16th Annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Performers have always stood smack in the middle of the spotlight, earning fame, adulation and the baser rewards of a successful song (read: money). But for all their talent, they wouldn't get nearly as far without the right song to sing. To create a classic, you need to marry the right artist to a wonderful rhythm/melody with memorable lyrics.

And while most Latin music award programs celebrate the performance, with sometimes a nod to the song's creator, The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) is different. Their focus is on the composition with a by-the-way acknowledgement of performance.

The 16th Annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards were held Friday, May 16th at the Ritz Carlton in Miami Beach, FL. There were two special presentations that evening; ASCAP's Golden Note Award was presented to Victor Manuelle for his innovative and enduring contributions to Latin music while Black:Guayaba took home special honors with ASCAP's Vanguard award for their career achievements.

Here are the names from the top of the winners list; you can see all the winners - as well as photos and videos of the event - at the ASCAP Website.

Golden Note Award: Victor Manuelle
Vanguard Award: Black:Guayaba
Publisher of the Year: Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Songwriter of the Year: Marco Antonio Solis
Song of the Year: "Mi Corazoncito" - Anthony Santos

Song of the Year by Genre:

• Tropical: "Shorty, Shorty" - Steven Tejeda
• Rock/Pop: "Bendita Tu Luz" - Fher
• Regional Mexican: "Basta Ya" - Marco Antonio Solis
• Pop/Ballad: "Tu Recuerdo" - Tommy Torres
• Urban: "No Te Veo" - J King, Maximan and Guelo Star