of the bands/artists I feel comfortable in commenting on:

The Beastie Boys - all I remember is "Fight For Your Right To Party" - I consider them a one hit wonder, but many of their later albums were incredibly well received. I don't think they will make it.

Madonna - she will get in. Love her or hate her (I'm in the middle) she started an attitude that a lot of others follow to this day.

Chic - branded a disco band. Too bad - Great musicians. Should be in.

Donna Summer - disco diva - great voice - nope.

John Mellencamp - great early rocker (as "Cougar") - morphed into a country Springsteen - close, but no cigar.

Chicago - incredible string of hits - I think the problem here is that many consider them now to be a manufactured band - if they won, who would accept the award? Terry Kath died in 1978 and Cetera quit the band.