Ed Sheeran, Elton John Honoured At 2021 BMI London Awards
Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Sting and Arlo Parks were honoured at the 2021 BMI London Awards.
The annual awards show honoured the top UK and European songwriters, composers and music publishers. In addition to the prestigious Song of the Year prize going to songwriter Tom Barnes for Lewis Capaldi’s mega-hit Before You Go, several BMI Million-Air Awards were handed out to “recognise the iconic songs that have reached a million or more broadcast performances by UK and European songwriters and publisher.”
Among the tracks honoured were Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You and Cutting Crew’s Nick Van Eede’s (I Just) Died in Your Arms, with six million performances.
Elton John’s classics Bennie And The Jets and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart were both honoured. Both tracks have reached seven million performances, and I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues hitting six million. Additionally, Sheeran’s Love Yourself, which features Justin Bieber, made four million.
However, it’s Sting who holds the number one song in BMI’s repertoire, with 16 million performances of The Police’s timeless hit Every Breath You Take.
Elsewhere, Rising star Arlo was the recipient of this year’s BMI Impact Award, for “ground-breaking artistry, creative vision and impact on the future of music.” Inflo, a member of SAULT, was also awarded the BMI Champion Award for “ground-breaking musical achievements and collaborations” and social activism.
BMI also announced the Most-Performed Songs of the Year, including tracks by Anne-Marie, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Niall Horan, and Beabadoobee.
Shirin Foroutan, Vice President, Creative, Europe, commented: “We’re extremely proud to recognise BMI’s top UK and European music creators and celebrate song-writing at its very best.
“This year, we’re presenting two special awards to two incredible innovators in music. The formidable Arlo Parks is receiving the BMI Impact Award for the vulnerability and authenticity she shares in her songwriting, resonating with music lovers worldwide.
“In addition, as one of the most transformative songwriters/producers of our time, we’re presenting Inflo with the BMI Champion Award in recognition of his groundbreaking musical achievements and collaborations, and for using his platform to champion social change to help better our world. We are privileged to represent every one of our award winners and honourees and celebrate their continued success.”