April 15, (THEWILL) — British singer-songwriter, RAYE, born Rachel Agatha Keen, will receive the Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) 55th annual induction and awards gala.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame revealed her as the 2026 honouree on Wednesday, recognising her impact as a songwriter and her recent chart success, including her sophomore album “This Music May Contain Hope.”
The ceremony will take place on June 11, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
The Hal David Starlight Award recognizes young songwriters making a significant impact in the music industry. It was established in 2004 and named after songwriter Hal David.
Previous recipients include SZA, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Alicia Keys.
RAYE is known for her work across pop, R&B and dance, and has been vocal about fair pay for songwriters in the streaming era.
In 2024, she won six Brit Awards, including Album of the Year, setting a record for the most wins in a single year. She also won Best R&B Act at the 2025 Brit Awards and earned nominations at the 2026 ceremony.
She was also nominated for Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
