’80s Rockers, Taylor Swift up for Songwriters Hall of Fame — See the Other Nominees

Some of your favorite singers may have just received a prestigious nod.

The nominees for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame class were announced on Thursday, Oct. 23, with big names like Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins, Pink, Sarah McLachlan and David Byrne making the list.

Overall, the prestigious list also includes:

• Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s

• Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who

• Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss

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The performer-songwriter category includes:

• Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters (“Top Of The World,” “Yesterday Once More” and “Goodbye To Love”)

• Harry Wayne Casey — aka KC of KC and the Sunshine Band

The non-performing songwriter category includes:

• disco icon Pete Bellotte (known for his work with Donna Summer)

• Swedish pop producer Andreas Carlsson (Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” and Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas,” among others)

• Steve Kipner (Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical”)

• Madonna collaborator Patrick Leonard (“Like A Prayer,” “Live To Tell”)

• Martin Page (Starships’ “We Built This City”)

• Terry Britten and Graham Lyle duo (Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It”)

See the complete list of 2026 nominees here.

A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song, Variety reports. Eligible voting members have until midnight Eastern on Dec. 4 to turn in ballots with their choices of up to three nominees from the songwriter category and up to three from the performing-songwriter category.

Swift’s latest nomination comes during yet another successful streak, as the billionaire pop star, 35, is currently riding high off the success of her latest album. The Life of a Showgirl is full of hits and shoutouts to fellow celebrities, including 50 Cent — who recently opened up about the possibility of ever collaborating with her.

“We got to ask her because she’s in the driver [seat],” the rapper, 50, told Extra TV. “You know how big Taylor Swift is right now? She has to have a record that sounds like it might sound good with 50.”

This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.