By Paul Grein
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Ariana Grande attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Ariana Grande was named songwriter of the year at the 2025 SESAC L.A. Music Awards, which were held at the W Hotel in Hollywood on Wednesday (Sept. 17). This marks the fourth year the awards took place in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande’s ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
Grande was also awarded song of the year for her hit “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” which in March 2024 became her seventh song to debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, earning her the record as the female artist with the most No. 1 debuts in history. (Taylor Swift has since tied that record, when she landed her seventh No. 1 debut with “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone).
“We Can’t Be Friends” was published by Universal Music Group Publishing, which also received the publisher of the year award. The company was also behind such songs as “The Emptiness Machine” recorded by Linkin Park and “We Pray” recorded by Coldplay featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna and TINI.
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Dez Wright and The Legendary Traxster each received producer of the year awards in recognition of their work with artists including Travis Scott, Future, Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion. Additional award-winning writers include Jack Harlow, Emily Armstrong, Dahi, Japanese Breakfast, Green Day, Fede Vindver and Sam Tinnesz.
“We’re proud to honor the incredible songwriters and publishers who make our music come alive,” Sam Kling, chief creative officer at SESAC Performing Rights, said in a statement. “These songs are the result of immense dedication and talent.”
Kling announced that two members of the creative team, James Leach and John Sweeney, received posthumous legacy awards in recognition of their service and dedication.
Artist and SESAC songwriter Tamara Jade served as the MC for the event for the third consecutive year.
Here’s a list of the key winners. A full list of all winners is available at the SESAC site.
Songwriter of the Year
Ariana Grande
Publisher of the Year
Universal Music Publishing Group
Song of the Year
“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”
Written by: Ariana Grande
Published by: Universal Music Publishing Group
Performed by: Ariana Grande
Producer of the Year
The Legendary Traxster
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