2007 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year honoree Johnta Austin presented Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen with their Songwriter of the Year awards. Collectively known as Stargate, the Norwegian duo was honored for Trey Songz's "Can't Help But Wait," Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent," Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight," Rihanna's "Take A Bow," and Chris Brown's "With You."

This is the first time that Stargate have been named ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Songwriters of the Year, and closely follows their Songwriter of the Year victory at this year's ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and the 2007 ASCAP Awards in London, UK.

ASCAP songwriters with multiple award-winning songs were: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Terius "The-Dream" Nash and C. "Tricky" Stewart with five awards each; Ne-Yo with four awards; Alicia Keys with three; and Akon, Johnta Austin, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers Jr., Keyshia Cole and Darius "Deezle" Harrison with two apiece.

(VG/Press release)

Rolleiv Solholm