Lady GaGa, Cyndi Lauper and Van Morrison were among the honourees at Thursday night’s Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, held at the Marriott Marquis in New York’s Times Square. The three-hour ceremony featured plenty of tears and heartfelt speeches, as well as some stunning live performances from artists across the musical spectrum.

Lady GagaLady Gaga was presented the award by friend and collaborator Tony Bennett.

Gaga was honoured with the contemporary icon award, presented to her by singer and Cheek to Cheek collaborator Tony Bennett. For the occasion Gaga dressed in a black leather look bra and panties cover by a red riding coat. The singer also performed at the event, covering Four Non Blondes’ classic ‘What’s Up’.

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The ceremony also saw 80’s pop star Cyndi Lauper inducted into the prestigious hall of fame. Accepting the honour, the singer told the crowd, "I still can't believe I make a living making music. I’m blown away.” Joining Lauper in the class of 2015 was also The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia who was inducted posthumously alongside the band's lyricist Robert Hunter, as well as Toby Keith and songwriter Linda Perry.

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Also recognised was singer Van Morrison who last week found himself bestowed with a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours. In his speech the Northern Irish singer noted that his songwriting royalties had kept him afloat during dry spells in his career, telling the crowd, "The name of the game is hustle.” The singer then performed a duet of ‘Real Real Gone’ with Michael Bublé, who later gave a special rendition of Morrison’s ‘Moondance’.