The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CHSF) has inducted five new legends.
On Friday (Oct. 17), the CSHF celebrated a handful artists who have shaped the country’s musical legacy at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre.
The 2025 Legends event honoured Andy Kim, Jane Siberry, Ian Thomas, Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore of Triumph and Gino Vannelli, songwriters who have defined generations and elevated Canada’s cultural identity on the global stage.
Key moments were centred on the inductions from peers and close collaborators, as well as performances from emerging artists of the honouree's famous songs.
In addition to the veterans being celebrated, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nemahsis took home the breakthrough songwriter award, celebrating her achievements and rise worldwide.
“Songwriters shape the cultural soundtrack of our lives, yet too often their stories remain behind the scenes,” says Nick Fedor, executive director of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Honouring our songwriting greats in events like Legends isn’t just about looking back — it’s about giving their contributions the spotlight it has always deserved and inspiring the next generation to carry that legacy forward.”
Here is what happened at each induction at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025 Legends event.Triumph
Gil Moore, Mike Levine, Rik Emmett of Triumph at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Tom Cochrane inducted Triumph, reflecting on the band’s decades-long career and impact on Canadian rock. Joining virtually were actor Kiefer Sutherland, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider and rock musician Sebastian Bach, who all reflected on Triumph’s lasting influence and artistry.
“Triumph’s songs were the fuel that powered the spectacle. Behind the smoke bombs and lights, it was always about the songwriting,” Cochrane said. “Those anthems that lifted people up and became part of their lives.”
Celebrating the induction, frontman Rik Emmett, drummer Gil Moore, and bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine took the stage. “In the end, it’s always the songs that tell the story,” shared Emmett. “The magic power of those songs is that they still speak to people about hopes, dreams, and fighting the good fight.”
Gil Moore, Mike Levine, Rik Emmett of Triumph at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Capturing the rock spirit, emerging singer JJ Wilde and guitar shredder Charlie Edward performed a version of “Magic Power,” and Emmett reunited with the band’s live guitarist Phil X for “Lay It on the Line.”
Jane Siberry
Jane Siberry with k.d. lang at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang inducted Jane Siberry, highlighting her artistry and lasting impact on songwriters. While all inductions were in-person, there was a series of video tributes from musical icons honouring the inductees. British musician Peter Gabriel offered a heartfelt message in celebration of Siberry’s creative vision and singular voice.
“The most important thing is creating connection — for the listener and for you,” said Siberry during her acceptance speech. “Your intuition is your most trustworthy guide, and when you follow it, the flaws fall away. That’s where the magic happens.”
Housewife at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Celebrating Siberry’s melodic sound, Brighid Fry of Housewife performed a rendition of “Mimi on the Beach,” followed by a performance of “Calling All Angels” from singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk.
Siberry is getting her flowers lately, after also recently winning the Polaris Heritage Prize for her 1985 album The Speckless Sky.
Gino Vannelli
Gino Vannelli with Frank Davies at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Vannelli humbly reflected on his journey.
“Songwriting isn’t about chasing fame; it’s about persistence, humility, and the daily ritual of creation,” he said, after being inducted by Frank Davies, chair and founder of the CSHF. “Study the greats, keep writing, and let your own voice emerge in time. That’s when you truly arrive as a songwriter.”
Through video tributes, Michael Bublé and Burton Cummings shared their admiration for Vannelli’s vocals and songwriting prowess, while Montreal’s Clerel and RÊVE performed a cover of “Living Inside Myself,” and Italian-born musician Alfie Zappacosta delivered a rendition of “People Gotta Move.”
Andy Kim
Inductee Andy Kim at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
One of the country’s biggest pop icons, Andy Kim has been a trailblazer for reinvention and contributing to pop music. Inducted by The Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson, Kim shared that his purpose has often felt simple.
“All I ever wanted to do was write songs, make records, and live a life bigger than my reality,” he said. “A guitar and a song — that’s all I ever needed. I’m humbled and honoured to be part of Canada’s musical story.”
Ed Robertson and Kevin Drew at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Bryan Adams and Nile Rodgers paid virtual homage to Kim, while Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew delivered “Rock Me Gently” alongside Robertson, while singers Kirk Diamond and Kairo McLean put a little spice on a reggae rendition of “Sugar, Sugar.”
Ian Thomas
Ian Thomas with Murray McLauchlan at Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
Ian Thomas was inducted by longtime friend and fellow singer-songwriter, Murray McLauchlan, who recognized Thomas’ craftsmanship and longstanding body of work.
Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025.Lu Chau/Photagonist
To celebrate, Thomas joined Triumph’s Rik Emmett and musical director Lou Pomanti on stage to perform “Right Before Your Eyes,” following a rendition of his hit “Painted Ladies” by Winnipeg folk singer Noah Derksen and Sam Drysdale (who is currently charting on the Billboard Canada Airplay charts).
Nemahsis
Earning international recognition for her powerful voice and personal storytelling, Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter Nemahsis received this year’s non-French language breakthrough songwriter award. Nemahsis’ independently-released debut album, 2024’s Verbathim, made the Polaris Music Prize shortlist and received praise from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Lorde — and she’s only going up.
She joins francophone winners, Montréal duo Rau_Ze, who will accept their award at the French-language edition of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2025 Legends Induction Series on November 17 at Montréal’s Espace St-Denis, honouring François Cousineau, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Michel Pagliaro and Florent Vollant.
Tickets for the Montréal event are available here.
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