ASCAP Pop Music Awards
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), hosted its 34th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards last Thursday, May 18 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Pop mastermind Max Martin was recognized as Songwriter of the Year for an unprecedented tenth time. The award, which honors Martin’s role in crafting an astonishing number of the past year’s hits, including “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” (Justin Timberlake), “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” (Adele), and “Just Like Fire” (P!nk), was presented by pop star Adam Lambert and accepted by Martin’s daughter, Doris Sandberg.
The ASCAP Pop Music Song of the Year went to “Love Yourself,” written by Justin Bieber; Diane Warren was honored with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award, and pop star Meghan Trainor received the ASCAP Vanguard Award. The ASCAP Founders Award is presented to pioneering ASCAP songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Warren, who has written timeless songs such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for an extensive list of iconic artists including Beyoncé, Adele and Whitney Houston, was honored with two stunning live tributes: LeAnn Rimes sang “How Do I Live,” and Jacob Latimore performed “Have You Ever.” Warren (second from left) accepts the Founders Award from (l-r) ASCAP President Paul Williams, Snoop Dogg and ASCAP’s Loretta Muñoz.
Trainor (left) received ASCAP’s highly regarded Vanguard Award, which recognizes the impact of songwriters who are shaping the future of American music. In addition to her 2015 breakout hit, “All About That Bass,” and two multi-platinum albums Title and Thank You, Trainor has penned hits for artists including Rascal Flatts, Lauren Alaina, Jennifer Lopez and Fifth Harmony.
Publisher of the Year went to Sony/ATV for their role in hits of 2016 like “Cheap Thrills” (Sia), “Don’t Let Me Down” (The Chainsmokers ft. Daya) and “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” (Mike Posner). Posner honored Sony/ATV with a live performance of “I Took a Pill in Ibiza.” A complete list of winners can be found on the ASCAP website.
