Melissa Etheridge has been active in the music scene since 1988. Through her career, the singer made a mark on the industry with her Grammy-nominated self-titled debut, winning this very accolade in 1993 and 1995 for the songs 'Ain't It Heavy' and 'Come to My Window'. All things eventually did add up to an eligibility for the Rock Hall of Fame, yet to no avail, that is, until 2026.   

Now that she has been nominated for the coveted accolade, she has shifted to mulling over a possible celebrity who could induct her, and Taylor Swift seems to have made the cut. 

In an interview with ABC Audio, Melissa answers who she would like to induct her into the Rock Hall of Fame. 

“The first thing that comes to my mind is Taylor Swift. Because when I met Taylor, she did tell me that when she was 11 years old, her parents took her to my concert. And that’s where, after that, she wanted to play guitar.” Her reply clearly indicates that the pop mogul in the world is her first choice. She also explained the reasoning behind her choice, and it had to do with her being an inspiration to a younger Swift.

In the same interview, Etheridge mentioned someone just as iconic as Taylor Swift, who once expressed their desire to do the honors. The painting turned out to be of none other than the rock band U2's lead vocalist, Bono. 

“Years ago we were performing something and Bono was there, and Bono actually said he wanted to induct me,” the singer stated, making apparent the plethora of inductors laid out before her. 

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The interview also recorded Etheridge's emotions on this cornerstone event of her career, and what her hopes were about her chances.

Melissa Etheridge has been eligible for the position for more than 10 years; however, not without faith in the trajectory she built with her very guitar strings. Leaving the times behind, in fact, Etheridge has prevailed in an age where AI use in the music industry has become rampant.  

"To be honest, there was always hope. I've done a few things in my life," the singer stated, going on to show her belief in her work and herself, and it paid off. Through the years, however, while Etheridge may not have campaigned her efforts, she did mention her family's disappointment every time she failed to make it to the ballot.

Against all odds, Melissa Etheridge has now stepped past time's thresholds and into the Rock Hall of Fame as a nominee, and not an ounce shy of gratitude. Her worries, if not deep ponderation, now lie in the best inductor she can find for honoring her prestige. 

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Do you think Melissa Etheridge will make it into the Rock Hall of Fame? Who do you think will induct her? Let us know in the comments.