Inductees: Walter Afanasieff  |  Terry Britten and Graham Lyle  |  Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS  |  Kenny Loggins  |  Alanis Morissette  |  Christopher “Tricky” Stewart  |  Taylor Swift

Special Award Recipients: John Fogerty  |  Rachel Agatha Keen p/k/a RAYE

Presenters/Performers: Dallas Austin  | Tamar Braxton  |  Kylie Cantrall  |  Brandi Carlile  |  Billy Corgan  |  Madison Cunningham  |  Taylor Dayne  |  Gavin DeGraw  |  Steve Miller  |  Jeremy Renner  |  Nile Rodgers  |  Johnny Rzeznik  |  Sheléa  |  SistaStrings  |  sombr  |  Steven Spielberg

The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame Annual Induction and Awards Dinner was a sparkling success, as SHOF President/CEO Linda Moran and chairman Nile Rodgers recognized and celebrated some of the best songwriting legends of our time. Songwriting icons Walter Afanasieff; Terry Britten and Graham Lyle; Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS; Kenny Loggins; Alanis Morissette; Christopher “Tricky” Stewart; and Taylor Swift were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Honored with special awards were John Fogerty with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award and Rachel Keen p/k/a RAYE with the Hal David Starlight Award.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner once again proved why it remains one of music’s most celebrated nights, bringing together legendary songwriters, iconic performances, and unforgettable tributes. Show committee chair Evan Lamberg opened the evening by welcoming guests before introducing Songwriters Hall of Fame President and CEO Linda Moran to a standing ovation. Moran set the tone for the celebration, kicking off an unforgettable evening honoring the art and craft of songwriting.

To begin, Moran welcomed Tamar Braxton, who delivered a show-stopping rendition of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" in honor of songwriter Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. Dallas Austin then celebrated Stewart's extraordinary career, sharing that he is "one of the greatest songwriters and producers of our generation" before introducing Kylie Cantrall, who delivered a high energy performance of "Umbrella." Following the tribute, Austin inducted Stewart into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, to which the crowd erupted in cheers.

Madison Cunningham enchanted the audience with an acoustic performance of “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” celebrating the songwriting legacy of Terry Britten and Graham Lyle. Actress and longtime friend Jane Seymour then surprised the duo with heartfelt remarks before welcoming Taylor Dayne, who delivered a spectacular performance of “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” Seymour subsequently inducted Britten and Lyle into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, calling them "musical heroes." During his induction, Britten thanked Graham for being a great partner, admitting that the honor left him feeling a touch of “imposter syndrome,” as being inducted is “beyond his dreams.” 

Next, Steve Miller presented John Fogerty with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, praising his “unwavering fight for artists’ rights” and calling him “Americana at its finest.” John Fogerty then delighted the audience with a career-spanning story before performing a medley of hits, including “Oh! Susanna,” “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” and “The Old Man Down the Road,” prompting a room-wide singalong.

The celebration continued as Jeremy Renner paid tribute to Walter Afanasieff, praising the songwriter and producer for helping create "the soundtrack of our lives." Sheléa then captivated the audience with a jaw-dropping medley of Afanasieff-penned classics, including “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Hero,” “My All,” “One Sweet Day,” and “Anytime You Need a Friend.” In his speech, Afanasieff reflected on his lifelong passion for songwriting, stating that "music is the only thing” he knows.

To spotlight the songwriting achievements of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Billy Corgan brought the crowd to its feet with a powerful rendition of “Rock and Roll All Nite” before being joined by John Rzeznik for a performance of “Shout It Out Loud.” Following the tribute, Corgan and Rzeznik inducted Simmons and Stanley, praising the duo's lasting impact on rock music and their unprecedented 50 year songwriting partnership. While Gene Simmons was unable to attend the ceremony, Paul Stanley accepted the honor on behalf of them both, sharing that the recognition was "something they will never forget."

In honor of Alanis Morissette, performers Brandi Carlile and Sistastrings delivered a stunning version of “Uninvited” before Carlile inducted Morissette into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, saying her “songs penetrate our consciousness and pierce the soul.” Morissette shared that she was “really moved” by the honor and that “the act of writing songs and sharing them became my thank you to God,” before performing her hits “Mary Jane” and “You Oughta Know,” earning a standing ovation from the crowd.

Nile Rodgers honored Rachel Keen p/k/a RAYE with the Hal David Starlight Award, an award for gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs. Rachel Keen p/k/a RAYE expressed her appreciation, stating that "writing songs is a commentary on the human experience" and that being in a room filled with songwriters made her feel incredibly grateful. Rachel Keen p/k/a RAYE moved the crowd with her performance of “Click Clack Symphony.”

Later in the evening, Gavin DeGraw paid tribute to Kenny Loggins with a moving rendition of "Danny's Song." DeGraw then inducted Loggins into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary songwriting career and enduring influence on generations of artists. Loggins and his stepdaughter Hunter Hawkins later graced the audience with a stunning performance of “Heart to Heart,” and Gavin DeGraw rejoined Loggins and Hawkins on stage for “Celebrate Me Home.”

The celebratory evening concluded with the induction of Taylor Swift into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. sombr performed “cardigan” and “Dear John,” setting the stage for a surprise appearance by Steven Spielberg, who delighted attendees as he took the stage to induct Swift into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Spielberg praised Swift for being the “most successful female artist of not just our time, but of all time.” Upon accepting the honor, Swift reflected on her songwriting journey, sharing that songwriting was “the easiest thing I ever did,” not because it didn't require effort or wasn't frustrating at times, but because it was the one thing that came naturally to her. Swift closed her remarks by sharing that she will be forever grateful to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.