The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 inductee class, featuring a diverse roster of 18 artists and industry figures including salsa legend Celia Cruz, Oasis, and Iron Maiden. The announcement, released by the institution, confirms that the induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Celia Cruz will receive the Early Influence Award, a distinction honoring artists whose music and style directly shaped the evolution of rock & roll and musical culture. The late Cuban singer, who passed away in 2003, is recognized for her role as a pioneer of 20th-century Latin pop and her contributions to Afro-Cuban guaracha and salsa.
“Cruz was a pioneer of 20th-century Latin pop and beyond with her contributions to the Afro-Cuban guaracha style, as well as with the creation and popularization of salsa. With her powerful voice and her vibrant image, Cruz was the voice of love and freedom following the Cuban revolution and during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States,” the Hall of Fame stated on its website.
According to CNN Chile, while the list celebrates major icons, it also features notable omissions, such as Colombian superstar Shakira, who was nominated but did not make the final inductee list.
The 2026 Inductees
In the primary performer category, the 2026 class includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Phil Collins enters the Hall as a solo artist for the first time, though he was previously inducted as a member of Genesis. This makes him the 29th artist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at least twice.
Other honorees in the Early Influence category include Fela Kuti, Queen Latoh, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. The Musical Excellence award will be presented to Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin, while Ed Sullivan will receive the Ahmet Ertegun award.
“Being included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is the greatest honor in music. We look forward to celebrating these extraordinary artists at this year's ceremony,” said John Sykes, president of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in a statement shared by BioBioChile.
To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The selection was determined by a voting panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
Following the November ceremony, a television special is scheduled to air this December on ABC and the Disney+ streaming platform.
