Sombr Reveals How the Taylor Swift Songs He Performed at SHOF Induction Were Chosen: 'That Really Put the Pressure on'
Sombr Reveals How the Taylor Swift Songs He Performed at SHOF Induction Were Chosen: 'That Really Put the Pressure on'
Ilana KaplanFri, June 26, 2026 at 6:28 PM UTC
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Sombr and Taylor Swift in June 2026 in N.Y.C.Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Sombr revealed how he chose the two songs he performed for Taylor Swift at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
"It was crazy. I mean, it was really her night," the alt-pop singer said of the experience on the Thursday, June 25 episode of The Tonight Show
The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction took place on June 11
Sombr revealed how he landed on the two songs he performed for Taylor Swift during her induction into the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame.
On Thursday, June 25, the alt-pop musician (real name Shane Boose) spoke about covering the 14-time Grammy winner's songs at the event during an appearance on The Tonight Show.
“It was crazy,” Sombr, 21, said. “I mean, it was really her night, and she wanted me, out of all the people she could have asked, to perform two songs to help induct her.”
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According to the "Homewrecker" artist, Swift, 36, didn't choose the songs he performed.
“So, basically I was like, ‘Taylor, what songs do you want me to sing? You know, this is your night.' And she was like, ‘No. You choose,'" said Sombr.
According to the "12 to 12" performer, "that really put the pressure on."
Sombr ended up choosing 2010's "Dear John" and 2020's "Cardigan" to cover.
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But Swift ultimately thought his song choices were "perfect."
Sombr with Jimmy Fallon in June 2026Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC
The "I Knew It, I Knew You" hitmaker made history as the youngest-ever woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 11 in New York City. (Stevie Wonder was the youngest inductee at the age of 32 in 1983, per the Songwriters Hall of Fame website.)
Swift submitted "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)," "Blank Space," "Anti-Hero," "Love Story," and "The Last Great American Dynasty" for consideration for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Swift was introduced by Steven Spielberg at the ceremony before she delivered a heartfelt speech to the crowd.
The speech also included a special shout-out to Sombr for his "perfect performance." She then praised his songwriting skills.
"His writing is so exceptional that it makes me actually envious," Swift said. "I love that feeling. He's going to be the top of my Spotify Wrapped this year, guaranteed."
She quipped that it's "in the bag."
Sombr in June 2026 in N.Y.C.Credit: L. Busacca/Getty
"A lot of late-night debates with my friends about the state of the music industry involve me stating very loudly, 'Sombr is the future, and he does it all on his own, and he doesn't need AI. The kids are fine,'" Swift said of the up-and-coming musician.
Sombr and Taylor Swift in June 2026 in N.Y.C.Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Swift was inducted alongside Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
