America, Oct 24 ; Music fans have a reason to celebrate as the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominations have been announced, featuring some of the biggest names across pop, rock, hip-hop, and country music. Taylor Swift tops this year’s star studded list, joined by legendary rapper LL Cool J and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, according to Variety.
The nominations read like a greatest hits playlist of music history. Pop and rock icons such as Kenny Loggins, Pink, Sarah McLachlan, and the all-female band The Go-Go’s (Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, Jane Wiedlin) are also in contention.
Rock legends including Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America, and Kiss icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley round out the rock category.
In the performer-songwriter category, Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters, KC of KC and the Sunshine Band, and singer-guitarist Boz Scaggs are recognized for their lasting influence on music.
Non-performing songwriters also shine this year. Disco legend Pete Bellotte, Swedish pop producer Andreas Carlsson, and Steve Kipner, writer of hits like Olivia Newton-John’s Physical and Christina Aguilera’s Genie in a Bottle, are among the nominees. Other notable names include Patrick Leonard, Vini Poncia, Martin Page, Kenny Nolan, and the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, who penned Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got to Do with It.
Country music sees strong representation with Jeffrey Steele, Bob McDill, Larry Weiss, and Don Williams, while R&B-pop contributors like Tom Snow and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart are recognized. Longtime Mariah Carey collaborator Walter Afanasieff, known for All I Want for Christmas Is You, earns another nomination.
To qualify for induction, a songwriter must have released their first commercial song at least 20 years ago. Voting members can select up to three nominees from both major categories until midnight Eastern Time on December 4.
Since its founding in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame has honored legends including Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Billy Joel, and Lionel Richie, cementing its place as one of the music world’s highest accolades.