The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) today announced the lineup of performers and special guests confirmed for its Legends Induction event in Toronto, on Oct. 17, 2025, at the Meridian Arts Centre. It promises to be an evening filled with emotional tributes and iconic songs, celebrating the artistry and enduring legacy of this year’s inductees.
Hosted by broadcaster and musician Tara Slone, the evening will showcase some of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters and performers – k.d. lang, Tom Cochrane, Chantal Kreviazuk, Murray McLauchlan, Ed Robertson, and Kevin Drew – alongside a cross-section of emerging and established voices, including Charlie Edward, Clerel, Housewife, JJ Wilde, Kairo McLean, Kirk Diamond, Noah Derksen, RÊVE, and Sam Drysdale. The program will also feature a special performance by Phil X with inductee Rik Emmett.
The CSHF Induction Series has established itself as a signature celebration, honouring the songwriters whose work has shaped Canada’s cultural legacy. This year, Toronto will pay tribute to Andy Kim, creator of timeless pop hits like “Sugar, Sugar” and “Rock Me Gently”; Jane Siberry, acclaimed for her poetic and boundary-pushing songwriting; Ian Thomas, celebrated for classics like “Painted Ladies”; Triumph, powered by the songwriting of Rik Emmett, Gil Moore, and Mike Levine, who gave us arena rock classics like “Lay It on the Line” and “Fight the Good Fight”; and Gino Vannelli, the internationally renowned songwriter behind such hits as “Living Inside Myself,” “Wild Horses.” and “Black Cars.”
In addition to honouring legendary contributions, the Toronto event will also spotlight the next generation through the presentation of the Breakthrough Songwriter Award, presented by the SOCAN Foundation with support from Amazon Music. This year’s recipient, Nemahsis, in the non-Francophone category, will be recognized for her powerful songwriting and her remarkable upward trajectory.
“The Legends Induction Series is more than a ceremony – it’s a living bridge between eras of Canadian music,” said Nick Fedor, Executive Director of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. “By celebrating both trailblazers and breakthrough songwriters, we ensure Canada’s songwriting legacy thrives for generations to come.”
The 2025 Legends Induction Series will take place on Oct. 17, 2025, at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre and Nov. 17, 2025, at Montréal’s Espace St-Denis. The Montréal event will spotlight Francophone and Indigenous voices, honouring François Cousineau, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Michel Pagliaro, and Florent Vollant. Tickets for the Toronto event are on sale via Ticketmaster here. Tickets for the Montréal event on November 17 are available here.