The 2026 Ivor Novello Awards celebrated outstanding British and Irish songwriting and screen composition at Grosvenor House in London on May 21.
Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon emerged as a major winner, securing both the rising star award and best song musically and lyrically for "Don't Fall Asleep."
>>> Manchester Arena Survivors Mentor Southport Teachers on Trauma Support
The ballad was inspired by the tragic drowning of Alon's cousin before the artist was born.
"This song, to me, floats across the stormy surface of the sea of dreams," Alon said.
Songwriter of the Year and International Honors
Geordie singer Sam Fender was named songwriter of the year following his album People Watching, which features social realist anthems.
Catalan artist Rosalía took home international songwriter of the year for her experimental pop album Lux.
She used her speech to advocate for diversity, stating that "countless outstanding writers will not be recognised as they deserve because they aren't middle-class white Europeans."
Sir Elton John received an Ivors Academy Honour and was announced as the first-ever president of the organization.
He warned about AI: "No matter what kind of music you write, it's yours, you own it. Don't let people take it away from you, especially AI."
Album, Fellowships, and Other Winners
Irish singer-songwriter CMAT won best album for Euro-Country, which explores personal crises and economic struggles in Ireland.
>>> Chemical Vapor Leak at Garden Grove Aerospace Plant Prompts Evacuations
"It's really nice to finally win an award in England," CMAT said, expressing surprise.
The late George Michael was posthumously inducted into the Fellowship of the Ivors Academy.
Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley accepted on his behalf, noting that Michael's songwriting "was the window to his soul."
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke also received an academy fellowship, presented by Harry Styles.
American songwriter Linda Perry accepted the special international award from James Blunt.
British artist Lola Young won most performed work for "Messy." Lily Allen secured outstanding song collection, and Calvin Harris took home music icon award.
Rapper Kano received the visionary award for his impact on UK grime.
Poet Kae Tempest won best contemporary song for "I Stand on the Line," co-written with Fraser T Smith.
>>> Brian Herbert and Kyle MacLachlan Reflect on Dune Film Adaptations
Screen composition winners included Tom Hodge for best original film score (Testimony) and David Holmes with Brian Irvine for best television soundtrack (Trespasses).
