Winners of the Ivor Novello Awards 2026 Announced

Photo Credit: Ivor Novello Awards

Winners of the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards have been announced, including Thom Yorke, George Michael, Sam Fender, Calvin Harris, Rosalia, and more.

On Thursday, May 21, the winners of the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards were announced at the annual awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House, London, recognizing and celebrating exceptional achievements in British and Irish songwriting and composing.

George Michael was awarded a Fellowship of the Ivors Academy, one of the most prestigious honors in songwriting, ten years after his passing. Longtime friend and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley collected the award on his behalf. Alongside global classics like “Careless Whisper” and “Freedom!”, George Michael 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 electronic music over the last 20 years. 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 longtime A&R Mike Pickering.

The award for Best Contemporary Song went to Fraser T. Smith and Kae Tempest for “I Stand on the Line.” This marks Kae Tempest’s second Ivor Novello Awards win and Fraser T. Smith’s fourth. Combining lyrical credibility with authenticity, the track was recognized for giving voice to those “too often unheard” while balancing 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 influential songwriters of her generation, a creative force behind a vast catalog of songs.

The 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, praising its restrained use of guitars, sensitivity, and the way it became an essential part of the show’s storytelling.

The Best Song Musically and Lyrically was awarded to Jacob Alon for “Don’t Fall Asleep,” described by the judges as “profoundly emotionally honest.” They praised its understated beauty, masterful storytelling, and emotional resonance, and highlighted its place within the tradition of folk-infused British songwriting.

Kano was recognized with the Visionary Award with Amazon Music, highlighting his work over the last 20-plus years in music. Kano has become one of the UK’s most influential artists, helping shape the legacy of grime through acclaimed albums.

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 lyricism and honestly, as an unfiltered portrayal of self-worth, relationships, and insecurity. The win further cemented Lola Young as one of the country’s most prominent rising voices. It is her second Ivor win, 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 composition, stating, “Beautifully restrained, the score displays remarkable sensitivity and emotional depth, creating an evocative internal world that is powerfully and elegantly conveyed to the audience.”

CMAT was recognized for Best Album for her third record, Euro-Country, marking her first Ivor Novello win. Across the record, CMAT blends confessional songwriting with sharp humor, vivid storytelling, and social commentary. The judges praised the album’s honesty and originality, highlighting its ability to balance personal storytelling with political and cultural themes.

Lily Allen was awarded the Outstanding Song Collection award, having built one of the most distinctive catalogs in British music across the last two decades. With hits like “Smile,” “LDN,” and “Madeline,” her body of work has had a lasting impact on British pop culture.

Rosalia was presented with the International Songwriter of the Year award after a breakthrough year with her hugely successful album, Lux. She has become one of the most innovative artists of her generation, writing and singing across multiple languages, and redefining modern pop through her work.

Jacob Alon was named this year’s Rising Star Award winner, their second award of the night. Known for deeply intimate lyricism and a folk-inspired sound, Alon’s music has resonated with audiences for its vulnerability. The judges praised their songwriting as “deeply human, emotionally immersive, and entirely authentic.”

Thom Yorke received the Fellowship of the Ivors Academy for his work pushing the boundaries of alternative music through his work with Radiohead and his solo career. Yorke’s songwriting has continually reshaped modern music through its innovation and cultural impact.

Sam Fender was awarded Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music. He has become one of the defining voices in modern British music and storytelling through his work, known for sharp social commentary and emotionally honest songwriting. Legendary songwriter and cultural icon Elton John presented the award.

Elton John himself was also 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 October 1), the honor also recognized his longstanding commitment to advocacy for creative rights and artistic freedom, including his recent conversations around AI and the protection of human creativity.

Further, The Ivors Academy 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.

The 2026 winners join a list of songwriting and composing greats who have received an Ivor Novello Award over the past seven decades, including Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Adele, RAYE, Bruce Springsteen, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, and Sting.

At the 71st Ivor Novello Awards, 16 songwriters and composers collected awards across 14 categories, with 37% of award recipients receiving recognition for the first time. The event is presented by The Ivors Academy and is the most prestigious awards ceremony celebrating songwriting and screen composition.