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 hard work of these talented individuals. Among the recipients are some familiar names, including the acclaimed Sarah Aarons, who has been making waves in the industry with her captivating songwriting. Aarons, a Los Angeles-based artist with Melbourne roots, earned two awards for her heartfelt breakup song "I Miss U, I’m Sorry," co-written with and performed by the enchanting Gracie Abrams. Her second award was for the love song "Love Me Not," featuring Ravyn Lenae and a stellar team of co-writers. Aarons' success is further solidified by her recent international recognition at the 2026 APRA Music Awards, where she won the coveted international recognition award, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Tame Impala, BTS, Flume, and Maren Morris. This marks her sixth APRA Award, including the prestigious title of "Songwriter of the Year" in 2019. The sibling duo Amy and George Sheppard also made history with their first Billions Award for the infectious pop hit "Geronimo," recorded by the talented Sheppard. The song's journey began with two APRA Music Awards in 2015, followed by its chart-topping success on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014. The Sheppard's collaboration with Jay Bovino has been a significant part of their success, and they expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Another notable winner is Connie Mitchell from Sneaky Sound System, who co-wrote the hip-hop anthem "Can’t Tell Me Nothing" with DJ Toomp and Kanye West. The song's peak at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007 showcases its enduring impact. The list also includes the dynamic duo of Kota Banks and Taka Perry, who collaborated on KATSEYE's "TOUCH," a song that showcases their creative synergy. The eighth recipient is the Scottish songwriter and producer Stuart Crichton, who co-wrote the enchanting "Stargazing" with Kygo, Jamie Hartman, and Justin Jesso. Crichton's connection to Australia, both in the 2000s and through his music, adds a unique flavor to his success. The Billions Award, presented by APRA AMCOS, celebrates the streaming milestones of these songs, taking into account data from major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. As Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, aptly noted, "When APRA’s founding publishers first met 100 years ago in 1926, they could never have imagined we’d be here in 2026 celebrating songwriters and publishers for reaching one billion streams." This achievement is a testament to the enduring power of music and the dedication of these artists and their teams. It also highlights the importance of streaming platforms in shaping the music industry's landscape. As the music world continues to evolve, these Billions Award recipients are undoubtedly setting a high bar for future generations of songwriters and producers.
