On May 21 Ivor Novello held their annual awards presentation in London. Among the winners was George Michael who was inducted into the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy. Michael is the only solo songwriter who has received the Ivor Songwriter of the Year award three times – 1985, 1989, and 1997. Former Wham bandmate Andrew Ridgeley accepted the award for George Michael.
George Michael once said, “I believe I am a writer much more than anything else, and I believe I can leave songs that will mean something to other generations”.
George Michael joins previous winners all four of The Beatles, U2, Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, and Keith Richards.
Ivors Academy CEO Roberto Neri compared the awards the “Oscars equivalent for songwriters.”
Sir Elton John was presented with the inaugural award as The Ivor’s Academy president.
Winners of the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards:
Best Album: “Euro-Country” written and performed by CMAT
Best Contemporary Song: “I Stand on the Line” written by Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest and performed by Kae Tempest
Best Song – Musically and Lyrically: “Don’t Fall Asleep” written and performed by Jacob Alon
PRS for Music Most Performed Work: “Messy” written and performed by Lola Young
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 and Thom Yorke of Radiohead
Outstanding Song Collection: Lily Allen
PRS for Music Icon Award: Calvin Harris
Inaugural International Songwriter of the Year: Latin music artist Rosalia
Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music: Sam Fender
Special International Award with Amazon Music: Linda Perry
Visionary Award with Amazon Music: Kano
The Ivors Academy Honor: Sir Elton John