At the 71st Ivor Novello Awards, 16 songwriters and composers collected Ivor Novello Awards across 14 categories, with 37% award recipients receiving recognition for the first time. Established in 1956, The Ivors is presented by The Ivors Academy, the leading organisation representing songwriters and composers, and is the most prestigious awards ceremony celebrating songwriting and screen composition.
George Michael was awarded Fellowship of the Ivors Academy, one of the most prestigious honours in songwriting, ten years after his passing. Longtime friend and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley collected the award on behalf of George. Alongside global classics such as “Careless Whisper” and “Freedom!” George is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential songwriters.
The PRS for Music Icon Award was presented to Calvin Harris, one of the most successful and influential figures in modern music, helping shape the sound of contemporary dance and pop over the last two decades. Through collaborations with some of the world’s most influential artists, including Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and more, Harris has established his place as one of the most impactful producers and songwriters of his generation. The award was presented on stage by long-time A&R, Mike Pickering.
The Ivors Academy awarded Best Contemporary Song to Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest for “I Stand on the Line”. This award marks Kae Tempest’s second Ivor Novello Awards win and Fraser T Smith’s fourth. Combining lyrical credibility with authenticity and purpose, the track was recognised for giving voice to those “too often unheard” while balancing powerful social commentary.
The Special International Award with Amazon Music was awarded to Linda Perry, whose songwriting has left an undeniable mark on the UK’s musical landscape. Across more than three decades, Perry has established herself as one of the most distinctive and influential songwriters of her generation, a singular creative force behind a catalogue of era-defining songs. She is responsible for some of the most iconic songs of the last three decades, from her work with 4 Non Blondes to writing global hits including “Beautiful”, “Get the Party Started” and “What You Waiting For?”.
Best Television Soundtrack was awarded to David Holmes and Brian Irvine for their score to the drama series Trespasses. Marking the third time each has won an Ivor Novello Award, the judges highlighted the score’s simplicity, space and shimmering composition, praising its restrained use of guitars, emotional sensitivity and the way it became an essential part of the show’s storytelling.
Best Song Musically and Lyrically was awarded to Jacob Alon for “Don’t Fall Asleep”. The judges described the track as “profoundly emotionally honest”, praising its understated beauty, masterful storytelling and emotional resonance, while highlighting its place within the tradition of folk-infused British songwriting.
The Ivors Academy recognised Kano for the Visionary Award with Amazon Music, highlighting his work over the last 20+ years in music. Kano has become one of the UK’s most influential artists, helping shape the legacy of grime through acclaimed albums including Made in the Manor and Hoodies All Summer. Presented by Dave, the honour highlights his lasting impact on British music and culture.
Lola Young received the PRS for Music Most Performed Work award for ”Messy”. Emerging as one of the UK’s biggest breakout singles of 2025, the song connected widely through its raw lyricism, emotional honesty and unfiltered portrayal of self-worth, relationships and insecurity, cementing Lola Young as one of the country’s most prominent rising voices. This is Young’s second Ivor, after receiving the Rising Star Award in 2025.
Tom Hodge received the Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Film Score for Testimony. The judges praised the score’s restrained composition and sensitivity, stating that “Beautifully restrained, the score displays remarkable sensitivity and emotional depth, creating an evocative internal world that is powerfully and elegantly conveyed to the audience.”
The Ivors Academy recognised CMAT for Best Album for her third record, Euro-Country, marking her first Ivor Novello win. Across the record, CMAT blends confessional songwriting with sharp humour, vivid storytelling, and social commentary while exploring themes of identity, relationships, and modern anxieties through a personal lens. The judges praised the album’s honesty, originality, and particularly highlighted its ability to balance personal songwriting alongside political and cultural themes. Acclaimed artist Berwyn presented the award to CMAT.
The Ivors Academy awarded Lily Allen the Outstanding Song Collection award, having built one of the most distinctive catalogues in British music across the last two decades. With songs including “Smile”, “LDN”, and “Madeline”, and critically acclaimed albums Alright, Still and West End Girl, her collection recognises a body of work that has had a lasting impact on British pop culture and songwriting.
ROSALÍA was presented with International Songwriter of The Year, after a breakthrough year with her hugely successful album Lux, which further pushed the boundaries of global songwriting and experimental pop. She has become one of the most innovative artists of her generation, writing and singing across multiple languages, ROSALÍA has redefined modern pop through acclaimed projects including LUX and Motomami, as her work continues to leave a lasting impact across contemporary music and global popular culture.
Returning to the stage to receive their second award of the night, Jacob Alon was named this year’s Rising Star Award winner, recognising the emergence of one of the UK’s most distinctive new songwriting voices. Known for deeply intimate lyricism and a folk-inspired sound, Alon’s music has resonated with audiences for its honesty and vulnerability. The judges praised their songwriting as “deeply human, emotionally immersive and entirely authentic,” praising the emotional weight and quiet intimacy that runs through their work.
Sam Fender was awarded the Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music. He has become one of the defining voices in modern British music and storytelling through albums including People Watching and Seventeen Going Under. Known for his sharp social commentary and emotionally honest songwriting, Fender has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most important contemporary songwriters. Legendary songwriter and cultural icon Elton John presented the award to Sam.
In a very special moment at this year’s Ivors, Elton John was presented with an Ivors Academy Honour in recognition of his outstanding work championing songwriters, composers, and creativity across the music industry. Ordinarily presented at The Ivors Academy Honours, this year on 1 October, the honour also recognised his long-standing commitment and advocacy for creative rights and artistic freedom, including his recent conversations around AI and the protection of human creativity and championing emerging talent.
The Ivors Academy also announced that he would become its first-ever President, a newly created role that will see Elton John represent The Ivors Academy’s global community of songwriters and composers, championing the value of music creation and advocating for the rights and recognition of music creators worldwide. The position is reserved for individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their songwriting or composing profession, and are committed to giving back by supporting the community and advancing the Academy’s mission to protect the future of music.
As the awards drew to a close, music icon Thom Yorke received one of songwriting’s highest honours – Fellowship of the Ivors Academy. Regarded as one of the defining songwriters of his generation, Yorke is known for pushing the boundaries of alternative music through his work with Radiohead and across his solo career. From landmark records including OK Computer and Kid A to his more experimental electronic and film score work, Yorke’s songwriting has continually reshaped modern music through its emotional depth, innovation and cultural impact.
Alongside the awards, the audience were treated to stunning, stripped back performances from Thom Yorke who closed the show alongside Jacob Alon who performed “Don’t Fall Asleep” and Skye Newman who performed “Careless Whisper” in tribute to Academy Fellow George Michael and her debut single “Hairdresser”.
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said “Congratulations to all our Ivor Novello Award winners. On a special night, it was a privilege to celebrate such an extraordinary range of music with the most prestigious recognition in music. The Ivors Academy exists to protect, empower and celebrate songwriters and composers, and whatever we face, tonight stands as a reminder that the future of music is in remarkable hands.”
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said “Every nomination and award tonight is an act of attribution. A public, named, witnessed declaration that these astonishing human beings made these noteworthy, gorgeous, brilliant songs. That it came from somewhere and belongs to someone. They can be identified, credited, paid and celebrated. My heartfelt congratulations to all our winners.”
The 2026 winners join a roll of songwriting and composing greats who have received an Ivor Novello Award over the past seven decades, including Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Adele, RAYE, Stormzy, Cathy Dennis, Bruce Springsteen, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Dave, Sting and Joan Armatrading.
Following her standout performance at the awards, Amazon Music will release an exclusive Amazon Music Original of Skye Newman’s cover of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper”, paying tribute to the late singer after induction as Fellowship of the Ivors Academy and celebrating one of his most iconic songs.
THE 2026 WINNERS
BEST ALBUM
Euro-Country written and performed by CMAT
music published in the UK by BMG Rights Management UK
BEST CONTEMPORARY SONG
"I Stand on the Line" written by Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest
performed by Kae Tempest
music published in the UK by Warner Chappell Music and Domino Publishing Company
BEST SONG MUSICALLY AND LYRICALLY
"Don't Fall Asleep" written and performed by Jacob Alon
music published in the UK by Concord Music Publishing
PRS FOR MUSIC MOST PERFORMED WORK
"Messy" written and performed by Lola Young
music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
RISING STAR AWARD
Jacob Alon
BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE
Testimony composed by Tom Hodge
music published in the UK by Bucks Music Group Limited obo Rocliffe Limited and Underground Films Commissioning Limited
BEST TELEVISION SOUNDTRACK
Trespasses composed by David Holmes and Brian Irvine
music published in the UK by Kobalt Music Publishing and Sony Music Publishing obo All3Media
ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
George Michael
Thom Yorke
OUTSTANDING SONG COLLECTION
Lily Allen
PRS FOR MUSIC ICON AWARD
Calvin Harris
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
ROSALÍA
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR with AMAZON MUSIC
Sam Fender
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL AWARD with AMAZON MUSIC
Linda Perry
VISIONARY AWARD with AMAZON MUSIC
Kano
