In the world of music, recognition and accolades are often fleeting, but for a select few, they become a testament to their enduring impact. The 1,000,000,000 List, presented by APRA AMCOS to its songwriter members, is a prestigious honor that celebrates songs surpassing one billion streams. This year, eight talented songwriters and their publishers have earned this coveted status, each with their own unique journey and story to tell.
One of the standout winners is Sarah Aarons, a Los Angeles-based, Melbourne-raised hitmaker who has been making waves in the industry. Aarons earned two awards for her breakup song "I Miss U, I’m Sorry," co-written with and performed by folk-pop sensation Gracie Abrams. Her second award was for the love song "Love Me Not," performed by Ravyn Lenae and co-written with a stellar lineup of artists, including Anderson Paak, Brent Reynolds, and Christian Farlow, among others. Aarons' success is further solidified by her recent win at the 2026 APRA Music Awards, where she took home the international recognition award for her collaborations with renowned artists like Tame Impala, BTS, Flume, Maren Morris, and more. With a total of six APRA Awards under her belt, including the coveted songwriter of the year in 2019, Aarons is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Another notable winner is the sibling duo Amy and George Sheppard, along with co-writer Jay Bovino, who collected their first Billions Award for the song "Geronimo," recorded by the Brisbane-based pop group Sheppard. This song's success is not only reflected in its two APRA Music Awards wins in 2015 for most played Australian work and pop work of the year but also in its peak at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014. The Sheppard's journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of a dedicated team, as George Sheppard himself noted, "It’s been an amazing journey for us... getting to bring joy to people for the last 14 years, it’s a dream come true."
The list of winners also includes Sneaky Sound System's Connie Mitchell, who co-wrote the hip-hop song "Can’t Tell Me Nothing" with DJ Toomp and Kanye West. Following its release in 2007, the song peaked at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the enduring appeal of Mitchell's work. Additionally, Kota Banks and Taka Perry were recognized for their contributions to KATSEYE's "TOUCH," and Los Angeles-based, Scottish songwriter and producer Stuart Crichton was honored for his work on Kygo's "Stargazing."
The Billions Award, which takes into account streaming numbers from major services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, is a testament to the power of music to connect with audiences worldwide. As Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, remarks, "When APRA’s founding publishers first met 100 years ago in 1926, they could never have imagined we’d be here in 2026 celebrating songwriters and publishers for reaching one billion streams. It’s an extraordinary achievement..."
These eight winners represent the pinnacle of success in the music industry, each with their own unique story and impact. Their achievements not only showcase their talent and dedication but also inspire and motivate aspiring musicians worldwide, proving that with hard work and creativity, anything is possible.
