SZA Recognized for Influence in Music Industry at 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony

SZA has consistently delivered hits since launching her music career, earning recognition from one of America’s most esteemed creative institutions.

At the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards dinner on Thursday (June 13), the Missouri native received the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award.

“I’m just beyond all of my wildest dreams,” the 34-year-old expressed during her acceptance speech at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel. “I swear, I’ll be like, ‘Oh I wrote this and I wrote that,’ and [people would] be like, ‘Okay,’ especially if you’re a woman; especially if you’re a Black woman. So to win this … It just means the world.”

Following the presentation by SHOF chairman Nile Rodgers, SZA performed an acoustic rendition of her hit song “Snooze.”

The Hal David Starlight Award is bestowed upon “talented young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs,” according to a press release. SZA joins Alicia Keys as the second Black woman to receive this honor, with Keys having been awarded in 2005.

In a statement, Rodgers praised SZA, saying, “This is such an exciting time for songwriters and music. Phenomenal artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are pushing the envelope of what success looks like, but who could argue that the last two years belong to SZA. Incredible songwriting, incredible performances, incredible artistry. She so deserves to be the 2024 recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award!”

Reacting to the announcement on her Instagram Story, SZA shared her heartfelt gratitude: “This is THE most meaningful thing to me you have NO idea. THANK YOU beyond words for seeing me at all.”

The evening also saw inductions into the Hall of Fame for Timbaland, R.E.M., Steely Dan, Hillary Lindsey, and Dean Pitchford.