Spotify’s Secret Genius Awards is actually a seriously genius idea and a platform for artists and writers who don’t normally get recognition on awards night to take the spotlight. The idea behind the awards is to “shine a light on the formidable role songwriters and producers play in the music industry.”
Categories for the awards included pop, hip hop, R&B, dance, Latin, rock, country, breakthrough, and more. Honorees include Mike Elizondo for his work with Twenty One Pilots, Starrah for her work with Drake and Rihanna, and so on.
In the dance category, the award winner was Ali Tamposi, for her work on “It Ain’t Me” by Selena Gomez and Kygo, as well as “Let Me Love You” by DJ Snake featuring Justin Bieber.
Another secret genius was honored for her work on a dance track outside of the dance category, scoring an award as a Breakthrough writer/producer: that’s Asia Whiteacre, for her work on “Starving” by Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd and Grey.
See a list of all the winners below.
Secret Genius of the Year: Songwriter – J Kash
Songs: “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” (feat. Cheat Codes) – Robin Schulz, David Guetta, “Attention” – Charlie Puth, “Ain’t Your Mama” – Jennifer Lopez
Secret Genius of the Year: Producer – Max Martin
Songs: “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
Songs: “Fake Love” – Drake, “Needed Me” – Rihanna
Secret Genius: Pop – Greg Kurstin
Song: “Cheap Thrills” – Sia
Secret Genius: Hip Hop – Starrah
Song: “Fake Love” – Drake
Secret Genius: R&B – PartyNextDoor
Songs: “Work” – Rihanna (feat. Drake), “Sex With Me” – Rihanna
Secret Genius: Dance – Ali Tamposi
Songs: “It Ain’t Me” – Kygo, Selena Gomez, “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake (Justin Bieber)
Secret Genius: Latin – Rude Boyz
Songs: “Felices los 4” – Maluma, “Borro Cassette” – Maluma, “Chantaje” – Shakira
Secret Genius: Rock – Mike Elizondo
Songs: “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots
Secret Genius: Country – Ashley Gorley
Songs: “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
Song: “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots (Suicide Squad)
Secret Genius: Social Message – Warren Felder, Sebastian Kole, Andrew Wansel
Song: “Scars To Your Beautiful” – Alessia Cara
Photo via Rukes.com