Stephen Schwartz, the acclaimed songwriter behind Wicked, is set to receive the 2025 Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City on June 12. The honor comes amidst the success of Wicked as the highest-grossing film ever based on a Broadway musical, with a sequel slated for release in 2025. The 76-year-old Schwartz also wrote the music for the Broadway hits Godspell and Pippin, and has won three Oscars, four Grammys, and a Golden Globe, while receiving six Tony nominations. “With every lyric and melody, Stephen invites us on an unforgettable journey,” SHOF chairman Nile Rodgers said in a statement. “He is the only person who can turn a simple story into a Broadway musical masterpiece, one catchy chorus at a time!” Gracie Abrams was previously announced as the recipient of the SHOF’s other major honorary prize, the Hal David Starlight Award, with the class of 2025 inductees including George Clinton, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Mike Love, Tony Macaulay, and three members of The Doobie Brothers. (Billboard)