Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) the global leader in music rights management, honored the songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed pop songs tonight at the organization’s 61st annual Pop Awards, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
International superstar Adam Levine received the BMI President’s Award in recognition of his profound influence on the entertainment industry. As the 2013 President’s Award recipient, Levine joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Juanes, Kike Santander, Taylor Swift, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Pitbull and Willie Nelson.
Claude Kelly, Benny Blanco and Ammar Malik all earned the coveted BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year title. Each contributed four songs to the year’s most performed list. Kelly composed “Brokenhearted” (performed by Karmin), “Domino” (Jessie J), “International Love” (Pitbull featuring Chris Brown) and “Price Tag” (Jessie J ft. B.o.B.). Blanco wrote “Ass Back Home” (Gym Class Heroes ft. Neon Hitch), “Moves Like Jagger” (Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera), “Payphone” (Maroon 5) and “Stereo Hearts” (Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine). Malik co-penned “Ass Back Home,” “Moves Like Jagger," “Payphone” and “Stereo Hearts.”
Benny Blanco, Adam Levine and Ammar Malik clinched BMI Pop Song of the Year honors for their co-write of “Moves Like Jagger” as well as publishers Maru Cha Cha, Matza Ball Music, Sudgee Music, Universal Music-Careers and Where Da Kasz At?.
With 19 songs among the year’s most-performed, Universal Music Publishing Group claimed the prestigious BMI Pop Publisher of the Year crystal.
Barbara Cane, BMI Vice President & General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations said, “This year's award recipients represent a diverse group of music creators whose talents have shaped the landscape of pop music. We're honored to have recognized the indelible contributions of this creative community.”
The musical tribute to Levine featured promising young talent Rozzi Crane, the first artist signed to Levine’s 222 Records, and soulful crooner Allen Stone. Crane delivered an engaging rendition of Maroon 5's “She Will Be Loved” while Stone offered a soulful cover of “Won’t Go Home Without You.” The two capped off the tribute with a heartfelt duet of “Sunday Morning.”div>
The 61st annual BMI Pop Awards were hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President & General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations Barbara Cane. For a complete list of 2013 winners, visit bmi.com.
