Ivor songwriting award winners include Jacob Alon, Rosalia

Jacob Alon, CMAT, Rosalia, Sam Fender, and Calvin Harris were among the big winners at this year’s Ivors, which celebrated top songwriters and screen composers across multiple categories. The ceremony also honored late icons George Michael and Thom Yorke with prestigious lifetime recognition for their lasting impact on modern music.

Shaurya Thapa/Reuters

22 May 2026 at 03:37:20

Ivor songwriting award winners include Jacob Alon, Rosalia

Jacob Alon winner of the Rising Star Award and the Best Song Musically and Lyrically award, poses in the winners room at the Ivor Novello Awards in London, Britain, May 21, 2026.

Jack Taylor/Reuters

Singers Jacob Alon and CMAT were among the winners on Thursday at the Ivors, Britain's annual awards for songwriters and screen composers, with the late George Michael and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke honoured with lifetime recognition.

Spanish star Rosalia was named international songwriter of the year following her chart-topping album "LUX", on which she sings in multiple languages. British rocker Sam Fender took songwriter of the year while DJ and record producer Calvin Harris won the music icon award.

Best contemporary song was awarded to Kae Tempest's "I Stand on the Line" while "Don't Fall Asleep" by Jacob Alon was named best song musically and lyrically. Alon also picked up the rising star award.

Best album went to Irish singer CMAT's "Euro-Country" while Lola Young's hit "Messy" triumphed in the most performed work category.

Michael, who died in 2016, and Yorke follow in the footsteps of U2, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush and Bruce Springsteen in receiving a fellowship of the Ivors Academy, the highest honour bestowed by the UK-based association.

"From landmark records including 'OK Computer' and 'Kid A' to his more experimental electronic and film score work, Yorke’s songwriting has continually reshaped modern music through its emotional depth, innovation and cultural impact," the academy said in a statement.

It called "Careless Whisper” and “Freedom!” singer Michael "one of Britain’s most influential songwriters". His Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley collected the prize on his behalf.

Rapper Kano won the visionary award while singer Lily Allen took the outstanding song collection prize.

U.S. singer Linda Perry, "whose songwriting has left an undeniable mark on the UK’s musical landscape", was honoured with the special international award.

Elton John, who was presented with an Ivors Academy honour recognising his work supporting songwriters and composers, was also announced as the association's first-ever president.

Named after the early 20th century Welsh composer, actor and entertainer Ivor Novello, the Ivor Awards were first handed out in 1956.

-Shaurya Thapa/Reuters