Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Lily Allen, Coldplay, CMAT and Florence + the Machine are among the top nominees for the 71st annual Ivor Novello Awards, which honour songwriters and composers. The ceremony will take place on 21 May in London.
This year, 61 individual British, Irish or UK-resident songwriters and composers, along with their international collaborators, have received nominations. Among them, 34 are first-time nominees. Leading the pack with two nominations each are Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell, Jacob Alon, Self Esteem (with co-writer Johan Hugo), and Kae Tempest (with co-writer Fraser T Smith).
Little Simz picks up her fifth Ivor Novello nomination for “Free” in the Best Contemporary Song category, having previously won Best Album in 2020 and Best Contemporary Song in 2022. Lola Young receives her fourth nomination, including recognition for her hit “Messy” in the Most Performed Work category. Damon Albarn also earns his fifth nomination for “Damascus,” having previously won Songwriter of the Year twice.
Lily Allen receives her third nomination with “West End Girl,” her first album in seven years, while Florence Welch (of Florence + The Machine) is nominated for “Everybody Scream,” co-written with Mitski and Mark Bowen. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” receives another nomination in the Most Performed Work category, continuing its enduring global impact.
Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of the Ivors Academy, said: “I want to congratulate these incredible nominees, whose work reflects the strength, diversity and global influence of British and Irish songwriting, which we are honoured to celebrate.” Academy chair Tom Gray added: “To be recognised by your peers for exceptional craft and originality at The Ivors is one of the greatest honours in music writing.”
