Sir Elton John, Thom Yorke and Calvin Harris were among those honoured at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards.
The 71st staging of the awards at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday (21.05.26) saw 16 songwriters and composed recognised across 14 categories, with the Rocketman artist presented with the Ivors Academy Honour in recognition of his work in championing songwriters, composers and creativity across the music industry.
It was also announced that Elton, 79, would become The Ivors Academy’s first-ever President – a newly-created role that will see the music legend represent the Academy’s global community of songwriters and composers.
The special position is reserved for those who have reached the pinnacle of the songwriting profession and are committed to supporting and advancing the Academy’s mission to preserve the future of music.
Meanwhile, the late George Michael was awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Ivors Academy – 10 years on from his death. The awarded was collected on the Careless Whisper hitmaker’s behalf by his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley.
The PRS for Music Icon Award was presented to Calvin Harris, who has helped shaped the sound of contemporary dance and pop music over the past two decades through collaborations with superstars such as Dua Lipa and Rihanna.
Elsewhere, the Special International Award with Amazon Music went to American songwriter and 4 Non Blondes frontwoman Linda Perry – who has penned huge hits such as Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful and Gwen Stefani’s What You Waiting For?.
Other notable winners included Sam Fender (Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music), Jacob Alon (Rising Star Award), CMAT (Best Album for her record Euro-Country), Lily Allen (Outstanding Song Collection), Rosalía (International Songwriter of the Year) and Lola Young (PRS for Music Most Performed Work for her track Messy).
As the ceremony drew to a close, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke received the Fellowship of the Ivors Academy in recognition of a career that has seen him become one of the defining songwriters of his generation with the Creep rockers.
As well as the awards, those in attendance were treated to stunning performances from Yorke – who closed the show alongside Alon with the track Don’t Fall Asleep – as well as rising star Skye Newman, who performed a rendition of Careless Whisper in honour of George Michael and her debut single Hairdresser.
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “Congratulations to all our Ivor Novello Award winners. On a special night, it was a privilege to celebrate such an extraordinary range of music with the most prestigious recognition in music. The Ivors Academy exists to protect, empower and celebrate songwriters and composers, and whatever we face, tonight stands as a reminder that the future of music is in remarkable hands.”
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: “Every nomination and award tonight is an act of attribution. A public, named, witnessed declaration that these astonishing human beings made these noteworthy, gorgeous, brilliant songs. That it came from somewhere and belongs to someone. They can be identified, credited, paid and celebrated. My heartfelt congratulations to all our winners.”
Ivor Novello Awards 2026 Full List of Winners
Best Album:
Euro-Country – CMAT
Best Contemporary Song:
I Stand on the Line – Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest
Best Song Musically and Lyrically:
Don’t Fall Asleep – Jacob Alon
PRS for Music Most Performed Work:
Lola Young – Messy
Rising Star Award:
Jacob Alon
Best Original Film Score:
Testimony (composed by Tom Hodge)
Best Television Soundtrack:
Trespasses (composed by David Holmes and Brian Irvine)
Academy Fellowship:
George Michael
Thom Yorke
Outstanding Song Collection:
Lily Allen
PRS for Music Icon Award:
Calvin Harris
International Songwriter of the Year:
Rosalía
Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music:
Sam Fender
Special International Award with Amazon Music:
Linda Perry
Visionary Award with Amazon Music:
Kano