Luther Vandross and Sade to Be Inducted Into 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

04/15/2026 2

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has unveiled its class of 2026 inductees.

The names were announced Monday night by Ryan Seacrest and Hall of Famer Lionel Richie during a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol on ABC and Disney+.

Luther Vandross and Sade are among the icons who will be inducted at the ceremony, which will tape Nov. 14 at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony will then air in December on ABC and Disney+.

“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Chairman John Sykes. “We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony – it’s going to be an unforgettable night.”

Both Vandross and Sade, the band, are included in the performer category, reserved for artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence have changed the course of rock & roll. Vandross is a first-time nominee, while Sade was previously nominated in 2024.

The performer category also includes Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Oasis, Iron Maiden and Joy Division/New Order.

In the Early Influence Award category, inductees include Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Celia Cruz and Fela Kuti, among others. The award is “given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music.”

To be eligible for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inclusion, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.

Ticket information for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be announced at a later date.

This year’s nominees were announced at the end of February. Among the nominees were New Edition, Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill. Despite New Edition receiving the most fan votes among the 17 entries (over 1 million), they did not get inducted. Following uproar from fans, the group shared a joint statement on Instagram.

“Dear Family, Friends, Fans, and NE4LIFERS — We see you. And we appreciate you. Over a million votes? That’s love, and we felt every bit of it. Yeah, we didn’t get inducted this year, but don’t get it twisted… we’re just getting started,” said New Edition.

The continued, “If you know the game, you know this ain’t always first-round picks. Ask Dave Matthews Band — they ran it back 6 years straight before they got their flowers. So we’ll be back. Stronger and better, because we know all of you will be behind us every step of the way. And Congratulations to every artist that got in this year! You deserve it as well. To everybody who rode with us — thank you. Keep that same energy. Keep that same fire in 2027 when it’s time to vote again. We love you. Always.”

See the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 inductees below.