Thursday February 25 (AEDT): The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled a sprawling and genre-spanning list of 17 nominees for its Class of 2026, with Australian favourites INXS earning their first-ever nomination and The Black Crowes and Jeff Buckley also drawing strong attention on this year’s ballot.
Announced on Wednesday, February 25, the 2026 list is slightly larger than in recent years and reflects a broad sweep of styles — from heavy metal and Britpop to R&B, Latin pop and hip-hop. Of the 17 nominees (representing 18 artists in total), ten are first-time nominees, while seven return to the ballot after previous attempts.
The Black Crowes have received their second nomination. The Atlanta band, led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, exploded onto the scene in 1990 with their debut album Shake Your Money Maker, reviving a gritty, Stones-inflected rock ’n’ roll sound at a time dominated by glossy pop and hair metal. Their return to the ballot coincides with renewed international visibility, including their upcoming appearance at Bluesfest in Byron Bay — a timely reminder of their enduring live power and roots-rock credibility.
The late Jeff Buckley earns his first nomination, more than three decades after the release of his only completed studio album, Grace (1994). Though Buckley’s commercial success during his lifetime was modest, his influence has proved vast and long-lasting. His extraordinary vocal range, emotional intensity and interpretive gifts — particularly on songs like “Hallelujah” — have cemented his status as a cult icon whose legacy continues to grow. His inclusion on this year’s ballot acknowledges the depth of that impact.
For Australian fans, the inclusion of INXS is particularly significant. The Sydney-formed band, fronted during their peak years by Michael Hutchence, released their debut album in 1980 and went on to become one of the country’s most successful global exports, scoring international hits with songs such as “Need You Tonight” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” Despite long being eligible, this marks their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Among other nominees are returning contenders such as Mariah Carey (third nomination), Iron Maiden (third), Joy Division/New Order (third), Oasis (third), Sade (second) and Billy Idol (second). First-time nominees joining Buckley and INXS include Phil Collins (as a solo artist, having already been inducted with Genesis), Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, P!NK, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
The Hall of Fame’s eligibility rules stipulate that artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination — in this case, no later than 2001. The diversity of this year’s ballot reflects the increasingly expansive definition of rock ’n’ roll embraced by the institution in recent years.
The final Class of 2026 will be announced in April, with the induction ceremony scheduled for autumn 2026. While the venue has yet to be confirmed, Nashville’s Fisher Center has been cited as a possible host site.
Fans can cast their votes via the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website, with the public ballot traditionally contributing to the overall tally.