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Pharrell awarded BBC Song of the Year, most streamed song by Spotify for “Happy”

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Perhaps the only thing better than being happy is winning awards for being infectiously happy. At last night’s inaugural BBC Music Awards, Pharrell Williams took home awards for International Artist of the Year as well as Song of the Year for his infectious hit “Happy.” These prestigious titles were bestowed upon Pharrell a little over a week after Spotify declared “Happy” the most streamed song in the world for 2014.

Pharrell’s Song of The Year win was no easy feat, facing competition in the category that crushed most songs released in the past year. New Zealand breakout star Lorde’s song “Royals” won song of the year at this year’s Grammy’s, and Ed Sheeran (“Sing”) took home British Artist of the Year at the BBC Music Awards last night – neither one could beat “Happy”. For International Artist of the Year, Pharrell beat out Prince, Dolly Parton, Gregory Porter, Lorde and Taylor Swift.

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The BBC’s first attempt at a music award show attracted 3.9 million viewers, but Pharrell was noticeably absent from the event. In his magnanimous nature, the man who shared his happiness with the world wanted them to know he’s also sharing his award in a video message of him accepting the award. “As writers and producers we are beholden to what the audience thinks and what you guys want to do,” says Pharrell  “so when you say song of the year, really it’s not my award – it’s your award.”

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The song first appeared on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack in June 2013 and officially released as the lead single for his sophomore solo album G I R L in November 2013. By September 2014 the song had become the most downloaded song ever in the UK, was number one on Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks and even inspired people who can not hear.

The eligibility period for a Grammy is between October 1 and September 30. Even though Pharrell’s “Happy” was officially released as a single November 2013 and featured on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack the following June, the song was not nominated for Song of the Year in either the 2014 or 2015. A live version of “Happy” was submitted in order for the song to garner its two Grammy nominations, according to ABC News. The official music video for “Happy” is also nominated for best music video and has racked up over 510 million YouTube views since its November 21 release.

The 2015 Grammy Awards take place on February 8, 2015 and whether Pharrell wears Arby’s logo on his head again or not, the world will be waiting to see what “Happy” gets him.

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Keith Nelson Jr.
Keith Nelson Jr.
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Keith Nelson Jr is a music/tech journalist making big pictures by connecting dots. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY he…
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