Winners of the Ascap Pop Music Awards, handed out on April 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, included songwriters of the year Steve Mac, Starrah and Drew Taggart.
Ascap president Paul Williams remarked from the stage that Starrah is the first female recipient in 16 years to win the songwriter of the year award.
In addition, hitmaker Max Martin was recognized for the 11th time for “Side To Side” (Ariana Grande), “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” (Justin Timberlake), ”Send My Love” (Adele) and “Just Like Fire” (P!nk). No doubt he will make an encore appearance in 2019 having written four tracks for the forthcoming Ariana Grande album, including insta-hit “No Tears Left to Cry.”
Song of the Year went to “Shape of You,” co-written by Mac, Kandi Burrus and Tameka Harris. The top streamed song was “Despacito,” co-written by Ascap members Justin Bieber, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd and Daddy Yankee.
