George Michael appears to be the fan favorite among 2023 nominees for induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The official Twitter account for the late British superstar singer tweeted the news. “Over one million votes! George wins the #RockHall2023 fan vote. Thank you to all of the amazing fans for voting every day for George. Thank you for your continued support,” the tweet reads.
According to the tally, George Michael received 1,040,072 votes from fans who voted online or in person at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Those keeping close track of the 2023 nominations this year reveal George Michael has been the fan favorite in the lead since March.
Other contenders include Cyndi Lauper (928,113 votes), Warren Zevon (634,130 votes), Iron Maiden (449, 682 votes), and Soundgarden (427,040). The fan vote doesn’t secure induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—but it does help. The five highest on the list will be included together on a single fan ballot to be tallied with the ballots from official voting members. The official inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will likely be announced in May.
Nominees for this class were revealed earlier this year and include Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliot, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, The Spinners, A Tribe Called Quest, The White Stripes, Warren Zevon.
In order to be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years before their first nomination. Eight out of these 14 nominees are on the ballot for the first time this year, including Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliot, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Willie Nelson, The White Stripes, and Warren Zevon. This is the first year of eligibility for Missy Elliott and The White Stripes.