Music legend Melissa Etheridge recently brought up Taylor Swift during one of her interviews, and fans of both artists are loving the reason why.
After Etheridge was recently announced as a nominee for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class earlier this week, she was asked in an interview who she would want to induct her if she is selected for the honor, prompting her to name-drop none other than the “Opalite” songstress.
“The first thing that comes to my mind is Taylor Swift,” Etheridge, 64, told ABC Audio in an article published Thursday, Feb. 26. “Because when I met Taylor, she did tell me that when she was 11 years old her parents took her to my concert. And that’s where, after that, she wanted to play guitar.”
“So I know I’ve been an inspiration,” Etheridge added.
Swift, 36, is also mentioned in Etheridge’s biography page on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website, which states that the her influence is “heard in artists like Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Swift, and the countless others she continues to inspire.”
But Swift isn’t the only artist that Etheridge mentioned as a potential presenter if she is inducted this year, as she also revealed that Bono previously said he’d be up for the task if given the opportunity.
“Years ago…we were performing something and Bono was there, and Bono actually said…he wanted to induct me,” she added. “So, you know, I have no idea.”
This year, Etheridge is among a number of impressive artists also on the 2026 ballot, including The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins,Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Oasis, P!nk, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
The final inductees for 2026 are expected to be announced in April.
Related: Phil Collins Could Make History If Selected For Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Class
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.aol.com ’
