Mariah, P!NK and Wu-Tang lead Rock Hall's most random (and awesome) ballot yet

• However, the Rock Hall declined to comment on where the ceremony will take place.

State of play: This year's full ballot includes:

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

The intrigue: The Black Crowes, Carey, Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis and Sade have all been nominated before.

• The rest is a mix of long-overdue snubs (Vandross, INXS, Collins, Etheridge) and several artists who seem plucked out of thin air (Wu-Tang Clan, P!nk, Shakira).
• Notably, the only nominee to release an album prior to 1980 is Joy Division, in 1979.

What they're saying: "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, said in a statement.

• "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."

💭 Troy's thought bubble: This is the most random list of inductees I've seen in my 13 years of covering the Rock Hall.

• It's still an awesome list that should make for a fun ceremony, no matter who gets inducted.

What's next: The class of 2026 will be announced in mid-April.

• The ceremony's location and ticket details will be revealed then.