The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled its official nominee list for the 2027 class, and this year’s roster reads like a who’s who of global pop. Among the standout names in the performing songwriter category are Shakira and Lady Gaga, two artists whose catalogs have defined eras and crossed borders in ways few others have managed.
For Shakira, the nomination is a recognition of a career that began in Barranquilla, Colombia, and grew into a worldwide phenomenon. Hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “La Tortura” not only topped charts but also helped push Latin music into mainstream spaces long before the current global boom. Her songwriting has always blended Spanish and English, pop and rock, and her ability to craft hooks that resonate across cultures is a big reason she’s now on the doorstep of this honor.
Lady Gaga’s path to this nomination is equally impressive. From “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face” to “Shallow” and “Born This Way,” she has consistently written anthems that speak to individuality and resilience. Her work spans pop, dance, and even jazz, and her songwriting has earned her both commercial success and critical acclaim. For many fans, her inclusion in this class feels like a natural next step.
A competitive field of performing songwriters
Shakira and Lady Gaga are not alone in this category. The list also includes Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Boy George, Jack White, P!NK, Sia, Grandmaster Melle Mel, and Vince Gill. That mix of punk, new wave, hip-hop, country, and pop reflects the diversity of the modern music landscape, and it makes the competition especially fierce.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame requires that nominees have had a commercial career of at least 20 years since their first release. That rule ensures that only artists with lasting impact are considered, and it raises the stakes for those who make the final cut. Voting members have until December 14, 2026, to cast their ballots, and the results will shape which of these legends become immortalized.
For Shakira, this nomination comes at a time when her influence is being felt more than ever. Her recent collaborations and live performances have kept her in the spotlight, and her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots is a hallmark of her songwriting. As she continues to navigate her personal and professional life, including legal matters in Barcelona, her music remains a constant for millions of fans.
Lady Gaga, meanwhile, has been equally active, with film roles and new music keeping her in the public eye. Her songwriting has always been deeply personal, and her willingness to tackle complex themes has earned her a dedicated following. The fact that she and Shakira are both nominated in the same year adds an extra layer of intrigue to the voting process.
Beyond the stars: the songwriters behind the hits
While the performing songwriter category gets most of the attention, the pure songwriter category is just as important. This year’s nominees include Andreas Carlsson, who wrote “I Want It That Way” for the Backstreet Boys and “Bye Bye Bye” for *NSYNC, as well as Kandi Burruss, whose work on TLC’s “No Scrubs” remains a classic. The duo Stargate, will.i.am, and the British team Stock Aitken Waterman are also in the running, proving that the art of songwriting extends far beyond the artists who perform the songs.
For Latino audiences, Shakira’s nomination is particularly meaningful. She has long been a bridge between Latin America and the global pop world, and her success has opened doors for other Latin artists. Her songwriting, which often draws on her Colombian heritage, has helped redefine what a global pop star can sound like. This recognition is not just about her hits; it’s about the cultural impact she has had.
As the voting period continues, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching to see who makes the final cut. The Songwriters Hall of Fame induction is one of the highest honors in music, and for Shakira and Lady Gaga, it would be a fitting capstone to careers that have already left an indelible mark. Whether they both get in or not, their nominations are a testament to the power of great songwriting.
For those following the broader music awards season, the Billboard Latin Music Awards are also on the horizon, offering another chance to celebrate Latin talent. And for fans of Shakira, her recent duet with Dua Lipa in Madrid showed that her creative energy is far from fading. This Hall of Fame nomination is just the latest chapter in a story that continues to inspire.
