Carrie Underwood Receives BMI Board Of Directors Award At NAB Dinner

Pictured (L-R): Mike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI; Carrie Underwood; Paul Karpowicz, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors & President, Meredith Local Media Group

Carrie Underwood was honored with BMI’s Board Of Directors Award at the 69th annual BMI/NAB Dinner last night (April 25) at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas. Underwood was recognized for the undeniable impact her music has had on the broadcast industry, as well as her contributions as a songwriter. During the event BMI also presented Underwood with the latest three of her 14 career BMI songwriting awards for “Heartbeat,” “Little Toy Guns,” and “Smoke Break.” She was also presented with a whopping nine BMI “Million-Air” Certificates, acknowledging songs that have achieved one million or more spins on radio, bringing her list of Million-Air certificates to a career total of 14.

“Not every superstar is a songwriter, but Carrie is,” said Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President and CEO. “She has earned the respect of her colleagues, not only for her singing, but also for her brilliant songwriting and storytelling, and that is an accomplishment that cannot be overstated.”

“I am beyond blessed to get to do what I do, and am grateful that I am surrounded by such incredible people,” remarked Underwood about the honor. “I love the people that I get to work with — it’s a joy, a pleasure, and a privilege. Thank you so much BMI for everything that you have done for me and my music.“

Past recipients of the BMI/NAB honor include Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Graham Nash, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, and John Williams, among others.