Emerging singer-songwriter Sombr is opening up about the high-stakes responsibility of performing at Taylor Swift’s historic Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, revealing that the pop superstar left the song selection entirely up to him . The 20-year-old artist, who performed a medley of “Cardigan” and “Dear John” at the June 11 ceremony in New York City, described the experience as “crazy” during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon .
Swift made history that night as the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a milestone that was celebrated with performances from several artists, including the rising star . Sombr, who has previously received high praise from the 36-year-old superstar, admitted he was initially shocked when Swift personally asked him to perform at the prestigious event . “She wanted me, out of all the people she could have asked, to perform two songs to help induct her,” he told Fallon .
The weight of the moment intensified when Swift gave him complete creative freedom over the setlist . “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,’” Sombr recalled . The decision, he admitted, was daunting given Swift’s extensive catalog of hits spanning over two decades . “That really put the pressure on,” he said .
After carefully considering his options, Sombr selected two tracks that held personal significance: “Dear John” from Swift’s 2010 album Speak Now and “Cardigan” from her Grammy-winning 2020 album Folklore . He then presented his choices to Swift, who responded with a single, approving word: “Perfect” . The performance, which featured a glammed-up rock arrangement of both songs, was met with enthusiasm from the audience, including Swift herself, who was seen singing along from her table .
Swift, who attended the ceremony with fiancé Travis Kelce, her parents, and director Steven Spielberg, later returned the compliment during her induction speech . She praised Sombr’s performance and offered a glowing endorsement of his songwriting abilities. “His writing is so exceptional that it makes me actually envious,” Swift told the crowd . “He’s going to be the top of my Spotify Wrapped this year, guaranteed. Sombr is the future” .
The tribute from one of the music industry’s most accomplished songwriters is a significant validation for Sombr, who has been steadily building momentum in his career . During his Tonight Show appearance, he also debuted his new single, “My Body Isn’t Ready,” a deeply personal track addressing his lifelong struggles with body image . “I hope this song can mean different things to different people,” Sombr shared on social media . “It can be taken as a metaphor. Or it can be taken literally as a description of how I have perceived my own body, for my whole life” .
The Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, held at a Manhattan venue, was a star-studded affair that also inducted a class including Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, and Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS . Spielberg, who inducted Swift, compared her cultural impact to that of Lennon-McCartney and the great singer-songwriters of the 1970s . However, it was the mutual admiration between the evening’s honoree and her young performer that captured significant attention . Swift’s decision to trust Sombr with such a personal musical tribute underscores her commitment to supporting emerging talent .
For Sombr, the experience has been nothing short of transformative, offering a rare glimpse into the camaraderie and respect that exists between artists across generations . His ability to honor Swift’s legacy while showcasing his own artistic identity during the performance suggests a bright future ahead . As he continues to promote his new music and navigate his rising profile, the endorsement from one of pop music’s most influential figures is likely to open doors and solidify his place as an artist to watch .
