Snow Patrol member, songwriter, and producer Johnny McDaid will be presented with the prestigious BMI President’s Award at the 2026 BMI London Awards. The ceremony will take place on 28 September 2026 at The Dorchester in London. Hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neill alongside executive team members Mike Steinberg and Barbara Cane, the event honors McDaid's body of work and lasting influence on global music.
The annual private ceremony also celebrates the top British and European songwriters, composers, and publishers behind the year's most-performed songs in the US across radio, streaming, film, and television. Presentations during the evening will include the BMI London Song of the Year, Million-Air Awards, and genre-specific honors spanning Pop, Film, and Television music.
Originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, McDaid moved to London as a teenager, busking on city streets before building a prolific career as a writer and producer. Alongside his work with Snow Patrol, he has collaborated with global artists including Ed Sheeran, BTS, P!nk, Lewis Capaldi, Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson.
His work with Ed Sheeran includes "Shape of You," which became the first song in Spotify history to cross two billion streams and spent 12 weeks at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His catalogue of co-written hits also includes "Photograph," "Shivers," and "Bad Habits." McDaid’s recent work includes co-writing "Animal" for global pop group KATSEYE and "Bottle Up" for the Backstreet Boys. Over his career, McDaid has earned two Grammy nominations, two Ivor Novello awards, 17 BMI Awards, and over 600 Platinum certifications.
Speaking on the announcement, BMI Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg commended McDaid’s gift for melody, storytelling, and authenticity, noting his contribution to shaping enduring pop songs over the past two decades.
In receiving the President’s Award, McDaid joins a list of previous honorees that includes Noel Gallagher, Ellie Goulding, P!nk, Taylor Swift, Jay Kay, benny blanco, and Brian Wilson.
