Taylor Swift just made history.
At 36 years old, the singer became the youngest woman ever to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame during Thursday’s 2026 Induction and Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
In her acceptance speech, Swift tearfully thanked her family — including her parents, Scott and Andrea Swift, and brother, Austin Swift — for “uprooting their entire lives” to move from Pennsylvania to Nashville, which she called “the songwriting capital of the world,” in support of her music career.
“You’re the reason I am here tonight,” she added.
Additionally, she’s the first artist to go from winning the SHOF’s prestigious Hal David Starlight Award (in 2010) to full membership status in 2026 — 20 years after the release of her debut single, “Tim McGraw.”
Artists with a notable catalog of songs can qualify for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song.
Swift’s key tracks recognized by the SHOF include “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” “Blank Space,” “Anti-Hero,” “Love Story” and “The Last Great American Dynasty.”
The songwriter previously revealed that many of her best ideas have come to her “in the middle of the night” when she’s “trying to get to sleep” and inspiration strikes.
“I get an idea. And I’m, like, ‘Well, I’m not tired anyway,’” she said in an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning” back in 2019. “And then kind of wander over here [to my piano].”
This year’s other inductees include Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock band KISS, Alanis Morissette, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten, Graham Lyle and Kenny Loggins.
“The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs,” Nile Rodgers, SHOF Chairman, explained in a January press release. “Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator.”
“We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history,” the statement continued. “This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”
Swift’s appearance at the SHOF induction ceremony comes just weeks before she and her fiancée, Travis Kelce, are set to tie the knot in the Big Apple.
Page Six exclusively reported earlier this month that the singer and the NFL star, also 36, will say “I do” at Madison Square Garden over the July 3 weekend.
“Everyone’s been sworn to secrecy,” one insider explained, with another noting that when “you have billions,” you can easily transform a space like the Garden “into a wedding venue.”
The iconic indoor arena — which is home to the New York Knicks basketball team, the New York Rangers hockey team, numerous concerts, events and more — is a special space for Swift.
The “Welcome to New York” singer has performed there an impressive eight times: Once for 2009’s “Fearless” tour, twice for her “Speak Now” tour and four times for the Z100 Jingle Ball.
Swift was most recently in the arena on Wednesday night, witnessing the Knicks defeat the Spurs 107-106, in one of the most historic comebacks in NBA Finals history. All eyes were on the singer as she sat in the Garden’s iconic celebrity row alongside Este and Alana Haim, Mariska Hargitay, Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Hailey Bieber and several other A-listers.
Reps for MSG did not respond to Page Six’s repeated requests for comment.
