Jess Glynne lands ASCAP Vanguard Award

Singer Jess Glynne has been named the recipient of the prestigious Vanguard Award at the annual ASCAP honors in London.

The Rather Be star will be honored alongside British singer/producer MNEK with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) prize, which recognizes "the impact of outstanding ASCAP members on musical genres that will help shape the future of music".

Celebrating the news, Glynne says in a statement, "The Vanguard Award marks the end of a special couple of years for me. To be recognized not only by the public but by your peers, by other songwriters, for the music you are making is so heartwarming. When I look at the names that have won these awards on both sides of the Atlantic, I can't even believe that I have been put in such a category."

And MNEK, who has crafted hits for superstars including Madonna, Beyonce, and Kylie Minogue, declares: "I am so grateful to have won this award. My first love and passion is music and writing songs, so to be recognized in this extraordinary way by my peers, friends and colleagues is simply incredible. I am honored and humbled by this wonderful accolade - it's a really dope (cool) feeling!"

The stars join ASCAP Golden Note Award winners Duran Duran among the 2016 honorees at Thursday's (10Nov16) event, which serves as an annual celebration of songwriters and composers, reports Billboard.com.

Previous musicians to have scored the Vanguard Award include Calvin Harris, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, and fun.