The Ivors Academy has announced Elton John as the first President of The Ivors Academy. This newly established ambassadorial role 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.
Alongside being announced as President, last night at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards, Elton John received an Ivors Academy Honour in recognition of his outstanding work championing songwriters, composers and creativity. This spans his powerful advocacy for creative rights and freedoms, most recently in the debates on AI, and championing of new and emerging talent which has transformed the careers of countless songwriters and composers. Prior to this honour, Elton John was already the recipient of fourteen Ivor Novello Awards.
Speaking at the Ivor Novello Awards, Elton John said “It is really an honour and a privilege to be able to stand up here and witness all the great talent that has won awards today. It's quite astonishing sitting back backstage, you see Damon Albarn, and you see Harry Styles, and you see Thom Yorke, and then you see Rosalia, and you see CMAT, and then you see Jacob Alon, who I think is probably one of the most gorgeous songwriters of our time.
To be able to write a song, it is such a personal, wonderful thing. All the people that received awards today totally deserve them, and they've contributed to wondrous moments where you listen to something you think, God I wish I'd written that. It's an incredible feeling to see all this young talent streaming past, and it's a tribute to music and the British essence of songwriting. We're an amazing country that produces great songwriting. When I do my Rocket Hour Program, to listen to someone new, and then think, wow, that's really incredible. Those are the people that excite me. Jacob Alon and Nectar Woode, these are the future generations of great songwriters. The new music that I hear inspires me, and I can't thank them enough for keeping me young.
It's an incredible honour to be here today. I didn't expect all this to happen. I just wanted to give something to lovely Sam Fender, who I regard as part of my family and a son. No matter what kind of music you write. It's yours, you own it. It came from your soul. And don't let it be taken away from you, especially by A.I.”
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, announced the Presidency at The Ivors and said “We are delighted to announce Elton John as The Ivors Academy’s first President. This role recognises not only one of the world’s greatest musicians, but also one of the most passionate and determined champions of songwriters and composers. There is no one more fitting to become our first President. It is a privilege to welcome Elton into this role.”
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said “There are countless reasons why Elton John deserves this Honour. In particular, his defence of human creativity from AI has been principled and impossible to ignore. Equally important is the way Elton has used his platform to champion rising stars. From Ed Sheeran, to Sam Fender, Lola Young and many more, he continues to support and inspire the next generation of talented songwriters.”
The Ivors Academy Honours celebrate champions of songwriters and composers. They pay tribute to those making a lasting impact to support a thriving songwriter and composer community. The awards recognise exceptional individuals who are setting higher standards and driving best practice across the music industry.
The Ivors Academy Honours will take place on 1 October 2026 at InterContinental London Park Lane, and tickets are on sale. Last year’s recipients included RAYE for her leadership and advocacy for songwriters and Kae Tempest for inspiring cultural and social change through storytelling and for his advocacy for the LGBTQI+ community.
