Ariana Grande was recognized as Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 SESAC L.A. Music Awards. The event took place at the W Hotel in Hollywood on Wednesday, September 17. Universal Music Publishing Group also received the Publisher of the Year award during the ceremony.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the SESAC L.A. Music Awards have been held in Los Angeles, celebrating top talent in the music industry. The awards highlight significant achievements in songwriting and publishing.
Key Takeaways
- Ariana Grande received Songwriter of the Year.
- Her song "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" won Song of the Year.
- Universal Music Publishing Group was named Publisher of the Year.
- Dez Wright and The Legendary Traxster shared Producer of the Year honors.
- This was the fourth annual SESAC L.A. Music Awards held in Los Angeles.
Grande's Record-Breaking Success
Ariana Grande's success extended beyond the Songwriter of the Year title. Her hit single, "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)," was also honored as Song of the Year. This track made a significant impact upon its release.
In March 2024, "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement marked Grande's seventh song to reach the top spot upon its debut. This set a new record for a female artist, giving her the most number-one debuts in history at that time.
Taylor Swift later tied this record with her seventh number-one debut, "Fortnight," featuring Post Malone. Grande's consistent chart performance highlights her influence in popular music.
Key Fact
Ariana Grande's "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" was her seventh song to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new record for female artists.
Universal Music Publishing Group's Recognition
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) played a crucial role in the success of "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)." The company published Grande's award-winning song. UMPG was also recognized with the prestigious Publisher of the Year award, underscoring its broad impact on the music landscape.
UMPG's portfolio includes a diverse range of successful songs from various artists. The company was behind Linkin Park's "The Emptiness Machine" and Coldplay's "We Pray." The Coldplay track featured multiple artists including Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, and TINI. This demonstrates UMPG's wide reach across different music genres and artists.
About SESAC
SESAC is a performing rights organization. It represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers. SESAC ensures that its affiliates are compensated when their music is performed publicly. The organization plays a vital role in the music industry by protecting intellectual property rights and facilitating royalty payments.
Producer and Other Songwriter Awards
The awards ceremony also celebrated excellence in music production. Dez Wright and The Legendary Traxster were jointly awarded Producer of the Year. Their work spans across several high-profile artists.
Wright and Traxster contributed to projects by artists such as Travis Scott, Future, Beyoncé, and Megan Thee Stallion. Their recognition highlights the critical role producers play in shaping hit songs and albums.
Several other talented writers received awards for their contributions to music. These included Jack Harlow, Emily Armstrong, Dahi, Japanese Breakfast, Green Day, Fede Vindver, and Sam Tinnesz. The breadth of talent recognized demonstrates the diverse nature of contemporary music creation.
"We're proud to honor the incredible songwriters and publishers who make our music come alive," said Sam Kling, chief creative officer at SESAC Performing Rights. "These songs are the result of immense dedication and talent."
Legacy and Event Details
During the ceremony, Sam Kling also announced special posthumous legacy awards. These awards recognized James Leach and John Sweeney for their dedicated service to the creative team. This tribute honored their lasting contributions to the music industry.
Artist and SESAC songwriter Tamara Jade served as the event's MC. This was her third consecutive year hosting the awards. Her consistent presence adds a familiar touch to the annual event.
The 2025 SESAC L.A. Music Awards celebrated a year of remarkable musical achievements. The event showcased the talent and hard work of artists, songwriters, producers, and publishers. It underscored the collaborative nature of the music industry. The full list of all winners is available on the official SESAC website.
Key Winners at the 2025 SESAC L.A. Music Awards:
- Songwriter of the Year: Ariana Grande
- Publisher of the Year: Universal Music Publishing Group
- Song of the Year: "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)"
- Written by: Ariana Grande
- Published by: Universal Music Publishing Group
- Performed by: Ariana Grande
- Producer of the Year: The Legendary Traxster and Dez Wright
The awards serve as an important platform for recognizing the creative forces behind the music that resonates with audiences worldwide. They highlight both established stars and emerging talents in the industry.
The continued success of artists like Ariana Grande, combined with the foundational work of publishers like UMPG, illustrates the vibrant and evolving nature of the global music scene. Such events reinforce the value of songwriting and production in popular culture.
The ceremony brought together many industry professionals, fostering networking and collaboration. It also provided a moment to reflect on the artistry and business aspects of music creation. The event remains a key date in the music calendar, celebrating innovation and impact.