The Ivors Academy has today announced Linda Perry is to be honoured with the Special International Award at The Ivors with Amazon Music 2026. This Ivor Novello Award celebrates an international songwriter whose outstanding career has significantly influenced the UK music industry.
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.
Linda Perry said “It’s an honour to be recognised for my songwriting contributions at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards. So many incredible artists have been celebrated and I am humbled to be standing alongside them.”
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said “With defiance, vulnerability and honesty, Linda’s songwriting is instantly recognisable. She has continuously captured both hearts and the airwaves. You just know her songs will endure and continue to resonate.”
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said “Linda Perry’s songwriting continues to have a profound impact on global popular culture. We are proud to honour her with the Special International Award at The Ivors, celebrating her incredible music and authentic craft.”
Perry is known for her work as primary songwriter, singer and guitarist for 4 Non Blondes, where she wrote international hit “What’s Up?”, alongside “Spaceman”, “Dear Mr. President” and “Pleasantly Blue”. Also working extensively with other artists, Perry has collaborated with P!nk, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Ariana Grande and more, writing globally iconic tracks including “Beautiful” performed by Christina Aguilera, “Get the Party Started” performed by P!nk and “What You Waiting For?” performed by Gwen Stefani.
4 Non Blondes’ debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, spent more than a year on the Billboard 200 after its release in 1992, going platinum, with standout single “What’s Up?” still a rallying cry against those forces of quasi-political control in the name of personal freedom. The song has surpassed 1 billion streams and the video is currently closing in on 2 billion views.
To celebrate the announcement, Amazon Music has released a mini documentary, Anatomy of an Earworm, spotlighting Linda Perry and the full circle journey of “Beautiful.” Watch now on YouTube. The six minute episode centers on Perry’s experience writing the song, how it came from a deeply personal place, and what it was like to hand it off and hear Christina Aguilera bring it to life. She reflects on the surreal feeling of watching her story resonate through someone else’s voice, and ultimately, on reclaiming the song years later by recording her own version for a new album, closing the loop on one of her most iconic songs.
Linda Perry recently announced that Let It Die Here, her first solo album in 25 years, will be released on 8 May . Also coming up, special screenings of her documentary of the same name, including London’s Olympic Studios on 21 June. Perry will then also be playing a live show at Rough Trade East on 22 June.
The Ivors are the most prestigious celebration of the craft, cultural impact and enduring importance of songs and screen compositions. Recognised as the pinnacle of creative musical achievement since they were first presented in 1956, winning an Ivor Novello is the highest global recognition for songwriting and composing.
At The Ivors, Perry will join a roll call of songwriter greats that includes Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, David Bowie, Adele, RAYE, Stormzy, Bill Withers, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Dave, Sting, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Charli xcx, Lana Del Rey, Lola Young, Lou Reed and Elton John.
This year’s nominees were announced on 25 March and the winners will be revealed at The Ivors with Amazon Music at Grosvenor House in London on 21 May 2026.
Listen to The Ivors 2026 playlist and stream Linda’s Written By playlist on Amazon Music.
