Taylor Swift to be first recipient of new BMI Taylor Swift Award

Taylor Swift will be the first recipient of the BMI Foundation's new Taylor Swift Award.

The Shake It Off singer will be presented with her namesake honor at the BMI Pop Awards next month (May16).

She'll become only the second artist to pick up an award named after her - Michael Jackson was the first recipient of the Michael Jackson Award in 1990.

The honor will be presented to creative talent with a global influence on music fans around the world.

Taylor has previously scooped seven BMI Awards.

Announcing the new prize, BMI vice president of writer/publisher relations Barbara Cane says, "Taylor Swift has transformed pop culture through her songs, artistry and indomitable spirit.

"She has had a profound impact, not only musically, but also through her personal conviction and commitment to create a standard that values and respects music for everyone.

"We felt it appropriate to award Taylor with an honor that is as unique and special as she is."