Whitney Houston to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame eight years after her death

Whitney Houston will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The singer, who died aged 48 in 2012, is one of six artists who have made it into the class of 2020.

They will be recognised for their contributions to music.

The I Will Always Love You singer is one of six acts to be recognised in this year, alongside rapper Notorious B.I.G., Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, T-Rex and The Doobie Brothers.

Artists to be inducted posthumously are Notorious B.I.G., real name Christopher Wallace; The Doobie Brothers drummers Michael Hossack and Keith Knudsen and every member of rock group T-Rex, apart from drummer Bill Legend.

Tribute performances to late artists are expected at the ceremony.

The six inductees saw of competition from 10 other acts on the longlist: Pat Benatar, Dave Matthews Band, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, MC5, Motorhead, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and Thin Lizzy.

However they did not receive enough votes to make it into the class of 2020.

Nine Inch Nails singer Trent Reznor said he was ‘in shock’ over the honour.

He said: ‘I’m pretty freaked out. I’m quite in shock. When I look back at how Nine Inch Nails are received, it always seems like we fall between the cracks.

‘I don’t know if it’s a defence mechanism, but I just assumed we’d stay in that category, so I’m pleasantly surprised to see us acknowledged. It feels pretty good.’

Meanwhile the three members of British electronic band Depeche Mode – Andy Fletcher, Martin Gore and Dave Gahan – released a joint statement saying: ‘We’re honoured to be included as one of this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and to stand alongside the other incredible acts in the Rock Hall and those joining this year.

‘A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us and our music over the years.’

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on 2 May at the Public Auditorium in Ohio.