Several artists used their acceptance speeches at the Ivor Novello Awards to call for greater inclusion in the music industry. The ceremony took place last night in London.
Rosalía received the International Songwriter of the Year Award. In her speech she said she created her album ‘Lux’ because she found the world lacking in tenderness. She added that outstanding writers may not be recognised because they are not middle-class white Europeans with stable upbringings.
Initial reactions on X center on Rosalía's speech urging more diverse voices beyond white middle-class Europeans and Sam Fender's call for working-class representation, alongside announcements of award winners like Rosalía as International Songwriter of the Year. Discussions are mostly neutral news shares from media accounts with limited additional opinions or skepticism.
Rosalía calls for more voices in music who aren’t “white middle class Europeans”
— NME (@NME) 22 ሜይ 2026
She also said in her Ivor Novellos speech that we live "in a world where ego and the thirst for power are more widespread than love or compassion" https://t.co/9OaxG6tQwq
Ivors 2026: Rosalía to receive International Songwriter Of The Year Award
— NME (@NME) 30 ኤፕሪል 2026
"With her craft, musicality and intellect, Rosalía is redefining what songwriting can be" https://t.co/mSqNxXF2lV
Congratulations are in order for our ASCAP songwriters and composers who won at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards.
— ASCAP (@ASCAP) 22 ሜይ 2026
🏆Lola Young for the PRS for Music Most Performed Work with “Messy"
🏆Sam Fender for Songwriter of the Year
🏆Tom Hodge for Best Original Film Score with “Testimony” pic.twitter.com/mE7V3MBupv
The 2026 Ivor Novello Awards were held last night (May 21), with winners including Sam Fender, CMAT and Jacob Alon. https://t.co/KvQLDs7PmP
— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) 22 ሜይ 2026
ICYMI: Rosalía praises diverse songwriters at 2026 Ivor Novello Awards
— Music-News.com (@MusicNewsWeb) 22 ሜይ 2026
Read the full article here: https://t.co/ZogSuEarCL
More on https://t.co/cGbkkwo6Jk pic.twitter.com/E00lbLnef1
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Zara Larsson won artist of the year and pop of the year at the 2026 Grammis gala in Annexet's Stockholm. She was represented by her mother Agnetha Larsson while on tour in the US. Viagra Boys claimed the most prizes with three wins.
Linda Perry, frontwoman of 4 Non Blondes, will be honored with the special international songwriter prize at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards in London. The ceremony is scheduled for May 21 at the Grosvenor Hotel. Perry's award recognizes her extensive songwriting credits with major artists.
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Kae Tempest received his second Ivor Novello award for Best Contemporary Song at the 2026 ceremony last week. He shared the win with Fraser T. Smith for the track 'I Stand on the Line' from his album 'Self Titled'.
Andrew Ridgeley accepted a posthumous Academy Fellowship for George Michael at the 2026 Ivor Novellos on May 21. The award, the highest honour from The Ivors Academy, was presented at London’s Grosvenor Hotel.