2026 marks 25 years since the release of some of the most iconic and game-changing music from the turn of the millennium. With that milestone, a wide range of artists are now newly eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From nu-metal titans to indie legends and genre-bending visionaries, these acts helped define the early 2000s—and their influence still echoes today. Here are 20 of the most impactful new eligibles to keep your eye on.
Linkin Park
One of the most commercially and culturally dominant bands of the 2000s, Linkin Park fused rap, metal, and electronic elements into a sound that defined a generation. Their debut ‘Hybrid Theory’ remains one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
Gorillaz
The world’s first virtual band, Gorillaz revolutionized what a band could be. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s genre-smashing creation blurred the lines between rock, hip-hop, and animation, crafting unforgettable hits like “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.”
Nelly Furtado
A genre chameleon from the start, Nelly Furtado soared with the folk-pop hit “I’m Like a Bird” before redefining pop with Timbaland on Loose. Her global perspective and constant reinvention make her a key figure in 2000s music.
Pink
From punky pop rebel to powerhouse vocalist and arena-filling performer, Pink has continually evolved while maintaining chart-topping consistency and cultural relevance. She’s a pop-rock trailblazer with serious Hall of Fame credentials.
Interpol
The brooding NYC post-punks helped usher in a new era of indie rock with ‘Turn on the Bright Lights.’ Their stylish melancholy and taut guitar lines made them icons of the early aughts alt scene.
The All-American Rejects
With hook-filled anthems like “Swing, Swing” and “Move Along,” The All-American Rejects brought emo and pop-punk into the mainstream and carved out their place in 2000s radio history.
Sum 41
Canada’s skate-punk heroes were as ferocious as they were fun, mixing pop-punk with metal riffs and irreverent humor. Songs like “Fat Lip” and “In Too Deep” still fill mosh pits today.
Michelle Branch
Blending singer-songwriter earnestness with pop-rock production, Michelle Branch’s debut helped lay the groundwork for the 2000s female alt-pop resurgence. Her influence can be heard in countless artists today.
Nelly
One of the biggest crossover rap stars of his time, Nelly brought Southern swagger and infectious hooks to the top of the charts with hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Country Grammar.”
Dashboard Confessional
Chris Carrabba’s heart-on-sleeve lyricism turned acoustic emo into a movement. Dashboard’s confessional songwriting gave voice to a generation of emotionally raw youth.
The Avett Brothers
Before folk-pop exploded, The Avett Brothers were building a grassroots following with earnest songwriting and spirited live shows. Their blend of bluegrass, rock, and Americana proved timeless.
Disturbed
With their growling vocals and punishing riffs, Disturbed became modern metal staples. Their 2000 debut ‘The Sickness’ and iconic cover of “The Sound of Silence” made waves far beyond metal circles.
Goldfrapp
Blending synthpop, glam, and trip-hop, Goldfrapp delivered dreamy yet danceable soundscapes that helped define the electronic edge of indie music in the 2000s.
Sufjan Stevens
The indie-folk polymath captured hearts with ‘Michigan’ and stunned with the sweeping ambition of ‘Illinois.’ His baroque pop explorations turned personal stories into grand American mythologies.
Rise Against
Fierce, melodic, and politically charged, Rise Against channeled punk rock urgency into anthems that resonated deeply in a post-9/11 America.
Regina Spektor
A piano-playing poet with a flair for storytelling and eccentricity, Regina Spektor brought charm, wit, and depth to the indie singer-songwriter scene.
Antony & the Johnsons
With a voice both operatic and otherworldly, Anohni (formerly Antony) created haunting, deeply emotional chamber-pop that explored gender, identity, and vulnerability.
The New Pornographers
This Canadian supergroup delivered power-pop perfection and helped define indie rock’s golden era with intricate harmonies, smart lyrics, and boundless energy.
Taking Back Sunday
Their back-and-forth vocals and confessional angst helped launch the second wave of emo into mainstream consciousness. An essential part of the Warped Tour-era canon.
Juanes
The Colombian superstar brought Latin rock to the world stage with a blend of socially conscious lyrics, pop hooks, and dazzling guitar work. He’s a global icon with deep musical roots.
These artists may be entering their eligibility, but they’ve already left their mark. Whether the Hall embraces nu-metal’s angst, emo’s raw honesty, or indie’s experimental spirit, 2026 will be a thrilling year for rock history.
