The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s big tent philosophy is on full display in the list of potential 2026 inductees.

The 16 acts under consideration were announced Wednesday morning — The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Oasis, P!nk, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

At least five of those acts will be inducted this fall when the ceremony returns to Cleveland.

It’s a list that’s sure to make the head explode of any fist-pumping rocker who’s ever muttered, “How can (insert name of a pop star or rapper) be in the Rock Hall when (insert name of a classic rock band that played arenas in the 1970s) isn’t.”

It’s an eclectic bunch filled with first-time nominees. Seven of the acts are making their first appearance on the ballot (Collins is in as a member of Genesis but it’s his first nomination for his solo work).

It also made me feel old. My first reaction was, “P!nk has been around long enough to be considered for the Rock Hall?” That can’t be. I remember my kids listening to “Get the Party Started” on WHOT-FM getting ready for school in the morning.

Then again, both my daughters’ ages start with a 3 and it’s not a single digit. That single came out 25 years ago, which makes P!ink eligible.

If I’m picking five names from that group, she’d probably get one of my votes. I was impressed with her live show when I saw her at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in 2023. She has a deep catalog of hits, and she’s always carried herself with more rock ‘n’ roll swagger than her pop contemporaries (for instance, Mariah Carey, who doesn’t exude a drop of rock attitude, even if she made an alternative rock album in the mid ’90s).

I’m fine with the Rock Hall’s broad definition of the genre. Jimmie Rodgers and Woody Guthrie aren’t rockers either, but they’re inductees for influencing the music that followed. It only makes sense to consider those influenced by rock music, which hip hop certainly was.

With the hip hop precedent already established, Wu Tang Clan certainly merits induction, if not this year, eventually.

The hugely successful reunion tour last summer by Oasis is the kind of attention-grabbing event that helps propel a group from nominee to inductee. And let’s not forget, the induction ceremony also is an arena-sized concert and a TV show. The possibility of what might happen if both Noel and Liam Gallagher show up at the event would make it a hot ticket and must-see TV.

Collins’ well-publicized health issues may inspire some Rock Hall voters to prioritize his induction while he’s still alive to accept it. If he’s healthy enough to attend the ceremony, it also would be an emotional part of the live event.

I could argue a case for most of the nominees, although Sade and Shakira feel like a reach. And while he wouldn’t be the first Rock Hall act inducted for essentially one album, I don’t know that Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” had the same cultural impact as the Sex Pistols’ “Never Mind the Bollocks …” to merit induction for a single album before his death.

Iron Maiden are heavy metal icons worthy of induction, Joy Division/New Order is hugely influential and Etheridge, Vandross and Hill are singular talents.

I’m a fan of the Black Crowes and have seen the band a few times over the years. I’d be happy to see the group get in, but I can name a half dozen bands in that vein that are just as worthy. Frankly, Idol and INXS feel like second-tier nominees as well. They may get in eventually, but I doubt it will happen this year.

I think Oasis, Collins and Wu Tang are likely, but after that it’s a crapshoot. One thing is certain, though. No matter who gets in, there will be plenty of complaining about who was left out.

Andy Gray is the entertainment editor of Ticket. Write to him at agray@tribtoday.com.