The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) has unveiled the nominees for its 2026 Induction & Awards Gala, set to take place in New York City next year. The annual event celebrates the songwriters and composers whose work has made a lasting impact on the music industry. Among this year’s most notable nominees are Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, David Byrne, and the legendary members of KISS, The Go-Go’s, and America.
To qualify, nominees must have a catalog of notable songs released at least 20 years ago. The SHOF’s mission is to honor the creators behind the music — those whose lyrics and melodies define eras, genres, and generations. Eligible voting members will have until December 4, 2025, to cast their ballots, choosing up to three nominees in both the Songwriter and Performing Songwriter categories.
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The Performing Songwriter category includes icons like Taylor Swift, who has just entered her 20th year of career, and LL Cool J, one of hip-hop’s foundational lyricists. P!nk, Boz Scaggs, and Sarah McLachlan also appear among the contenders, representing a broad range of pop, rock, and R&B innovation.
In the Songwriter category, legendary composers such as Walter Afanasieff, Andreas Carlsson, and Patrick Leonard — known for their work with some of the biggest voices in pop history — stand out. Producers and writers like Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Pete Bellotte also make the list, representing generations of hits that have defined dance floors and airwaves worldwide.
See below the full list of nominees.
Walter Afanasieff
Pete Bellotte
Andreas Carlsson
Steve Kipner
Jeffrey Steele
Patrick Leonard
Terry Britten and Graham Lyle
Bob McDill
Kenny Nolan
Martin Page
Vini Poncia
Tom Snow
Christopher “Tricky” Stewart
Larry Weiss
Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America
David Byrne
Richard Carpenter
Harry Wayne Casey
Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS
Kenny Loggins
Sarah McLachlan
P!nk
Boz Scaggs
LL Cool J
Taylor Swift
Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane M. Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s
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