The Nashville Songwriters Association International's Nashville Songwriter Awards took place last night at The Ryman Auditorium with a surprise performance by Taylor Swift who received the Songwriter-Artist of the Decade Award.
Swift's 13-minute speech drew cheers from the fan-filled crowd as she shared a bit about her writing process, her "dorky" love for lyricism, and her habit of classifying her lyrics into three categories: quill pen lyrics, fountain pen lyrics, and glitter gel pen lyrics.
After accepting her award, she strapped on her guitar for a stunning acoustic performance of "All Too Well (Ten Minute Version)" that had the Mother Church on its feet in appreciation.
Also in attendance was Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Garth Brooks, whose wife Trisha Yearwood was on hand to celebrate him with a moving speech that left Brooks in tears.
The winning songwriters looked on as artists and fellow wordsmiths paid tribute by playing their greatest hits onstage at the Mother Church. Winners included:
Songwriter-Artist of the Year: Matthew West
Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley
President's Keystone Award: Jon Platt
Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Awards: Garth Brooks
Song of the Year: Buy Dirt; written by Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
Songwriter of the Decade: Ashley Gorley
Songwriter-Artist of the Decade: Taylor Swift
The show also included awards for the "10 Songs I Wish I'd Written." These popular (and sometimes viral) songs from the past year were recognized for their clever wordplay, moving lyrics, and distinct melodies.
"7500 OBO" written by Matt McGinn, Jenn Schott, Nathan Spicer
"abcdefu" written by Sara Davis, GAYLE, Dave Pittenger
"23" written by Sam Hunt, Chris LaCorte, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
"You Should Probably Leave" written by Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
"Fancy Like" written by Cameron "Cambo" Bartolini, Walker Hayes, Josh Jenkins, Shane Stevens
"Knowing You" written by Kat Higging, Adam James, Brett James
"Sand in My Boots" written by Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
"Half of My Hometown" written by Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins
"Never Wanted to be That Girl" written by Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
"Til You Can't" written by Matthew J. Rogers, Ben Stennis
"Things a Man Oughta Know" written by Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Laney Wilson