Louis Tomlinson admitted it “means the world” to be named Artist of the Year at Nordoff and Robbins’ inaugural Northern Music Awards.
The former One Direction bandmember and solo star has added another trophy to his awards cabinet, and although he was not in attendance to collect his prize in-person at the charity awards bash at the Albert Hall in Manchester on Tuesday (23.04.24), he couldn’t be more thrilled.
In a video acceptance speech, the Doncaster-born star said: “It means the world to win artist of the year, thank you, thank you, thank you. And thanks to Nordoff and Robbins for doing such an incredible thing.”
The 32-year-old BRIT Award winner also donated his Fender Duo Sonic guitar to raise funds for the UK’s leading music therapy charity after learning to play the instrument himself and hopes it will ”encourage and help someone else begin to learn how to play.”
Spice Girl Melanie C – who hails from Merseyside – was among the winners and was honoured with the Special Recognition award for her outstanding contribution to music.
Sporty Spice, 50, also couldn’t attend the ceremony but had this to say: “Thank you so, so much for this award. Look at that, it’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I’m a little bit out of practice!
“I can’t remember the last time I got an award, especially on my own.
“I can’t quite believe it’s the first Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards. Let’s face it, all the best music comes from the North, so why has it taken so long?
“I’m gutted I can’t be there. It’s great to be honoured by such a wonderful charity which does great work.”
The Courteeners scooped Band of the Year, and fans were treated to a performance of ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ and a cover of Oasis’ ‘The Masterplan’.
Frontman Liam Fray said: “It’s really nice to be in a room with this much talent … but this isn’t about us, it’s about Nordoff and Robbins and the work that they do, it’s about music, and the way they’re changing lives with music and sometimes even saving lives with music.”
Elsewhere, Mancunian rapper Aitch landed Music Moment of the Year for his 2023 Glastonbury set, The Reytons won Disruptor in Music, and rising group The K’s were named Breakthrough Act of the Year.
‘All Around The World’ hitmaker Lisa Stansfield was crowned Northern Icon and gave a performance of the 1989 classic.
The Charlatans star Tim Burgess was presented with the Northern Music Award 2024 by synth-pop icons New Order.
The Northern Awards will be held in different cities across the north every year.