The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2021 have announced their nominations list for 2021, and there’s a lot of good stuff on the bill but I’d just like to draw your attention to the Producer of the Year shortlist:

Producer of the Year
Andrew Watt
Dr Luke
Frank Dukes
Louis Bell
Max Martin

Yep! That is indeed the widely condemned, highly controversial Dr Luke receiving a nomination.

Look, the legal situation around this guy is clearly extremely messy, so I won’t get into it here (and legally, I should point out that he’s denied all accusations of wrongdoing and has won numerous court rulings). And hey, there’s no denying his ability to create hits – I’m as guilty as anyone of still emphatically listening to the songs he made before it all publicly kicked off (Teenage Dream, My Life Would Suck Without You and Till The World Ends are among my faves of all time!).

But the fact that he’s been gradually returning to major top-tier prominence in the years since feels very icky – especially given that Kesha has been through the absolute ringer thanks to this whole furore. Even aside from her horrible situation, plenty of others have spoken out about his behaviour too.

And here he is, gradually returning to the forefront of international pop music like nothing happened.

I’m sure there’s a lot that the public doesn’t know, and – again – I’m obliged to point out that he’s always denied any and all accusations of abuse. But the message this sends about believing women, and about accountability…? It’s just really uncomfortable.

The awards will be given out on May 27.