BMI HONORS BRITS

Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding and Tems were the big winners at Monday night’s BMI London Awards. Songs by Lewis Capaldi and Sam Smith also received recognition.

Sheeran and co-writer Johnny McDaid took BMI European Song of the Year for smash “Bad Habits” (Atlantic), which spent 11 weeks at the top of the U.K. charts last year. Sheeran was also honored for 4 million performances of "I Don't Care” and 5 million of “Perfect.” In the pop songs category, he was recognized for “Afterglow," co-written with David Hodges, and “Shivers," co-written with McDaid and Kal Lavelle.

Acknowledged with the BMI President’s Award for her career, which has spanned three U.K. #1 albums and nine Top 10 singles, Goulding said in her acceptance speech: “In the U.K. particularly and as a woman, it's ingrained in you that ambition is a bad thing, but it shouldn't be. Ambition is an essential ingredient for what we all do and along with the talent and a bit of luck, for anyone who hopes for a long-lasting career in a really tough industry. To anyone who's on their way there, please don't listen to people who have anything to say about your wanting bigger and better, because you deserve it.”

Songwriter and artist Tems was honored with the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her artistry, creative vision and impact on the future of music.

Other winners included the writers of songs performed by Capaldi, Sam Smith and Normani, ABBA and Elton John.