AceShowbiz - The 2026 class for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was revealed on April 13 during an episode of American Idol, announcing that the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, along with solo legends Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, will be inducted this year.

The revered Wu-Tang Clan will be honored in the Performer Category, recognizing their more than three decades of lyrical innovation and collaborative artistry. The nine-member collective, featuring RZA, Method Man, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, has left a profound mark on hip-hop culture with classics ranging from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) to the track “Triumph.”

Meanwhile, both Queen Latifah and MC Lyte will receive the Early Influence Award, celebrating their pioneering impact on the genre. Queen Latifah boasts a near 40-year career highlighted by acclaimed albums like All Hail the Queen and Black Reign, as well as timeless songs such as “U.N.I.T.Y.” MC Lyte has also cemented her legacy with hits like “Poor Georgie” and the album Bad As I Wanna B, marking four decades of influential work.

In addition to these hip-hop icons, the Musical Excellence Award will be presented to famed producer Rick Rubin, acknowledging his significant contributions to the music industry over many years.

The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is slated for November 14 in Los Angeles, with broadcasts planned for December on ABC and Disney+. This prestigious event will continue the tradition of celebrating artists who have shaped the sound and culture of popular music.

Eligibility for this honor requires artists or bands to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to nomination. Last year, the 2025 inductees included OutKast and Salt-N-Pepa, the latter receiving the Musical Influence Award.

This year’s nomination list also featured notable names such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, and New Edition, but they were not selected for induction by the international voting panel.

Here are the full 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees:

Performer Category:
Wu-Tang Clan
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross

Early Influence Award:
Queen Latifah
MC Lyte
Celia Cruz
Fela Kuti
Gram Parsons

Musical Excellence Award:
Rick Rubin
Linda Creed
Arif Mardin
Jimmy Miller

Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Ed Sullivan

The upcoming ceremony promises to honor a diverse group of artists whose contributions continue to resonate across generations and genres.