Nigerian-British singer-songwriter Sade Adu has been selected for induction into the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations list, marking her second nomination.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which functions as both a museum and an honorary body, celebrates artists who have shaped the direction of popular music across genres such as rock, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul. A total of 18 artists were inducted across four categories in the 2026 class.
The announcement was made during the Hall of Fame reveal segment on American Idol, where judge Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest unveiled the 2026 inductees.
Sade secured her place in the ‘Performer Category,’ reflecting her sustained impact and global appeal.
Born on January 16, 1959, she is one of the most successful British female artists in history, and she is often recognized as an influence on contemporary music.
Known for her distinctive contralto voice, she rose to prominence with timeless hits including ‘Smooth Operator’ and ‘The Sweetest Taboo’ and has remained one of the most recognizable figures in soul and pop music.
Sade made history in 1986 when she became the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award when she was named Best New Artist.
She joins other heavyweights, including Nigeria’s Fela Kuti, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, and Lauryn Hill.
Sade was first nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 but didn’t make the final class.
The induction ceremony will be held on 14 November 2026 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
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