In what should unfortunately be a surprise to nobody, both Judas Priest and Rage Against The Machine did not get enough votes on the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class Of 2022 fan ballot to break the top 5. Granted, the fan ballot is only one portion of the voting process and will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2022 inductees. The final count for the fan ballot was:
- Duran Duran – 934,880 Votes
- Eminem – 684,237 Votes
- Pat Benatar – 631,299 Votes
- Eurythmics – 442,271 Votes
- Dolly Parton – 393,796 Votes
- Judas Priest – 365,999 Votes
- Carly Simon – 335,489 Votes
- Lionel Richie – 302,877 Votes
- Devo – 224,723 Votes
- Kate Bush – 207,563 Votes
- Rage Against The Machine – 190,063 Votes
- Dionne Warwick – 186,038 Votes
- A Tribe Called Quest – 145,287 Votes
- New York Dolls – 120,958 Votes
- Beck – 99,771 Votes
- MC5 – 93,666 Votes
- Fela Kuti – 69,656 Votes
It's worth noting that Dolly Parton attempted to remove herself from the fan ballot because she felt that she has not "earned that right," adding later in her statement that "I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out." The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame responded, saying they felt she should stay on and refused to remove her nomination.
"All of us in the music community have seen Dolly Parton's thoughtful note expressing her feeling that she has not earned the right to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to her incredible talent as an artist, her humility is another reason Dolly is a beloved icon by millions of fans around the world.
"From its inception, Rock & Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music. It is not defined by any one genre, rather a sound that moves youth culture. Dolly Parton's music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed. Her nomination to be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.
"Dolly's nomination, along with the other 16 for the class of 2022, was sent out earlier this month to our 1,200 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for consideration for induction at our ceremony.
"We are in awe of Dolly's brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."