I find a lot of inconsistencies in the nominating and voting process. Kate Bush is great, but how many Americans really know a damn thing about her? And if she gets in, why are legendary UK guys like Roy Wood/The Move (Wood is already in with ELO) or Paul Weller/The Jam/Style Council not also under consideration?
If George Michael gets in, what about other pop artists with far longer histories and more hits, like The Carpenters or Cher or Phil Collins?
Progressive rock is underrepresented. I'd argue that King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and ELP are all more influential than Rush.
And when talking about "influential", strong cases could be made for The Replacement, Big Star and Thin Lizzy, bands who are routinely cited as major influences for dozens of major bands.
Here's a somewhat rando list done in 2021 of "
100 Major RnRHoF Snubs". A handful, like Willie and Dolly and The Spinners have since gotten in. I don't agree with most of the suggestions, but in addition to the artists I cited above, I'd say Iggy Pop, Dionne Warwick, Glen Campbell, Brian Eno and probably The Smiths should all be next up.