are a lot diva fans voting in this year, and they are more likely to vote for rnb acts, because rnb acts are more related with mainstream music

I live in Asia, and I know there are some fan groups mainly just vote forn Mariah Carey, and probably also votes for Sade, Hill, New Edition, that kind of mainstream rnb acts. They are way more devoted than rock fans in Asia. There are a lot of fans of Iron Maiden, Oasis, Joy Division fans in Asia. But they just said "fxxk rock hall" and nodoby vote. But lots of Mariah fans in Asia votes and they also vote for other mainstream acts.

And also I think fans of Pink if they also vote for others, they will vote for rnb acts as well, since rnb is way more covered by mainstream awards like Grammy than rock musicians

Posted by Asia rock fan on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:15am

Am i the one think rock acts will be done soon, and they ballot will be very like grammy and just only filled with rnb, pop and rap acts without guitar rock acts

And 80s 90s alternative rock/new wave/indie rock/metal will just be totally forgotten

It could definitely go in this way, fans voting already shows rock is irrelevant nowadays, and nowadays people don't care about rock at all

Posted by Asidjrkejsjdjr on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:22am

They have previously been considered by the NomCom and I unfortunately don't think they see the ballot but one of their members just died and the ceremony might also be in NYC

I think Televison is a solid dark horse to get in through Musical Influence

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:23am

Honestly, I was half surprised about New Edition.

Surprised because the Hall really considered them that they nominated. But also not that much when I remembered that a lot of New Edition fans commented in here on their FRL page a couple weeks ago.

Posted by John R.C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:28am

That said though

Think possibly 3 out of the 4 could get in and they could sidedoor the other one into Musical Excellence or Influence as part of the 2026 class

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:32am

Alec T

I am thinking 3 3 timer + 4 1 timer (+1 2 timer) class, seems most reasonable for recent patterns since 2023.

This is what I think, Mariah, Oasis and probably one of Maiden/JDNO in, and the other will wait for another year

I don't know. No one was inducted as side category in the same year of nomination after Judas Priest (MC5 last nom 2022 inducted 2024, Dionne last nom 2022 inducted 2024, Chaka last nom 2021 inducted 2023, Zevon last nom 2023 inducted 2025)

So if one loses, I think this one will wait for at least another year to be side categoried or nominated again (I don't know if anyone will get fourth nomination now. After 2023, no one gets more than three nominations)

Or rock hall just don't care regardless and induct the lost one in 2026 as side category (actually no one cares in the end as long as the act is in rock hall)

I do think those four are pivoted by rock hall, and Oasis, Mariah and JDNO all were not far from finish lane (if they finished like #13 or #14, pretty sure they will sit this year)... If they are not pivoted they won't get third nom in rick krim era.

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:39am

For those wondering about rock acts in future, we still haven't finished the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s yet, and haven't really even started the 00s yet. There's still at least maybe 90 possible acts in that period alone that at least deserves looks or nominations.
This ballot is likely going to be a odd one (minus the clear Rock acts) since there is nothing from the 70s (minus Joy Division ('78), and Iron Maiden (very late 70s) and earlier. It seems like this ballot listing was selected to try to clear off most of 80s and some of 90s first, then likely next year it will return back to like last year, where maybe one or two older acts will be put on and will be more mixed. Plus, with the now "required" seven vote ballots, it would still make 80s and 90s acts down the road go in sooner, and clear them out as well.
And not to mention, the Hall could appease Boomers this year by side dooring someone like the Monkees or Tommy James and the Shondells or even Dick Dale in MI / ME or even in Ahmet Ertegun.
So there really shouldn't be any panic yet. Maybe once into the 2040s, then maybe.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:39am

TheCorriynial,

I think the 2026 inductees will be:

Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

I think that there'll be 9 Performer inductees this year for 2026.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:45am

I feel like the case where I just said is more likely if it's Mariah,Oasis and Maiden getting in as Preformers and JD/NO gets in as a side catagory in the same year

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:46am

Alec T

I agree with you, this is what I think as well

And just not sure about the lost 3 timer, how rock hall will deal with this act.

Still not certain if rock hall will side category nominee in the same year

I do think Maiden chance is pretty good. They get the best ballot ever for metal artists.

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 10:57am

I guess at the very least in this scenario that JD/NO get the side door in 2027 then


Also am I the only one who isn't bullish on Billy Idol's chances?

I don't expect him to do better right away

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 11:08am

Haven't been on this site in a long time! The 2026 nominees are a mixed bag but not the worst I've seen. It really seems like the Hall is trying to force voters out of the old habit of all boomer rock ballots. Hopefully next year we can get maybe some of the last 60s/70s acts that are really deserving (Boston, Monkees, Toto)

My picks on this ballot

Phil Collins, INXS, Luther Vandross, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan

would not be mad at all with Billy Idol or Sade getting in either

Posted by More Than A Feeling on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 11:12am

More Than A Feeling,

I think that there'll be 9 Performer inductees this year and I think that Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan will be the 2026 inductees (If 9 inductees).

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 11:25am

I hope they don't musical excellence Neil Sedaka just because he died. It is tacky. He should have been at least nominated once in the late 80s or early 90s. They should look at some other living old-timers and really consider it. Tom Jones and more.

Rock Hall wasted a lot of potential. At this point in time, some legacy rock acts are just zombie bands with no original members left. Styx reuniting with Dennis DeYoung in the mid-2000s would have meant something. Now, the impact would be much less.

Posted by Jim C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 12:16pm

What would be the worst-case scenario for this year?

I know Black Crowes, Pink and New Edition would be part of it but who else?

Posted by Raichu on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 12:26pm

Probably from following on from those Raichu, likely Melissa Etheridge and Jeff Buckley. Only one of those two can be there, and at least in the worse case scenario, Etheridge could pull a Crow like set, then Buckley, who isn't even around anymore, could get someone to do Hallelujah and be done quickly.

Posted by TheCorriynial on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 12:37pm

worst-case scenario for me is this:

The Black Crowes (weak induction case)
Billy Idol (mid induction case)
Jeff Buckley (one of my personal favorites on the ballot but objectively a weaker case and not alive to perform)
Melissa Etheridge (weak induction case)
New Edition (deserving enough but getting in over Luther Vandross would be disappointing)
Phil Collins (double induction, likely not well enough to show up)
Pink (very premature, mid induction case)

Posted by RG on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 12:43pm

Raichu,

I think that the worst case scenario for this year is that Pink and Shakira both get in, While I think that they're both very deserving of induction at some point, I just think that it is way too soon/early for the both of them to get in. I also think that New Edition and Jeff Buckley would also be part of the worst case scenario for this year as well (New Edition because them getting in over Luther Vandross and Sade would be a huge upset for me and Jeff Buckley because there are other artists that are much more deserving of induction than him), so Pink, Shakira, New Edition and Jeff Buckley would be the worst case scenario for this year for me. The rest I would be happy with them getting in this year (The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan).

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 13:04pm

This year and next year are critical,

we can see if the trend continues, how many of 4 3 timer this year will be voted in

And if someone fails, if rock hall will give 4th nomination or just directly induct use side category (means that each act will be three nominations at most)

Needs to be mentioned that Dionne and Zevon did not get third nomination and directly side categoried.

Still think "three" means something in the process since 2023

Needs to see if three will be the threshold.

And if somehow rock hall finds a way to pull a miracle that all 4 3 timers inducted as performer in 2026, it will be very safe to predict in the future that predict the most timer on the ballot regardless of resume and ballot distribution.

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 14:02pm

Oh I just found out that Alan Light the guy who pushed The B52's just was removed from the NomCom

He was one of the ones also pushing Oasis heavily if memory serves me correct

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 14:19pm

Alan Light exits from nom com because of time limits

He has served for 19 years

But if little Steven leaves as well? He seems to be in the nom com like forever

If he stays, does rock hall have double standards towards vips in nom com

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 14:25pm

Wouldn't be surprised he gets special treatment haha

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 14:48pm

How have they managed to completely forget 2 important members of Oasis (Paul Mcguigan and Alan White) The bio on the website says the lineup after the Gallaghers was "rounded out by Andy Bell on bass" despite him not joining until 1999 and drummer Tony Macarrol when he only performed on the debut album and nothing after!? Fix it Rock Hall

Posted by DS on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 15:28pm

The excluded members of Oasis could be endorsed by the Gallaghers. Noel told everyone he was the best drummer in the band. Guigsy is a recluse and probably does not want any part of calls from fans for an original members reunion performance.

Posted by Jim C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:07pm

Does Little Steven really have his fingerprints on anything lately? He did get Procol Harum a nomination but that's over a decade ago.

Posted by Jim C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:11pm

J geils band were nominated five times

Think he is also responsible for Bad Company nomination

And Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Link Wray, AL Kooper in side category

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:14pm

Yes, I think Oasis are going in this year

Don't think rock hall just drops two members in coincidence

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:15pm

Last 2 times those 2 were part of what was nominated right?

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:20pm

Looking at JD/NO on the ballot tracker last year and see that they had 24 public votes on the tracker makes me feel better about their chances

And I wonder if that number will go up since you are now required to vote for 7 acts now

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:29pm

Alec T

Yes, they deleted two Oasis members in nomination list, which is strange

Likely told by Noel

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:35pm

Right you are

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:46pm

Phil Collins will perform at the ceremony, seated on stage. His children will be there.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:47pm

To be honest, still think public ballot means nothing, mostly are critics hispters showing ballot online because they have no conflict of interests to nominees

And most voters are industry people or past inductees who are more connected to musicians...

DMB recieved zero vote in public ballot i think

And Lionel Richie also tanked in public ballot I belive

Posted by knox on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:48pm

For Oasis there was a similar error when they first got nominated, believe it was the same two members as well. That got corrected a few days later. I assume whatever intern they had just put stuff in used the original incorrect version, which they pretty much are deciding right now what members are included or not unless told to change it

People underestimate how poorly ran the Rock Hall is lol

Posted by GuestG on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 16:56pm

Look at Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder prevented Dave Abbruzzese from going in. This does happen.

Posted by Jim C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 17:16pm

Bruce have a change of heart on the Rock Hall?

https://x.com/brucedmaiden/status/2027667833304256897?s=46&t=sOaE2ooXGWYBfm5i3mQiKA

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 17:33pm

Alec T

I will be shocked if Maiden are not inducted this year

I mean even Bruce Dickinson changed his tone

It means they got words from rock hall they are gonna to be included

And they look like they will gladly take the honor

Yes, Bruce Dickinson met Dave Grohl recently

At very least, they are going to be musical exllenced, (probably in this year)

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 17:50pm

And if this is the first time Bruce Dickinson calls fan to vote.

This is definitely interesting

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 17:52pm

I remember early on last time it's likely that Paul Rodgers was told that Bad Company was getting into the Rock Hall

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 17:59pm

Alec T

Is this official account

I now find it is fake account

Actually joined X in 2024

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 18:05pm

Was told that lol

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 18:12pm

It wouldn't surprise me if Iron Maiden changed their minds. Fake account or not lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 19:06pm

Just wanna to say that Noel won songwritter of the year at the BRITS and he thank ALL the members(past and present in his speech)thats it,if they are inductee all of them will be theres,theres no bad blood anymore,the boys grow up.

Posted by Alana on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 21:44pm

Just wanna to say that Noel won songwritter of the year at the BRITS and he thank ALL the members(past and present in his speech)thats it,if they are inductee all of them will be theres,theres no bad blood anymore,the boys grow up.

Posted by Alana on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 21:44pm

I don't know any of you, but I think there's a chance that INXS is slipping down on the standings.

Posted by John R.C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 21:49pm

It seems that Noel is not against any previous member?

So probably the Oasis member thing is just random mistake by rock hall?

And just one of us email to rock hall may be enough to rectify the error?

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 21:59pm

John R.C.,

I still think that INXS is getting in this year, I think that they have the edge over JD/NO because they're more well-known and had way more commercial success and hits in America than JD/NO, As much as I love JD/NO, I see them getting inducted via a side category at this point, rather than as Performers.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:04pm

For someone who loves JD/NO you don't really show it

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:07pm

Alec T

What interneting is John RC mainly talking about fan vote of INXS

And then richie strangely said "JDNO are not gonna voted in"

John RC did not talk anything about JDNO induct over INXS

And richie started his talking

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:17pm

https://x.com/insider_nostra1/status/2026879150443688205

According to a music insider on X, It looks like The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are the safest bets for induction this year for 2026.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:19pm

Looks like those are more of the line his predictions rather than legit inside information

Posted by Alec T on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:30pm

Also I'd like to mention that Melissa Etheridge & Shakira were the only two that didn't nake the top 100 in the Fan Vote Kiosk.

Posted by Ralib on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:31pm

Alec T,

but he is a real music insider (unlike my fake/not real source), so I really truly believe him.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:33pm

Alec T

This is just fan account, no different with users on X predicting bracket for march madness, are these users decision the seed list? So he is just guessing as well

But we know this guy may have similar view with richie, so richie claims he has source to show he really knows things others don't know about rock hall, to show Richie is right...

Different years, same story

Posted by omar on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:39pm

Omar,

but this is not unlike previous years, He is a real music insider with inside information about the music industry and stuff, so I really truly believe him.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 22:49pm

We should all know better than to believe some random account on Twitter claiming to be an insider.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 23:20pm

Richie

Stop telling people to predict the same way as you under the guise of "helping".

It's their predictions. Don't tell people to not predict a certain artist just because they are not your preference.

And stop saying "As much as I love…" in regards to Joy Division-New Order. It's very clear you hate them.

Posted by John R.C. on Saturday, 02/28/2026 @ 23:51pm

John R.C.,

I don't hate Joy Division/New Order and I think that they're so absolutely deserving of induction, but on this ballot, It's gonna be tough for them to get in over bigger and more well-known names IMO.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 00:00am

I mean John RC only mentioned INXS (no mention of JdNO at all) and then richie told him JDNO are not going to be inducted is quite confusing. If not hate JDNO, why mentioned them under quotes only mentioning INXS

It is pretty obvious richie hates alternative and metal acts

And he constantly insisted Kate Bush was manipulated by rock hall and did not receive enough votes for two years, which was disgusting

I really wants JDNO/Maiden to be voted in as performer just to piss richie off (despite richie will disguise as "I am happy that they are in").

Posted by Knox on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 02:09am

Or even if alternative /metal acts he hates inducted as main performance

Richie will say "xxx is manipulated in, and they never received enough votes" everyday

I can already see it

Posted by Knox on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 02:16am

I still think Kate Bush ("cult" alternative msuician) induction really pissed richie off

He almost complained about Kate Bush induction everyday in two years

Constantly insist and spread "Kate Bush was inducted by weighted votes" kind of bs in 23 and even in 24

Posted by Knox on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 02:20am

How many "3-time" nominees again?

4?

JD/NO, the Irons, Mariah and Oasis?

Best case scenario is 3/4ths of the "classic four" get in. If it is the case of JD/NO, the Irons and Oasis, I can see this actually happening!

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 05:35am

richie wants Celine Dion in because she makes people stiff...or something like that...

Posted by K-Dawg on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 08:36am

Richie likes to say "As Much I Love" to these acts but it's clear he doesn't like Metal/Hard Rock or Alternative acts

Posted by Alec T on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:00am

Or at the very least he is ignorant of them

Posted by Alec T on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:04am

People are way too overfocused on ME for every artist after an arbitrary time. Like how Soundgarden was going to get Musical Excellence last year because it was their 3rd time. Billy Idol missed last year time for ME! No lol.

3 is not the final number, just the number they are trying to get most out by now. We are not far from the days Rage got 5 nominations. They will not hard cap at 3.

They will only ME if an artist is considered impossible to induct under normal circumstances or no longer has committee support to get voted to nominations. And in both cases, ones they can get away with doing ME for. Like MC5, Kraftwerk, Zevon. Even Salt n Pepa they could get away with.

I do not see ME for any of the 3 time artists this year, unless they are placing actual last place. Because they cannot get away with it for either of these four. For Iron Maiden if they are ME metal is forever shut out of getting any more non-side category additions (and if JP was some controversy this would be a massive one). JD/NO ME would me no indie act will ever get inducted, and influence and critical reception are something that can no longer be considered for induction, only mainstream hits and sales. For Mariah and Oasis, they are simply way too big of artists and among the most known of the 90s to be a side category, and everyone will mock them.

In all four cases the Hall could lose a LOT if any of them are ME. They are going to be heavily criticized, mocked by social media and publications, and lose interest entirely from groups into certain genres. They will lose the idea it is anything but Inside connections and sales numbers for some being ME. They have too much to lose to do this. I think for all they would rather just not nominate them for a long time if it was becoming impossible vs side categorizing them

Posted by GuestG on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:07am

GuestG, Alec T, K-Dawg, Timothy Pernell and Knox,

I actually don't mind JD/NO getting in this year now.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:15am

GuestG

Based on my gut feeling, I honestly don't think the Rock Hall will ever care about the things you mentioned, unfortunately.

It feels like John Sykes is turning the Rock Hall into a lesser version of the Grammys, and this year's ceremony might even be held in a 1,000-seat arts center. That says a lot about the direction it's heading.

I remember Greg Harris saying several years ago that "a Motörhead nomination is an honor for them." That comment already revealed the Rock Hall's attitude toward more left-field or heavier acts. It really sounded like they believed the nomination itself was a favor, as if being acknowledged by the Hall is some kind of gift.

Honestly, I can easily imagine someone on the nominating committee thinking that being placed in "Musical Excellence" is an honor for these artists, like the Rock Hall is doing them a favor. It comes across as if the Hall believes it's granting them status, rather than recognizing the impact they already earned on their own.

And here's a more troubling speculation: once they "take care of" artists like Iron Maiden and JDNO, possibly by placing them in side categories, they might simply stop considering metal and alternative/indie artists.

After that, the ballot could end up being dominated by mainstream rock, mainstream pop, R&B, and hip-hop, with little to no representation for heavier or more left-field genres.

You can see that the "leaked list" of that guy, Joy Division/New Order and Iron Maiden are only two "left-field" acts considered, I am afraid the rock hall may actually do this kind of sxxt

Posted by omar on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:52am

GuestG

You made a great point. As for my opinion, I think Oasis and Mariah are more likely to get inducted this year because there's now a sense of urgency to induct Mariah now with the way that we're talking about her, and Oasis is now riding their highs of their career more than ever and are now more than just the "Wonderwall band" in America.

Plus it helps that they are nominated in consecutive years than taking a year off.

Posted by John R.C. on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:52am

It would be a joke if The Smiths were snubbed.

They are way more popular in the US now than many Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Blondie and Joan Jett opened for Morrissey on his US tour.

I really think they should be nominated again after JDNO are inducted (I am also afraid rock hall will treat JDNO as three and done just like Devo, and complete forget JDNO). Without Smiths, rock hall will be totally joke,

But what I remember, Rick Krim was lukewarm when others mentioned the Smiths to him, and he just said Oasis should be inducted.

Posted by omar on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 09:59am

As for the others who I think have a higher chance:

Phil Collins and Luther Vandross are the only locks in this ballot. Phil because he's already a de facto inductee when the majority predicted him to be nominated, and I've seen many people get excited to see Luther Vandross' name on the ballot that it's enough to vote him.

Wu-Tang Clan feels like a "75% chance" because it seems like even people who aren't big Hip Hop fans recognize them and they are the "cool pick" that they'll ignore their anti-Rap bias to check their name.

Posted by John R.C. on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:01am

I honestly think all 4 timers could get on the ballot this go ahead

Posted by Alec T on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:08am

*3 timers*

Posted by Alec T on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:12am

I hate that I'm like the "unofficial fan ballot update" person, and while Luther and New Edition are neck and neck, it looks like they are closing in on Billy Idol soon.

And Billy is 3rd in the standings.

Posted by John R.C. on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:15am

This class will have surprising fail again, who seems to be popular/connected enough to be "safe pick"

2023: Cyndi, Zevon
2024: Mariah, Lenny
2025: Mariah, idol

Who will be this kind of act in 2026

Posted by omar on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:18am

And I also feel the chance of New Edition may be underestimated

Posted by omar on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:18am

Could be Idol again

Posted by Alec T on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:27am

And I have my own personal theory which I like to call "The Todd Rundgren Act".

Basically, what it means is there's a nominee where it feels like it should be a slam dunk to predict that they'll be inducted because it feels like the voters would've preferred. And the nominee has to be from the 60s, their genre is Classic Rock, and/or an industry darling. But it's hard to predict on who will be the "Todd Rundgren act" because it's always random. Back when I first started this theory, I predicted that the Doobie Brothers will get snubbed; turns out it was Pat Benatar.

Here are the past Todd Rundgren "snubs"

2019: Rundgren himself
2020: Pat Benatar
2021/22: Dionne Warwick
2023: Warren Zevon, Cyndi Lauper
2024: Lenny Kravitz
2025: Billy Idol

Posted by John R.C. on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:27am

Assuming Idol himself cannot be it a second time (even though there is a decent chance he misses), Rundgren act this year is likely either Vandross or INXS

Posted by GuestG on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:36am

Are you guys so glad that there are no 60's/70's boomer acts on the ballot this year?. Because it gives the 80's and 90's way more chances to get in this year and I'm so happy about that. While I think that there are some 60's/70's boomer acts left that I think will get in easily when nominated (The Monkees, Jethro Tull, The Guess Who, Barry White, Tommy James & The Shondells, Boston, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Styx and Thin Lizzy and War when both get nominated again), It's so nice to see a ballot with no 60's/70's boomer acts for once.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:45am

Actually I treat Mariah Carey as this kid as well

Don't lie to yourself

In 2024 and 2025, almost everyone predicted Mariah Carey and thought she was 100% lock right?

So her misses both timers were definitely shocking

Posted by Knox on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:46am

Kid

Kind

Posted by Knox on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 10:47am

Middle-tier acts not getting voted in isn't really a snub. Todd Rundgren himself only really had 2 moderate hits ("Hello, it's me", "Bang on the Drum All Day"). He was very influential, but still, he wasn't a huge omission.

If Kenny Loggins gets nominated and he fails, that's a snub? No. Most acts aren't slam-dunks.

Snubs are 100 million selling acts like Motley Crue where it is really hard to justify their non-induction. Bon Jovi fits my definition of a snub. They need to use influence / impact arguments to downgrade decades-long touring success and high record sales.

Posted by Jim C. on Sunday, 03/1/2026 @ 11:42am