The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class of inductees, featuring a broad lineup of global music greats, including Nigerian legends Fela Kuti and Sade Adu.
The announcement was made during the annual segment on American Idol, hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featuring judge Lionel Richie.
This year’s list spans multiple genres and generations, with major names such as Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah and Celia Cruz, underscoring the Hall’s growing focus on global musical influence.
The 2026 class brings together legacy acts and genre-shaping artists whose impact continues across decades. The reveal aired during a special American Idol episode ahead of the November ceremony in Los Angeles.
Eight acts will enter the performer category: Sade Adu, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, Oasis, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, and Joy Division/New Order. The selection reflects the Hall’s widening scope, with hip-hop and R&B recognised alongside rock.
Among the standout inductees, Luther Vandross is honoured on his first nomination, marking a long-awaited recognition for an artist who helped define modern R&B. Sade’s induction celebrates her group’s blend of soul and jazz that reshaped popular music in the late 20th century. Wu-Tang Clan’s inclusion marks a major moment for hip-hop, recognising a collective whose influence extends well beyond music into culture and business.
In other categories, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Fela Kuti will receive the Early Influence Award for their contributions to music and culture. Latifah and MC Lyte helped open doors for women in hip-hop, while Kuti’s Afrobeat innovation continues to shape global sound. Celia Cruz and Gram Parsons are also included in this category.
The Musical Excellence Award will honour key behind-the-scenes figures, including producers and songwriters whose work has shaped the sound of multiple generations.
The induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a broadcast scheduled for December on ABC and Disney+.