Rock Hall's next milestone: A 21st-century artist
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Is Beyoncé a future first-ballot Rock & Roll Hall of Famer? Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2026 will be announced on April 13, but it's not too early to take a look further down the road.
Why it matters: The Rock Hall has yet to induct an artist who made their debut in the 21st century.
- That's not shocking considering an artist had to release their first official recording at least 25 years ago to be considered.
The latest: That could change, should 2026 nominee Pink (who released her debut album in 2000) make the cut.
Yes, but: If not Pink, then who? Here are five possibilities for the first 21st-century artist to earn induction:
Beyoncé
Queen Bey is eligible in 2027 and feels like a slam dunk. However, the same could have been said for Mariah Carey, who is currently on her third nomination.
Prediction: Crazier things have happened, like Michael Jackson not getting in during his first year of eligibility.
The Black Keys
The Akron duo is also eligible in 2027, while not as globally revered as Beyoncé.
Prediction: There's a solid chance. The Black Keys do fit the mold of recent inductee the White Stripes, which debuted in 1999.
Other 2027 candidates
Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, My Chemical Romance and Maroon 5 are also among 2027's first-time eligible acts.
Prediction: Timberlake and West would have been considered serious contenders a decade ago if not for recent issues.
- Clarkson could make the ballot, given the recent nomination of a similar artist like Pink.
Amy Winehouse
Winehouse's career was tragically cut short, but she is still considered one of the defining voices of her generation.
Prediction: She's eligible in 2028. It seems like a long shot, but Jeff Buckley, another artist who died young, was nominated this year.
The Killers
Rock bands like The Killers, Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon and My Chemical Romance all become eligible within the next three years.
Prediction: The Killers probably have the best case of all of them and have a recent Rock Hall ceremony performance under their belt.
What we're watching: Taylor Swift isn't eligible until 2031, but rest assured — if none of these acts are inducted, the buck stops with her.
- Swift would become the youngest living artist to earn induction.