The legendary singer and actress, who turned 71 on May 20, wowed everyone at the Billboard Music Awards Sunday night with two incredible performances and an Icon Award acceptance that left the audience thoroughly entertained and completely stunned. The award needs to be presented to a composer/author who has, over the course of the year, made a significant impact / contribution in the writing/co-writing of an array of works and hits for a multitude of South African artists from all genres, styles and languages.
The APRA Professional Development Awards are conducted every two years by APRA in conjunction with music organisations and institutions involved in the representation or education of Australian music writers, offering cash and recognition to music writers in the early stages of their careers.
This was as well the year in which Swift not merely offered country music the best crossover achieving success in history, however also found a way to suddenly harmonize these a couple of worlds in distress – thanks in part to MTV and the notorious Kanye West.
Madonna and Taylor Swift are the biggest winners with three wins each, while the former also holds the record for most nominations with 12. Meanwhile, Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and Lady Gaga are the only artists to win the award for two consecutive years.
While most of the above are given for individual performances in lead roles and for excellence in several technical aspects that go into the production, there are stage management awards that celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in Production & Stage Management both individual and team.