Backstreet Boys present Max Martin with Polar Music Prize

Backstreet Boys honored songwriter Max Martin with the prestigious Polar Music Prize on Thursday night (16Jun16).

The music producer was presented with the award by King Carl XVI Gustaf in his native Sweden, and on hand to sing the praises of Martin were pop stars Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson, three members of the best-selling boy band.

Martin is responsible for writing many of the group's hits, including I Want It That Way. Prior to receiving the prize, the trio gushed over the hitmaker's career, saying, "In the last 20 years, no composer in the world has written melodies as sustainable or as widespread as those of Max Martin... With his ear for song melodies, his musical precision and craftsmanship, he has refined and developed the world’s popular music."

The pop stars' attendance comes three years after Martin gave a similar speech honoring the guys in Los Angeles, when the Backstreet Boys were presented with their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Martin, who has had 22 number one songs on the Billboard Hot 100, has also written the biggest hits for stars such as Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Adele, and Katy Perry.

Italian opera singer Cecilia Bartoli was the other recipient of the 2016 prize, which was founded by ABBA's former manager Stig Anderson in 1989 and is shared annually by a pop artist and a classical musician.

Previous winners include Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, and Stevie Wonder.

The ceremony was held at the Stockholm Concert House and followed by a Royal Banquet at the Grand Hotel's Winter Garden room.