In a thrilling development for the music industry, eight songwriters have been honored with the prestigious Billions Awards, recognizing their songs that have surpassed one billion streams. This achievement is a testament to the power of music and the impact these songwriters have on global audiences. Among the recipients are some familiar names, including the talented Sarah Aarons, who has been making waves in the industry with her captivating songwriting. Aarons, based in Los Angeles but raised in Melbourne, has earned two awards for her heartfelt breakup song "I Miss U, I’m Sorry," co-written with and performed by the enchanting folk-pop artist Gracie Abrams. Her second award is for the enchanting love song "Love Me Not," performed by Ravyn Lenae and co-written with a stellar team of musicians, including Anderson Paak and Brent Reynolds. Aarons' success is further solidified by her recent win at the 2026 APRA Music Awards, where she received the international recognition award for her collaborations with renowned artists like Tame Impala, BTS, Flume, Maren Morris, and more. This marks her sixth APRA Award and the coveted title of songwriter of the year in 2019. Aarons' work is published by Sony Music Publishing, a testament to her industry recognition and influence. The sibling duo Amy and George Sheppard, along with co-writer Jay Bovino, also made history with their first Billions Award for the infectious pop hit "Geronimo," recorded by the talented Sheppard. The song's success is further highlighted by its previous wins at the APRA Music Awards in 2015 and its peak at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014. The Sheppard's collaboration with Mushroom Music Publishing showcases their industry connections and the impact of their music. Another notable winner is Connie Mitchell from Sneaky Sound System, who received recognition for the hip-hop song "Can’t Tell Me Nothing," co-written with DJ Toomp and Kanye West. The song's peak at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007 showcases its enduring popularity and cultural impact. The list of winners also includes Kota Banks and Taka Perry for their work on KATSEYE's "TOUCH," and Los Angeles-based, Scottish songwriter and producer Stuart Crichton for his collaboration on Kygo's "Stargazing." The Billions Award, presented by APRA AMCOS, celebrates the extraordinary achievement of surpassing one billion streams, a milestone that reflects the immense popularity and cultural significance of these songs. As Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, remarks, this achievement is even more remarkable considering the vast volume of music released daily, both by human artists and AI-generated content. The Billions Awards not only celebrate the success of these songwriters but also highlight the importance of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube in shaping the music industry's landscape. This recognition is a testament to the enduring power of music and the impact these songwriters have on global audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring future generations of artists.
