Sade Adu Earns Second Nomination for 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

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Nigerian-born British music legend Sade Adu, born Helen Folasade Adu, has once again been nominated for induction into the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking her second opportunity to receive one of music’s highest honours. The 67-year-old singer, renowned for her smooth contralto voice and timeless hits like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo”, joins a select group of 17 artists considered for this year’s induction.

The 2026 list includes both first-time nominees and returning hopefuls, showcasing a mix of genres and global influences:

First-Time Nominees:

• Jeff Buckley

• Phil Collins

• Melissa Etheridge

• Lauryn Hill

• INXS

• New Edition

• Pink

• Shakira

• Luther Vandross

• Wu-Tang Clan

Returning Nominees:

• The Black Crowes

• Mariah Carey

• Billy Idol

• Iron Maiden

• Joy Division/New Order

• Oasis

• Sade Adu

To qualify for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, an artist must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. Over 1,200 music industry professionals, historians, and fellow musicians will vote to determine the inductees for 2026. The winners are expected to be announced in April, with the formal induction ceremony to follow later in the year.

Sade’s nomination is historic on several fronts. She first received recognition from the Hall of Fame in 2024, making her the first Nigerian-born artist to achieve a Grammy Award when she won in 1986. Over the decades, she has maintained a stellar international career, earning acclaim for her soulful, elegant vocals and a style that blends R&B, jazz, and soft pop into a sound uniquely her own.

Her music has influenced generations of artists and continues to resonate across cultures. Songs like “No Ordinary Love”, “By Your Side”, and “Paradise” remain staples on playlists worldwide, while her live performances have earned her praise for their emotional depth and sophistication.

Sade’s nomination also highlights her remarkable longevity in an ever-changing music industry. Despite releasing only a handful of studio albums since her debut in 1984, her work has consistently achieved critical and commercial success, reinforcing her status as one of the most enduring British female artists in history.

Returning to the Hall of Fame ballot emphasizes the enduring impact of her artistry and serves as recognition of her cultural influence on a global scale. While she faces strong competition from both first-time nominees like Lauryn Hill and Wu-Tang Clan, as well as returning nominees such as Mariah Carey and Oasis, her unique voice and trailblazing achievements set her apart.

Fans and music lovers around the world will be eagerly watching the results, hoping to see Sade Adu finally receive the formal induction she richly deserves. Should she be inducted, she will solidify her place among the most influential and iconic figures in modern music history.

Sade Adu’s second nomination is more than just an acknowledgment of her past achievements; it is a celebration of her enduring artistry, her influence across multiple generations, and her role as a pioneer who brought a distinctive voice from Nigeria to the global music stage.

Her journey from Grammy-winning newcomer to internationally revered music icon continues to inspire, and a successful induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame would be a fitting testament to her legendary career.

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