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Singer John Legend, left, and rapper Common perform during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Taylor Swift has become the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36. Steven Spielberg introduced Swift on Thursday night with a speech about the power of songwriting. Tamar Braxton opened the induction ceremony with a tribute to the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher “Tricky” Stewart. The gala was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Inductees included Swift, Stewart, Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette and Kenny Loggins. Also celebrated were nonperformers including songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle behind Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and songwriter Walter Afanasieff, who wrote Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

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Martina McBride, Morris Day, the Commodores and Young MC have all announced they will not perform at “The Great American State Fair” on Washington's National Mall. The wave of cancellations comes a day after the White House-affiliated Freedom 250 announced the lineup for June and July. Freedom 250 has not responded to requests for comment. President Donald Trump launched Freedom 250 last year to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The organization describes itself as nonpartisan. Rapper Vanilla Ice has confirmed that he will perform.