The ASCAP Pop awards popped off at LA’s Wiltern Theater with stunning performances, stirring speeches and glamour galore. What a night it was.
The first big moment featured Mike Posner, who rocketed back to the top of the charts this year with ‘I Took a Pill in Ibiza,’ a club ready jam that’s low-key about addiction. Which I never noticed.
Posner gave an emotional speech detailing why he wrote the tune, then brought us to our knees with an acoustic rendition that highlighted the song’s melancholy desperation. I was emotional.
Justin Bieber snagged Pop Music Song of the Year honors for ‘Love Yourself.’ This is a great song. I’ll fight anyone who disagrees.
I digress. A cappella group Filharmonic nailed a smoky, soulful take on the song, and left the stage to rapturous applause.
Meghan Trainor accepted the ASCAP Vanguard award, and gave a touching speech about perseverance and loving yourself as her parents looked on. It was really moving. Definitely inspired me and many others in the room.
The shock of the night came when Snoop Dogg showed up to present Diane Warren with the ASCAP Founders award. Warren has written your favorite songs the past 20 years, and it was great to see her honored. I’m a fan.
Singing siren Adam Lambert presented Max Martin with Songwriter of the Year honors. It’s Martin’s 10th time winning this award, a stunning achievement in an industry chock full of competition.
It was a cathartic night. The music industry seems to be bouncing back on the heels of the explosive growth of streaming services. The ASCAP Pop awards were a celebration of all that’s going well for both independent and major label musicians. Cheers to that.