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By Seyi Babalola
Helen Folasade Adu, the Nigerian-born British singer known as Sade Adu, has been named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 nominations list, marking her second nomination.
The 67-year-old Grammy winner, noted for her classic contralto voice and hits like as ‘Smooth Operator’ and ‘The Sweetest Taboo,’ is one of 17 artists up for inclusion this year.
The list, published on Wednesday by the Hall, spans many genres, with 10 of the 17 nominees appearing on the ballot for the first time.
First-time nominees:
Jeff Buckley
Phil Collins
Melissa Etheridge
Lauryn Hill
INXS
New Edition
Pink
Shakira
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
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Returning nominees:
The Black Crowes
Mariah Carey
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Sade
To be eligible, artistes must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago. The 2026 inductees will be chosen by a vote of over 1,200 artistes, historians, and music industry professionals, with the winners set to be announced in April. The induction ceremony will take place later in the year.
Sade was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
In 1986, she became the first Nigerian-born artiste to win a Grammy Award.
She is widely considered as one of the most successful British female artists in history.
