A number of major music icons, including Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order, have been selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The announcement was made during a broadcast of American Idol on the night of April 13. Artists become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording, with inductees chosen through votes by more than 1,200 musicians, historians, and music industry professionals.
Phil Collins had previously been inducted as a member of Genesis, but this marks his recognition as a solo artist. Known for hits such as In the Air Tonight and One More Night, he is an eight-time Grammy winner and also earned Album of the Year at the 1985 Grammy Awards for No Jacket Required, securing induction on his first solo nomination.
British band Sade, best known for songs like Smooth Operator and The Sweetest Taboo, also joins the prestigious list after previously receiving a nomination in 2024. Meanwhile, Wu-Tang Clan, making their first nomination appearance, have long been recognised as pioneers in hip-hop since the release of their landmark 1993 debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, who have been nominated twice before, are celebrated for helping shape the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with classic albums such as The Number of the Beast. Oasis, Billy Idol, and Joy Division/New Order also join the class, representing some of the most influential acts in rock and alternative music history.
The late R&B and soul singer Luther Vandross was also among the inductees, having sold over 25 million albums and produced timeless hits such as Here and Now and Any Love. Vandross, who passed away in 2005, is noted for his lasting influence on artists including Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
However, several high-profile artists missed out on induction this year, including Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira.
