Sam Fender, Rosalía and Jacob Alon Lead Ivors Winners; Elton John Named President
Sam Fender, Rosalía and Jacob Alon won major songwriting prizes as Elton John became the Ivors Academy’s first president.
- Sam Fender won Songwriter of the Year at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards, while Catalan artist Rosalía and Scottish singer Alon received top honors; Sir Elton John was announced as the Ivors Academy's first-ever President.
- The Ivors have celebrated songwriters for 70 years, recognizing the geniuses behind music that shapes popular culture. Now officially titled the Ivors with Amazon Music, the ceremony emphasized protecting human creativity amid AI and low streaming payment threats.
- Skye Newman performed 'Careless Whisper' in tribute to the late George Michael, who received a posthumous Fellowship 10 years after his death; Wham accepted the award. Sir Elton described Michael's songwriting as 'the window to his soul.'
- Ivors Academy officials Tom Gray and Roberto Neri warned that AI and low streaming payments threaten songwriting. Sir Elton urged the industry to protect artists, declaring, 'No matter what kind of music you write, it's yours, you own it.'
- Surprise guest Harry Styles presented Thom Yorke with an Academy Fellowship, while Linda Perry received the Special International Award. James Blunt introduced Perry, honoring her hit-writing career for artists including Ariana Grande.
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19 Articles
Sam Fender calls on the music industry to find more voices from working class backgrounds, as Elton John hails him as "one of the greatest lyricists Britain has ever produced"
Sam Fender called on the music industry to find more fresh voices from working class backgrounds during his Ivor Novellos acceptance speech.
Elton John named first-ever president of UK's Ivors Academy
Sir Elton John, winner of The Ivors Academy Honor, poses at The 71st Ivor Novello Awards 2026 on May 21, 2026 in London, England. (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Ivors) Elton John got an honor that nobody has ever received before Thursday in London. He was named the first-ever president of The Ivors Academy, a U.K. not-for-profit that works to support, empower and celebrate songwriters and composers. The Academy also hands out the I…
Ivor Novello Awards: Rosalía, Lily Allen and CMAT win big
UK awards The Ivor Novellos specifically recognise the importance of songwriting. Rosalía, Lily Allen and Sam Fender were this year's big winners, as well as rising star Jacob Alon, who won two awards. Here's everything you need to know about last night's ceremony.
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