Dr. Luke Wins Songwriter of the Year Amid Legal Battle with Kesha

Kesha shared her album 'Gag Order' the same night

BY Ben OkazawaPublished May 19, 2023

In the midst of his long-running legal battle with Kesha, pop executive Dr. Luke took home Songwriter of the Year honours at the 2023 ASCAP Pop Music Awards on Thursday (May 18). 

Luke's win comes behind lasting streams from his contributions to Doja Cat's 2021 album Planet Her, as well as the Nicki Minaj single "Super Freaky Girl."

Kesha accused her former producer, who founded her label Kemosabe Records, of physical and emotional abuse back in 2014, but her charges were eventually dismissed. Luke's countersuit for defamation is still ongoing, and Kesha's new album Gag Order (reportedly her last under Kemosabe) takes not-so-subtle jabs at the situation. 

"I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now," she told Rolling Stone last month. "With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized."

Other winners at the ASCAP Awards include Justin Bieber's "Stay" for Song of the Year and Sony Music Publishing for Publisher of the Year. 

Watch the visualizer for Gag Order single "Fine Line" below.

 

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