The fan vote for 2026 nominees for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum ended April 3 with a set of artists that will surely cause controversy.
The only thing left to see is whether the tastes of the masses align with the powers that be who run the facility located on the shores of Lake Erie. The final list of nominees will be revealed on ABC’s (WEWS Channel 5 locally) April 13 installment of “American Idol.”
Who landed top spot in fan voting for the Rock Hall nominees?
Surprisingly, Boston R&B group New Edition came in at No. 1 in the fan vote. Of more than nine million votes cast, New Edition racked up 1,022,683, according to the Rock Hall’s website, however, they are awaiting final numbers.
With hits such as “Candy Girl,” “Count Me Out,” the group had a masterpiece of an R&B album in 1988 with “Heart Break,” which included hits such as “If It Isn’t Love” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” New Edition featured Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe and Michael Bivins with Johnny Gill joining the group with “Heart Break.” They formed in 1978 in the Roxbury section of Boston, but enjoyed most of its success primarily in the 1980s. As a group, they have sold more than 20 million albums, not including the members’ assorted solo sales.
Who were other favorites in fan vote for the Rock Hall?
New Edition beat out 1980s icon Phil Collins who notched 900,825. If he is selected, he will be among a select list of artists to be enshrined as part of a solo artist and band. That band, Genesis, was chosen in 2010.
Collins enjoyed triumph from his initial solo release, “Face Value,” which included the iconic song “In the Air Tonight.” He followed it with the massive success “No Jacket Required,” which yielded a slew of hits including “Sussudio” and “One More Night.” Collins’ eight solo albums have accounted for 150 million in sales worldwide.
Other fan vote nominees include:
- P!nk – 852,581 votes
- Shakira – 738,034
- Luther Vandross – 732,747
- INXS – 645,021
- Sade – 622,997
Why will fan vote list cause controversy among music fans?
It’s a never-ending debate whenever the nominees list comes out that those will debate whether an R&B group such as New Edition or hip-hop group such as Wu-Tang Clan belong. The debate often centers on such artists aren’t classified as “rock and roll.” Those debates often don’t take into consideration the roots of the art form, which is based in R&B along with others. The fan list may be premature.
Fan vote isn’t the final say for 2026 Rock Hall nominees
Popularity is one thing, but the Rock Hall wasn’t founded to recognize record sales, solely. For anyone who’s walked the corridors of architect I.M. Pei’s shrine to America’s art form, it’s likely that many names are unfamiliar.
The hall’s nominating committee along with 1,200 voters (music historians, industry members and artists) choose based on the following criteria:
- Musical excellence
- High influence on other artists
- Innovation
- Impact on music culture and development
The seven top recipients of the fans’ votes are combined into one ballot for consideration, which can make an artist’s selection challenging.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
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