Episode Title: Rock Hall 2026: Who Actually Belongs? Pop Takeover or Real Rock? with Alan Cross

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Leake in Review, host Jeff Leake is joined by Canadian music legend Alan Cross (host of The Ongoing History of New Music and one of the sharpest voices on rock history) for a deep-dive debate on the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees.

With the fan vote in full swing and millions already cast, the guys tackle the big questions:

• Who should get in this year?
• Who’s getting robbed?
• And most importantly — is this still the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when the ballot is loaded with massive pop, R&B, and hip-hop acts?

Alan brings decades of insight, hot takes on the shifting definition of “rock,” and his unfiltered picks for who deserves the nod (and who doesn’t). Jeff fires back with listener votes and his own bold opinions in what turns into one of the most passionate Rock Hall debates you’ll hear all year.

Full List of 2026 Nominees (17 acts):

• 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
• Wu-Tang Clan

Key Timelines:

• Nominations announced: February 25, 2026
• Fan Vote (daily voting): Open now — ends April 3, 2026 (vote at vote.rockhall.com)
• Official inductees revealed: April 2026
• Induction Ceremony: Fall 2026