Against all odds: Predicting the Rock Hall's 2026 class
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Lauryn Hill, Phil Collins and Mariah Carey are among this year's nominees. Photos via Getty Images
We're a month away from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announcing potentially one of its most mind-boggling inductee classes.
Why it matters: This year's bonkers ballot is loaded with first-time nominees, long-time snubs, and surprises from all over the genre map.
- It's driven one of the hottest Fan Votes in recent memory.
State of play: Predicting who will make the Rock Hall's annual class is as difficult as ever.
Yes, but: That won't stop us from trying. Here's who we think could make the cut:
Against all odds
👍 This year's ballot shapes up the best for three artists — Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge and Luther Vandross.
- Collins, who is leading the Fan Vote, has long been atop many snub lists. The same goes for Etheridge, who can look to Sheryl Crow's 2023 induction as a great indicator.
- Vandross fits the mold of other male R&B artists (Bill Withers, Bobby Womack) who were inducted after finally being nominated.
Definitely, maybe
3️⃣ Is the third time the charm for Mariah Carey? It was for Janet Jackson in 2019, which serves as a good comparison.
- Oasis is also on its third nomination, which was the benchmark for other acts from the same era, including Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden and Beastie Boys.
- Joy Division/New Order, too, is on a third nomination, which is how long it took voters to put in Depeche Mode.
Ready or not
🎛️ A hip-hop artist has been voted into the Rock Hall for six consecutive years, which bodes well for Wu-Tang Clan and/or Lauryn Hill.
- Hill's resume is much shorter, but her Grammy pedigree and Rock Hall history may sway voters.
The other side: First-time nominees like P!NK, Jeff Buckley, Shakira and New Edition feel like longshots.
- The Black Crowes, Billy Idol and INXS have an outside chance, while Iron Maiden could be poised for a side category induction a la Judas Priest in 2022.
What's next: The class of 2026 will be announced in mid-April.
- The inductees will be honored during a ceremony this fall, at a yet-to-be-announced location.