2026 ASCAP Pop Music Awards Spotlight: Amy Allen’s Songwriter of the Year Triumph and Industry Highlights

The ceremony was held on April 30 at Chaplin Studios. Amy Allen was named ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year for co-writing Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” “Tears,” “Bed Chem,” and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars’s “APT.” Laufey received the Creative Voice Award, Sony Music Publishing earned Publisher of the Year, and “Die With a Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars) won Song of the Year.

Variety Magazine

ASCAP’s pop awards recognize the most-performed songs using Luminate data. Amy Allen became the first two-time Grammy winner for Songwriter of the Year. Laufey earned a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Sony Music Publishing’s 2026 honor marks its tenth Publisher of the Year title.

Billboard

Amy Allen co-wrote ASCAP’s top-performed songs, including the Carpenter hits and “APT.” Laufey blends classical and jazz influences into contemporary pop. Sony Music Publishing provided writers for 27 of the year’s leading pop tracks, including Tate McRae’s “It’s ok I’m ok” and Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need.”

Billboard

Jimmy Jam said AI concerns are eased by creators like Allen. Katie Welle praised the talent and daily passion of Sony’s songwriters. Laufey stressed her aim to fuse classical and jazz roots in modern pop. ASCAP said the Creative Voice Award honors creators whose achievements stem from a distinct creative spirit.

Billboard

• “We don’t have to worry about AI because of people like Amy Allen,” — Jimmy Jam, musician and producer

Variety Magazine

• “This recognition speaks to the exceptional talent of our songwriters and the passion they bring to their craft every day. It’s a privilege to support such an inspiring community of creators.” — Katie Welle, Sony Music Publishing president, head of A&R

Billboard

• “whose significant career achievements are informed by their creative spirit and their contributions to the role that a creator can play in the community.” — ASCAP description of the Creative Voice Award

Billboard

The ceremony underscores songwriting as a driving force in pop and signals confidence in human creativity amid AI discussions. Allen’s co-writes are slated for Grammy nominations, and Laufey’s album continues to receive critical praise. ASCAP will release the 2027 nominee list early, maintaining its data-driven recognition model.

Billboard