The 2026 event saw Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten & Graham Lyle and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart officially inducted into the organization.
Swift’s induction into the full SHOF is historic, marking the first time a recipient of the organization’s Hal David Starlight Award, which honors gifted young songwriters who make a significant impact, has been inducted into the proper Hall of Fame (Swift received the initial honor in 2010). As you undoubtedly know, Swift is also one of the biggest stars on the planet – which meant the audience was in for a few surprises… and a few things you could have seen coming a mile away.
Alanis Morissette Stuns With a Singular Performance
In her wide-ranging appreciation of Morissette’s long and varied career, Carlile called her “a singular, once-in-a-lifetime voice,” “an empowered femme, fragile queen and everything in between” and noted her own favorite albums (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie) and songs (“That I Would Be Good”), dialing into Morissette’s uncanny ability to telegraph emotion in both the simplest and most poetic terms.
In the latter category was the mob scene surrounding Manhattan’s Marriott Marquis, where the ceremony took place on Thursday (June 11) night. With heightened security and the inevitable lookie-loos milling around, entering the SHOF felt like penetrating a Times Square fortress. But once inside, the surprises more than rewarded the effort, with Swift bringing out an impressive roster of friends and family to support her on her big night.
Aside from the Class of 2026, RAYE – who was honored with Billboard’s Indie Spirit Award on Tuesday and performed a dynamite underplay at Billboard’s Indie Live event at Blue Note Jazz Club on Wednesday – was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award, which Swift received 16 years earlier. John Fogerty, who is already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was honored with the organization’s highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award.
From marvelous medleys to candid stories, check out the best moments from the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Taylor Swift shouts out Sombr, quotes ‘Yellowstone’, tearfully thanks family during 21 minute Songwriters Hall Of Fame induction speech.
Swift asked Steven Spielberg to give her introductory speech, and she attended alongside her parents, her fiancé Travis Kelce and his mother, and Sombr also paid tribute to her at the ceremony, performing her songs ‘Cardigan’ and ‘Dear John’.
During her 21-minute speech, she returned the favour, speaking highly of Sombr. “His writing is so exceptional that it makes me actually envious, and I love that feeling,” she said. “He’s gonna be the top of my Spotify Wrapped this year, guaranteed. It’s locked.”
