ASCAP, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers, hosted its 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on Monday, April 23, recognizing four impressive songwriting talents with a 2018 ASCAP Pop Music Songwriter of the Year award, each for their individual achievement in crafting some of the most popular songs of 2017. Steve Mac won for 'Shape of You' (Ed Sheeran), 'Strip That Down' (Liam Payne ft. Quavo), 'Rockabye' (Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul) and 'What About Us' (P!nk); Max Martin, receiving the award for an unprecedented 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); Starrah for 'Now or Never' (Halsey), 'Fake Love' (Drake), 'What Lovers Do' (Maroon 5 ft. SZA) and 'Havana' (Camila Cabello); and Drew Taggart for '1-800-273-8255' (Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid) in addition to three hits by his band, The Chainsmokers: 'Something Just Like This' (ft. Coldplay), 'Closer' (ft. Halsey) and 'Paris.' ASCAP President and award-winning songwriter Paul Williamspresented the awards.
