The Songwriters Hall of Fame was a religious experience for honorees Drake and soul diva Chaka Khan, who were both spotted praying before they took to the stage. A witness said, “Drake was huddling in a corner, praying with his entourage” backstage, at the Marriott Marquis Thursday night. Another source told us, “Chaka was praying with her manager and a friend.” An emotional Drake received the Hal David Starlight Award and dedicated it to his mother, Sandi Graham, saying she faced “life-threatening surgery” a year ago but, happily, was in the audience “looking like Barbra Streisand.” Khan won the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award and sang “I’m Every Woman.” Garth Brooks was introduced by pal Billy Joel. Brooks wept as he thanked his wife, Trisha Yearwood. cmhere2Joel and Brooks then donned matching black cowboy hats and performed “Shameless” together. Others who performed included Chrissie Hynde, Skylar Grey, Sam Moore and Bill Medley.