Trending on Billboard Paul Anka received the BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI Pop Awards on Tuesday (May 12) at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. In presenting the award, Mike Steinberg , BMI executive vp, chief revenue & creative officer, deemed Anka “music royalty.” “Tonight, we offer you BMI’s highest honor to celebrate your incomparable catalog, your unmatched influence, and your legacy as one of the greatest hitmakers — and songwriters — of all time,” Steinberg added. Related Upon accepting the award, Anka said, “I’ve been doing this a long time and to be among my own is the biggest kick. I don’t accept (this award) on an individual level, I’m going to accept it collectively in front of my brothers and sisters who do what I do. I share this with you.” He added, “The process that we are all enjoying is a process that starts with the song….…