Lil Nas X to receive award at 2022 Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala

Variety reports that the Hal David Starlight Award was created in 2004, and recognises "gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs."

Lil Nas X will be honoured with the 2022 Award, following previous recipients Drake, Taylor Swift, Halsey, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Nick Jonas, Alicia Keys, Benny Blanco and more.

Nile Rodgers, chair for the Songwriters Hall of Fame said, "Lil Nas X is someone we are very proud to award the Hal David Starlight Award to. He 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 as well."

President and CEO Linda Moran added, "Lil Nas X’s thought-provoking multi-genre song/musical style — described as pop rap, hip hop, country rap, trap, pop rock, pop, and rock — speaks soundly to diverse generations of fans. He is certainly worthy of joining the esteemed list of past Starlight Award honorees."

2022 will be the first ceremony since 2019 due to the pandemic.