The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is gearing up to welcome some new members to its rank. During the latest live episode of American Idol, host Ryan Seacrest and judge Lionel Richie revealed the Hall’s inductees into the class of 2026.
Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan make up this year’s class of 2026.
Videos by American Songwriter
This year’s Early Influence inductees are Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifiah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. As for the Musical Excellence inductees, those are Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin. Lastly, Ed Sullivan has been named the winner of the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Prior to the announcement, the Hall revealed the 17 nominees for potential induction. The first-time nominees were Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, P!NK, and Shakira.
Nominees who’d previously been floated for induction included The Black Crowes and Mariah Carey.
“This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture”, John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation previously said in a press release. “Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 this Fall.”
Each year, a panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals vote to determine the inductees. The selection criteria include an artist’s impact on music culture and influence on other musicians that have followed. It also takes into account the scope and longevity of their career and body of work.
The class of 2026 will be inducted this fall at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Cleveland campus.
What to Know About American Idol Season 24
In honor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announcement, American Idol‘s April 13 episode tasked the season’s 11 remaining contestants with performing iconic hits by past inductees.
To help them along the way, Idol brought in Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to mentor the singers. The pair was inducted into the Hall in 2022.
Amid the performances, audiences at home can vote for the favorites via text message, on the American Idol website, and by commenting on Idol‘s pinned Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok posts.
At the end of the night, Seacrest will reveal the Top 9 of the season. The remaining contestants will move on to the next phase of competition, Disney Night.
American Idol airs Mondays on ABC.
Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Luke Bryan answers holds a Super Bowl LI football during the Super Bowl LI Pregame press conference on February 02, 2017, at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Abe Olman Publishing Award winner, Caroline Bienstock poses backstage at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 48th Annual Induction and Awards at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) -
Carrie Underwood at the "Alan Jackson: The Last Show" concert special red carpet held at Nissan Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images