Lil Nas X, a Sony Music Publishing writer, will receive the Hal David Starlight Award at the 2022 Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on 6/16 in NYC.

The award is given annually to a gifted young songwriter whose original material is making a significant impact. Created in 2004, it was named in honor of the SHOF chairman emeritus for his longtime support of such talent.

Said SHOF Chair Nile Rodgers, “Lil Nas X has perhaps better than anyone demonstrated how powerful great songs are, with ‘Old Town Road’ and ‘MONTERO’ dominating the charts for almost every day of the last three years. If you’re lucky enough to be alive at this time, you know exactly who Lil Nas X is, and he’s an incredible and inspirational person for every one of his communities."

SHOF President/CEO Linda Moran said of the 23-year-old phenom, “Lil Nas X’s thought-provoking multi-genre song/musical style speaks soundly to diverse generations of fans. He is certainly worthy of joining the esteemed list of past Starlight Award honorees,” which includes Halsey, Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran, Nick Jonas, Nate Ruess, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, Taylor Swift, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, Drake, Benny Blanco, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Rob Thomas and John Rzeznik.

Also being honored at this year’s ceremony are UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson, who will receive the Abe Olman Publisher Award, and Paul Williams, recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award.

Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley & Chris Jasper, Steve Miller, Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo, Rick Nowels and William "Mickey" Stevenson will be inducted.