The winner will receive a dedicated Ivor Novello Award and join a roll call of greats that includes Adele, Stormzy, Cathy Dennis, Annie Lennox, Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Joan Armatrading.
Recognised as a pinnacle of achievement since they were first presented in 1956, The Ivors Academy presents Ivor Novello Awards for exceptional songwriting and composing. The awards are particularly important to the music industry as they represent peer recognition.
In its second year, the Rising Star Award discovers, supports, and accelerates the careers of the most promising music creators. The award includes a mentoring scheme where all nominees receive a year-long mentorship from a well-established Academy member and leaders from Apple Music.
Last year’s winner, Mysie was mentored by songwriter and producer Fraser T Smith. The 2020 nominees were singer-songwriter Amahla, composer and performer Carmel Smickersgill, artist and producer Griff, and songwriter and multi-instrumentalist lullahush (Daniel McIntyre).
Mysie, winner of the 2020 Rising Star Award with Apple Music said:
“My experience working with The Ivors Academy and Apple Music has been exciting and truly life-changing. They have really helped me to progress to the next stage of my career – working with Fraser has been incredible! Every day I continue to grow and learn about myself as an artist, and that is a beautiful feeling.”
There is no fee to enter the Rising Star Award. Entrants must be an Under 25 member of The Ivors Academy and the Academy has bursaries to cover the cost of membership for songwriters or composers who face financial barriers.
To enter and for the eligibility criteria, rules and guidelines visit our award entry site. Entries close on the 26th March, the nominees will be announced on the 27th July and the winner will be announced on the 21st September.
The Ivors Academy has announced that the 66th presentation of Ivor Novello Awards at The Ivors with Apple Music will take place on Tuesday 21st September, with plans to hold the annual awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London.
Find out more about The Ivors 2021.
2021 Dates
Monday 15th February
Entries open for the Rising Star Award with Apple Music
Monday 22nd March
Entries open for Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Best Television Soundtrack
Friday 26th March
Entries close for the Rising Star Award with Apple Music
Friday 30th April
Entries close for Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Best Television Soundtrack
Tuesday 27th July
Nominees announced for Rising Star Award with Apple Music
Tuesday 10th August
Nominations announced for Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Best Television Soundtrack
Tuesday 21st September
Winners announced. Ceremony planned to take place at Grosvenor House, London
