Gracie Abrams is set to receive the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award at the 54th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The honor recognizes young songwriters making significant impacts within the music industry through their original songs. Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Nile Rodgers expressed excitement about the award, stating, "This continues to be an amazing time for songwriters, performers and music in general. Gracie Abrams is at the forefront of this movement with her award-winning songwriting style, impressive stage presence and her overall remarkable artistry. We are beyond thrilled she will be the 2025 recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award."
The Hal David Starlight Award, introduced in 2004, is aimed at spotlighting gifted young songwriters who are making waves with their music. Past award recipients feature numerous influential artists, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Halsey, attesting to the award's recognition of notable talent within the industry.
Gracie Abrams has carved out her place as one of today’s leading singer-songwriters. The daughter of renowned filmmaker J.J. Abrams, she burst onto the music scene with her debut album, "Good Riddance," released earlier this year, which garnered substantial acclaim. Currently, she is riding high on the success of her sophomore album, "The Secret of Us," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 charts and became Beatlesque due to its streaming performance.
Among the album's notable tracks are the top 20 hit “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “That’s So True,” which surprisingly captured listeners' attention and climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album's deluxe edition includes the standout track “That’s So True,” marking Gracie’s ascent to the top of various charts, including five consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the UK.
Gracie’s rise has been meteoric since her inception as a songwriter—she penned her first song at age eight. After releasing her first single in 2019, she quickly became recognized for her emotionally-laden lyrics and captivating performances. Her music has continuously displayed her remarkable ability to connect deeply with listeners. Not only did she receive nominations for Best New Artist at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, but she also followed up with another nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her collaboration on “Us” featuring Taylor Swift. This latest nomination only adds to her quickly growing list of accolades.
Being awarded the Hal David Starlight Award is just another celebrated milestone for the young artist, who is noted for her contributions to music and her accessibly intimate songwriting style. This recognition is also reflected by her engagements, such as her opening acts for Taylor Swift's critically lauded Eras Tour across 2023 and 2024, as well as launching her own headlining tour titled “The Secret of Us Tour,” which has sold out swiftly.
For Gracie, the award can be viewed as both recognition and motivation to continue pushing boundaries within her craft. The acknowledgment also speaks volumes of the direction her career is headed. With her remarkable talent amounting to significant awards, the future certainly appears bright for the young artist.
Abrams is not content to rest on her laurels—after successfully completing her North American tour, she is set to take her music internationally. Gracie recently announced additional tour stops across Europe, Australia, and Asia, keeping fans eagerly anticipating her next performances. The upcoming “Secret of Us Deluxe Tour” aims to grace iconic venues across North America, such as Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, speaking to her growing influence and recognition within the music scene.
Gracie Abrams stands as exemplary for both her generation of creatives and future artists alike, solidifying her role not only as a performer but as a driving force within the narrative of modern songwriting. Receiving the Hal David Starlight Award is just one of the numerous accolades celebrating her continued success—a noteworthy recognition to cherish as she forges onward.