Do you remember that almost sad feeling when you were assigned a group project and you were not properly credited for all of your hard work within the group? Spotify acknowledges that reaction as they have launched a new award entitled Secret Genius Awards recognizing writers and artists who do not normally get mentioned for their hard work during award ceremonies. Essentially, to “shine a light on the formidable role songwriters and producers play in the music industry.”
During the event, many categories were up for nomination which included pop, hip-hop, R&B, dance, rock, breakthrough and more. Several talented honorees included Starrah for her work with Drake and Rihanna, Mike Elizondo for his outstanding work with Twenty One Pilots, among many more. Take a look at this year’s winners below and Congratulations to the many commendable winners and nominees!
Secret Genius of the Year: Songwriter – J Kash
‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ – Charlie Puth, ‘Don’t Wanna Know’ – Maroon 5, ‘Swalla’ (feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign) – Jason Derulo, ‘Cold’ – Maroon 5 (feat. Future), ‘NO’ – Meghan Trainor, ‘Shed A Light’ Robin Schulz and David Guetta (feat. Cheat Codes), ‘Attention’– Charlie Puth, ‘Ain’t Your Mama’ – Jennifer Lopez
Secret Genius of the Year: Producer – Max Martin
‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ – Justin Timberlake, ‘Side To Side’ – Ariana Grande, ‘Into You’ – Ariana Grande, ‘Send My Love (To Your New Love)’ – Adele, ‘Dangerous Woman’ – Ariana Grande, ‘Chained To The Rhythm’ – Katy Perry (feat. Skip Marley)
Secret Genius of the Year: Female – Starrah
‘Fake Love’ – Drake, ‘Needed Me’ – Rihanna
Secret Genius: Pop – Greg Kurstin
‘Cheap Thrills’ – Sia
Secret Genius: Hip Hop – Starrah
‘Fake Love’ – Drake
Secret Genius: R&B – PartyNextDoor
‘Work’ – Rihanna (feat. Drake), ‘Sex With Me’ – Rihanna
Secret Genius: Dance – Ali Tamposi
‘It Ain’t Me’ – Kygo, Selena Gomez, ‘Let Me Love You’ – DJ Snake (Justin Bieber)
Secret Genius: Latin – Rude Boyz
‘Felices los 4’ – Maluma, ‘Borro Cassette’ – Maluma, ‘Chantaje’ – Shakira
Secret Genius: Rock – Mike Elizondo
‘Heathens’ – Twenty One Pilots, ‘Stressed Out’ – Twenty One Pilots
Secret Genius: Country – Ashley Gorley
‘T-Shirt’ – Thomas Rhett, ‘Play It Again’ – Luke Bryan, ‘Middle of a Memory’ – Cole Swindell
Secret Genius: Breakthrough – Asia Whiteacre
‘Starving’ – Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd, Grey
Secret Genius: Motion Picture Adaptation – Mike Elizondo
‘Heathens’ – Twenty One Pilots (Suicide Squad)
Secret Genius: Social Message – Warren Felder, Sebastian Kole, Andrew Wansel
‘Scars To Your Beautiful’ – Alessia Cara