NEW YORK: Lady Gaga, Bennett, Colbert, and Van Morrison were among the featured singers and speakers at the 46th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, a three hour journey through the vast and unpredictable range of American music.

Lady Gaga and Morrison picked up honorary prizes, while awards also were presented to Nate Ruess and the former CEO of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), John LoFrumento.

At the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, admirers from across genres and generations exchanged tributes. The 88-year-old Bennett presented Lady Gaga, his duet partner, with a “Contemporary Icon Award” after Lady Gaga and Perry honored each other.

Gaga stormed through Perry’s “What’s Up?” and Perry said it was “crazy” that a song she dashed off in her bedroom, fighting off fleas from her dog, would be embraced by a world famous performer.