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NEW YORK – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is set to welcome an eclectic mix of music legends this year. Among the inductees are Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order. Notably, the Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross are being recognized for the first time.
The announcement was made during Monday night’s “American Idol” broadcast. To qualify for this prestigious honor, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The selection process involved over 1,200 votes from artists, historians, and music industry experts.
Phil Collins, who already holds a spot in the hall with Genesis, is celebrated for his solo achievements with hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night.” He boasts eight Grammy Awards, including the 1985 Album of the Year for “No Jacket Required.” This marks his inaugural nomination for the solo category.
Sade, another 2024 nominee, is recognized for her silky smooth hits such as “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” Meanwhile, the Wu-Tang Clan, revered for revolutionizing rap with their groundbreaking 1993 release “Enter the Wu-Tang,” also joins the list.
Iron Maiden, making their third appearance as nominees, played a crucial role in the rise of British heavy metal with legendary albums like “The Number of the Beast.” Luther Vandross, whose soulful voice graced hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” continues to inspire artists, including Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Vandross passed away in 2005, leaving behind a significant musical legacy.
This year, the hall will open its arms to the sounds of Manchester, England, inducting post-punk pioneers Joy Division and New Order — which shared most of the same members — as well as Britpop’s recently reunited Oasis, made up of Noel and Liam Gallagher. Idol, also English, has brought a punky sneer to pop with songs like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell.”
The induction will be held Nov. 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. A TV presentation will air in December on ABC and Disney+. Next year, the ceremony will return to the hall’s home of Cleveland.
Those nominated this year but who came up short for the class of 2026 include Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition and Shakira.
In addition to the performer category, inductees entering the hall can arrive under three special committee categories: early influence, musical excellence and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award.
The early influence award this year will honor Queen Latifah, Cuban singer Celia Cruz, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, rapper MC Lyte and country rocker Gram Parsons. The musical excellence will honor songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin.
More than 50 years after his death, Ed Sullivan, the legendary host of his self-titled appointment-viewing TV show, will go into the hall with the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. It’s a recognition of how important his Sunday night stage became as a launchpad for nearly every musical icon of the 1950s and ’60s and of how his show helped break racial barriers in American entertainment.
Last year, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell and Warren Zevon all were inducted.
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