For the first time, Taylor Swift could be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

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For the first time, Taylor Swift could be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean October 24, 2025 at 3:25 AM

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For the first time, Taylor Swift could be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Taylor Swift might soon check off another accomplishment on her "Wi$h Li$t."

At 35, the showgirl has officially been nominated to join the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She joins the 2026 ballot – announced Thursday, Oct. 23 – alongside LL Cool J, David Byrne, Sarah McLachlan, Pink, Kenny Loggins and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS.

Other nominees include Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go's, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of the Guess Who, and Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America.

This is Swift's first nomination.

A songwriter with a catalog of notable music can only qualify for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. Swift's first single, "Tim McGraw," dropped in June 2006, barely making the cutoff for a June 2026 induction ceremony.

Three songwriters will be inducted from each category. The ceremony will take place in New York City in 2026.

In 2010, Swift received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Hal David Starlight Award, an honor given to young songwriters. She would be the first person to earn both the Starlight and full membership.

Swift released her latest record "The Life of a Showgirl" on Oct. 3, and it recently surpassed 4 million album units sold. She also had a major career accomplishment this year in buying back her master recordings. Since forking over an undisclosed amount of money to the private equity firm that had purchased the master rights to her first six albums, she now owns every aspect of her career, including videos, concert films, art, photography and unreleased materials.

Voters have until Dec. 4 to cast their votes for up to three nominees in both categories. To qualify as a voter, individuals must be a music industry professional or a member of a performing rights organization like ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.

Taylor Swift's 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl" drops Friday, Oct. 4, and the album marks a glamorous new era for the pop star. It was also inspired by her life behind the scenes during the Eras Tour. She's been influenced by many throughout her career, scroll through to see the people who inspired the music and fashion behind her new era.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Taylor Swift's 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl" drops Friday, Oct. 4, and the album marks a glamorous new era for the pop star. It was also inspired by her life behind the scenes during the Eras Tour. She's been influenced by many throughout her career, scroll through to see the people who inspired the music and fashion behind her new era.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/itYkUdl class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

">Taylor Swift's 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl" drops Friday, Oct. 4, and the album marks a glamorous new era for the pop star. It was also inspired by her life behind the scenes during the Eras Tour. She's been influenced by many throughout her career, scroll through to see the people who inspired the music and fashion behind her new era.

" src=https://ift.tt/itYkUdl class=caas-img>Swift has been influenced by Taylor's rebellion against Hollywood's studio system, and Taylor's eight marriages and Swift's high-profile relationships have drawn similar tabloid attention. Pictured above is Taylor in a form-fitting green dress, circa 1950s.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>On Swift's upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl," track two is titled "Elizabeth Taylor." Swift has been influenced by Taylor's rebellion against Hollywood's studio system, and Taylor's eight marriages and Swift's high-profile relationships have drawn similar tabloid attention. Pictured above is Taylor in a form-fitting green dress, circa 1950s.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/Di7ZVp3 class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

On Swift's upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl," track two is titled "Elizabeth Taylor." Swift has been influenced by Taylor's rebellion against Hollywood's studio system, and Taylor's eight marriages and Swift's high-profile relationships have drawn similar tabloid attention. Pictured above is Taylor in a form-fitting green dress, circa 1950s.

">On Swift's upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl," track two is titled "Elizabeth Taylor." Swift has been influenced by Taylor's rebellion against Hollywood's studio system, and Taylor's eight marriages and Swift's high-profile relationships have drawn similar tabloid attention. Pictured above is Taylor in a form-fitting green dress, circa 1950s.

" src=https://ift.tt/Di7ZVp3 class=caas-img>Swift has previously referenced Taylor in her song "…Ready for It?" with the lyric: "Burton to this Taylor," nodding to Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton. Taylor poses in an old film still, circa 1950.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/V7pdxXi class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift has previously referenced Taylor in her song "…Ready for It?" with the lyric: "Burton to this Taylor," nodding to Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton. Taylor poses in an old film still, circa 1950.

">Swift has previously referenced Taylor in her song "…Ready for It?" with the lyric: "Burton to this Taylor," nodding to Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton. Taylor poses in an old film still, circa 1950.

" src=https://ift.tt/V7pdxXi class=caas-img>Swift's latest visual for her upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl" features a pink corset designed by The Blonds, directly inspired by Elizabeth Taylor's iconic glamour. Pictured above is a model wearing the corset walking at The Blonds fall/winter 2023 runway show during New York Fashion Week on Feb. 15, 2023.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/9bLyeP7 class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift's latest visual for her upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl" features a pink corset designed by The Blonds, directly inspired by Elizabeth Taylor's iconic glamour. Pictured above is a model wearing the corset walking at The Blonds fall/winter 2023 runway show during New York Fashion Week on Feb. 15, 2023.

">Swift's latest visual for her upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl" features a pink corset designed by The Blonds, directly inspired by Elizabeth Taylor's iconic glamour. Pictured above is a model wearing the corset walking at The Blonds fall/winter 2023 runway show during New York Fashion Week on Feb. 15, 2023.

" src=https://ift.tt/9bLyeP7 class=caas-img>

Swift was also influenced by singer, songwriter and poet Patti Smith and mentioned with Dylan Thomas on her 2024 album "The Tortured Poets Department." In the album's title track, Swift sings: "You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith / This ain't the Chelsea Hotel / We're modern idiots." This line compares a romantic partner to Dylan Thomas and herself to Patti Smith, suggesting that their relationship lacks the cultural depth of those figures. Pictured above is Smith at the movie premiere for "Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus" on Nov. 5, 2006, in New York City.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/8oY2fBN class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

">Swift was also influenced by singer, songwriter and poet Patti Smith and mentioned with Dylan Thomas on her 2024 album "The Tortured Poets Department." In the album's title track, Swift sings: "You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith / This ain't the Chelsea Hotel / We're modern idiots." This line compares a romantic partner to Dylan Thomas and herself to Patti Smith, suggesting that their relationship lacks the cultural depth of those figures. Pictured above is Smith at the movie premiere for "Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus" on Nov. 5, 2006, in New York City.

" src=https://ift.tt/8oY2fBN class=caas-img>Swift was influenced by Clara Bow, the original 1920's "It Girl," in both symbolic and thematic ways. Swift wrote a song called "Clara Bow" on her album "The Tortured Poets Department." She uses Clara Bow as a symbol of stardom and scrutiny. The lyrics are: "You look like Clara Bow in this light / Remarkable / All your life, did you know / You'd be picked like a rose." This is a portrait of Bow, the 'It' girl, circa 1926.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/sWXTHwy class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift was influenced by Clara Bow, the original 1920's "It Girl," in both symbolic and thematic ways. Swift wrote a song called "Clara Bow" on her album "The Tortured Poets Department." She uses Clara Bow as a symbol of stardom and scrutiny. The lyrics are: "You look like Clara Bow in this light / Remarkable / All your life, did you know / You'd be picked like a rose." This is a portrait of Bow, the 'It' girl, circa 1926.

">Swift was influenced by Clara Bow, the original 1920's "It Girl," in both symbolic and thematic ways. Swift wrote a song called "Clara Bow" on her album "The Tortured Poets Department." She uses Clara Bow as a symbol of stardom and scrutiny. The lyrics are: "You look like Clara Bow in this light / Remarkable / All your life, did you know / You'd be picked like a rose." This is a portrait of Bow, the 'It' girl, circa 1926.

" src=https://ift.tt/sWXTHwy class=caas-img>On the same song "Clara Bow" on her album "The Tortured Poets Department," Swift name-dropped Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac as well. The lyrics are: "You look like Stevie Nicks / In '75, the hair and lips / Crowd goes wild at her fingertips." Their relationship has spanned over 15 years and evolved from admiration to friendship. Nicks also contributed a handwritten poem to the physical editions of "The Tortured Poets Department," writing: "She tells the truth / She writes about it / She's an informer / He's an ex-lover." Above is Nicks performing on stage in concert on Dec. 7, 2009, in Sydney, Australia.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/RP28NAJ class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

On the same song "Clara Bow" on her album "The Tortured Poets Department," Swift name-dropped Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac as well. The lyrics are: "You look like Stevie Nicks / In '75, the hair and lips / Crowd goes wild at her fingertips." Their relationship has spanned over 15 years and evolved from admiration to friendship. Nicks also contributed a handwritten poem to the physical editions of "The Tortured Poets Department," writing: "She tells the truth / She writes about it / She's an informer / He's an ex-lover." Above is Nicks performing on stage in concert on Dec. 7, 2009, in Sydney, Australia.

">On the same song "Clara Bow" on her album "The Tortured Poets Department," Swift name-dropped Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac as well. The lyrics are: "You look like Stevie Nicks / In '75, the hair and lips / Crowd goes wild at her fingertips." Their relationship has spanned over 15 years and evolved from admiration to friendship. Nicks also contributed a handwritten poem to the physical editions of "The Tortured Poets Department," writing: "She tells the truth / She writes about it / She's an informer / He's an ex-lover." Above is Nicks performing on stage in concert on Dec. 7, 2009, in Sydney, Australia.

" src=https://ift.tt/RP28NAJ class=caas-img>Swift, left, and Stevie Nicks perform onstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31, 2010, in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/6AiKBNu class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift, left, and Stevie Nicks perform onstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31, 2010, in Los Angeles.

">Swift, left, and Stevie Nicks perform onstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31, 2010, in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/6AiKBNu class=caas-img>Swift has drawn influence from Bruce Springsteen in her approach to storytelling and Americana themes. He is name-dropped in the song "London Boy" off her "Lover" album. Lyrics are: "I love Springsteen / Faded blue jeans / Tennessee whiskey." Here is Springsteen performing on stage in Paris, on June 19, 1988.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/RAJ2MZH class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift has drawn influence from Bruce Springsteen in her approach to storytelling and Americana themes. He is name-dropped in the song "London Boy" off her "Lover" album. Lyrics are: "I love Springsteen / Faded blue jeans / Tennessee whiskey." Here is Springsteen performing on stage in Paris, on June 19, 1988.

">Swift has drawn influence from Bruce Springsteen in her approach to storytelling and Americana themes. He is name-dropped in the song "London Boy" off her "Lover" album. Lyrics are: "I love Springsteen / Faded blue jeans / Tennessee whiskey." Here is Springsteen performing on stage in Paris, on June 19, 1988.

" src=https://ift.tt/RAJ2MZH class=caas-img>"Starlight" is a song by Swift from her 2012 album, "Red." It's a nostalgic track inspired by a photograph of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy. Swift imagined what their youthful 1950's romance might have been like. Lyrics are: "I met Bobby on the boardwalk summer of '45 / Picked me up late one night out the window / We were seventeen and crazy running wild, wild." Pictured above are Robert Kennedy, left, Ethel at the German-American Day parade in October 1964, in New York.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/kvsVJWE class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

"Starlight" is a song by Swift from her 2012 album, "Red." It's a nostalgic track inspired by a photograph of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy. Swift imagined what their youthful 1950's romance might have been like. Lyrics are: "I met Bobby on the boardwalk summer of '45 / Picked me up late one night out the window / We were seventeen and crazy running wild, wild." Pictured above are Robert Kennedy, left, Ethel at the German-American Day parade in October 1964, in New York.

">"Starlight" is a song by Swift from her 2012 album, "Red." It's a nostalgic track inspired by a photograph of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy. Swift imagined what their youthful 1950's romance might have been like. Lyrics are: "I met Bobby on the boardwalk summer of '45 / Picked me up late one night out the window / We were seventeen and crazy running wild, wild." Pictured above are Robert Kennedy, left, Ethel at the German-American Day parade in October 1964, in New York.

" src=https://ift.tt/kvsVJWE class=caas-img>Swift has long admired James Taylor's storytelling and emotional depth in his lyrics, citing him as a major influence on her songwriting. She name-dropped him in a song called "Begin Again" on her "Red" album. Lyrics are: "He said he never met one girl who had as many James Taylor records as you / But I do." Taylor performs during the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony on March 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/Bc3vD1e class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift has long admired James Taylor's storytelling and emotional depth in his lyrics, citing him as a major influence on her songwriting. She name-dropped him in a song called "Begin Again" on her "Red" album. Lyrics are: "He said he never met one girl who had as many James Taylor records as you / But I do." Taylor performs during the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony on March 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

">Swift has long admired James Taylor's storytelling and emotional depth in his lyrics, citing him as a major influence on her songwriting. She name-dropped him in a song called "Begin Again" on her "Red" album. Lyrics are: "He said he never met one girl who had as many James Taylor records as you / But I do." Taylor performs during the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony on March 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

" src=https://ift.tt/Bc3vD1e class=caas-img>

Tim McGraw had a big influence on Swift early in her career. Her very first single in 2006 was titled "Tim McGraw," and it was inspired by a breakup and the connection she had to McGraw's music during that time. Lyrics are: "But when you think Tim McGraw / I hope you think my favorite song / The one we danced to all night long." Tim McGraw, left, and wife Faith Hill arrive at the 29th annual People's Choice Awards on Jan. 12, 2003, in Pasadena, California.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/ZIg6hsu class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

">Tim McGraw had a big influence on Swift early in her career. Her very first single in 2006 was titled "Tim McGraw," and it was inspired by a breakup and the connection she had to McGraw's music during that time. Lyrics are: "But when you think Tim McGraw / I hope you think my favorite song / The one we danced to all night long." Tim McGraw, left, and wife Faith Hill arrive at the 29th annual People's Choice Awards on Jan. 12, 2003, in Pasadena, California.

" src=https://ift.tt/ZIg6hsu class=caas-img>Tim McGraw, left, and Swift perform onstage during the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013, in Las Vegas.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/mcvEVbo class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Tim McGraw, left, and Swift perform onstage during the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013, in Las Vegas.

">Tim McGraw, left, and Swift perform onstage during the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013, in Las Vegas.

" src=https://ift.tt/mcvEVbo class=caas-img>Swift has been influenced by Joni Mitchell as a confessional songwriter and emotional vulnerability in music. Here is Mitchell strumming her guitar outside The Revolution club on Sept. 18, 1968, in London.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/8l0RGfc class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift has been influenced by Joni Mitchell as a confessional songwriter and emotional vulnerability in music. Here is Mitchell strumming her guitar outside The Revolution club on Sept. 18, 1968, in London.

">Swift has been influenced by Joni Mitchell as a confessional songwriter and emotional vulnerability in music. Here is Mitchell strumming her guitar outside The Revolution club on Sept. 18, 1968, in London.

" src=https://ift.tt/8l0RGfc class=caas-img>Swift was influenced by Shania Twain because she was one of the first country artists to successfully blend country with pop, paving the way for Swift's own genre crossovers. In the picture above, Twain holds the awards she received at the 31st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 24, 1996, in Universal City, California.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/a2jIHLB class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift was influenced by Shania Twain because she was one of the first country artists to successfully blend country with pop, paving the way for Swift's own genre crossovers. In the picture above, Twain holds the awards she received at the 31st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 24, 1996, in Universal City, California.

">Swift was influenced by Shania Twain because she was one of the first country artists to successfully blend country with pop, paving the way for Swift's own genre crossovers. In the picture above, Twain holds the awards she received at the 31st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 24, 1996, in Universal City, California.

" src=https://ift.tt/a2jIHLB class=caas-img>Swift and Shania Twain, right, during the recreation of "Thelma & Louise" for CMT Music Awards on June 6, 2011, in Thompson's Station, Tennessee.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/VEeo8Bq class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Swift and Shania Twain, right, during the recreation of "Thelma & Louise" for CMT Music Awards on June 6, 2011, in Thompson's Station, Tennessee.

">Swift and Shania Twain, right, during the recreation of "Thelma & Louise" for CMT Music Awards on June 6, 2011, in Thompson's Station, Tennessee.

" src=https://ift.tt/VEeo8Bq class=caas-img>Author Nora Ephron's famous mantra, "everything is copy," means that personal experiences can be transformed into art. Swift has embraced this idea throughout her career, turning heartbreak into songs that resonate deeply with fans. Here is Ephron at the 2011 Directors Guild of America Honors on Oct. 13, 2011, in New York City.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/iInyjeg class=caas-img data-headline="How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting" data-caption="

Author Nora Ephron's famous mantra, "everything is copy," means that personal experiences can be transformed into art. Swift has embraced this idea throughout her career, turning heartbreak into songs that resonate deeply with fans. Here is Ephron at the 2011 Directors Guild of America Honors on Oct. 13, 2011, in New York City.

">Author Nora Ephron's famous mantra, "everything is copy," means that personal experiences can be transformed into art. Swift has embraced this idea throughout her career, turning heartbreak into songs that resonate deeply with fans. Here is Ephron at the 2011 Directors Guild of America Honors on Oct. 13, 2011, in New York City.

" src=https://ift.tt/iInyjeg class=caas-img>

1 / 19How Elizabeth Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and more have inspired Taylor Swift's songwriting

Who is nominated for the 2026 class of the Songwriters Hall of Fame?

Performing Songwriters

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