Global music icon Sade Adu has once again secured a nomination for induction into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking her second appearance on the ballot following her first nomination in 2024.
The Nigerian-born British singer, widely celebrated for her smooth contralto voice and timeless classics such as Smooth Operator, No Ordinary Love, and The Sweetest Taboo, joins an impressive and diverse list of artists competing for a place in the 2026 induction class.
At 67, Sade remains one of the most influential figures in modern soul and pop music. As the lead vocalist of the band Sade, she helped redefine global music in the 1980s by blending soul, jazz, R&B, and soft rock into a sophisticated sound that continues to inspire generations of artists worldwide.
Her career milestones include making history in 1986 as the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award — a moment widely regarded as groundbreaking for African representation in international music. Over the decades, her music has maintained remarkable longevity, consistently attracting new listeners through streaming platforms and cultural rediscovery.
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee class reflects a wide range of musical eras and genres. First-time nominees include Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Returning nominees alongside Sade include The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, and Oasis, making this year’s competition particularly intense.
To qualify for nomination, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. Final inductees will be selected by a voting body of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals, with results expected to be announced in April. The official induction ceremony will take place later in the year.
For many fans and industry observers, Sade’s continued recognition signals growing acknowledgment of her lasting cultural impact and artistic influence. Should she be inducted in 2026, it would further solidify her legacy as one of the most successful and influential British female artists — and one of the most globally respected musicians of all time.
