It seems hell has frozen over: Long-overlooked Cher has been nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

With last year’s DJ Play the Christmas Song, Cher achieved a number one hit in seven consecutive decades. It made it all the more glaring – and ridiculous – that this music icon has not been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – the same institution that inducted Dolly Parton who had never recorded a rock song until after her induction.

I’ve ranted about this each year when they unveil the latest nominees/inductees but won’t have to tonight because Cher is one of this year’s 15 nominees vying for a spot. The others are Mariah Carey, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Sinéad O’Connor, Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade, Foreigner, Mary J. Blige, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Jane’s Addiction, and A Tribe Called Quest.

Final inductees will be announced in April.

You gotta wonder if Cher speaking out a few months ago finally got her on the ballot.

Cher told Kelly Clarkson on her talk show that she wouldn’t participate now even if they wanted to honor her.

“You know what, I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me a million dollars,” Cher said. “I’m never gonna change my mind. “They can just you know what themselves.”

Cher added: “I changed music forever with Believe.”

The annual snub of Cher had reduced the credibility of the whole enterprise, quite frankly, since only she and The Rolling Stones have the seven decade number one achievement. If anyone thinks Cher isn’t rock and roll enough (like Dolly?), listen to Heart of Stone, Just Like Jesse James, If I Could Turn Back Time, All or Nothing, I Found Someone, just to name a few. Then there’s Believe.

The Hall of Fame’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Greg Harris told NPR said if Cher is selected, he hopes she’ll change her mind. “She’s a terrific nominee. Certainly belongs on this ballot.”

Cher’s publicist did not immediately respond to NPR’s request for comment about the singer’s nomination.