Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon was the standout winner at this year's Ivor Novello Awards, taking home two prizes including the rising star award and best song musically and lyrically. The 25-year-old, known for their alt-folk sound and debut album In Limerence released in May 2025, continues a remarkable year after winning the Brits' critics' choice award in February and earning a Mercury prize nomination.
Alon's winning track Don't Fall Asleep is a poignant ballad inspired by the death of their cousin in an accidental drowning before they were born. The song imagines the cousin waking underwater after death, guided by an angel to watch his unborn son enter the world. Judges described it as 'profoundly emotionally honest'.
Other notable winners included Sam Fender, who received songwriter of the year for his album People Watching, and Spanish musician Rosalía, who won international songwriter of the year for her album Lux. Irish artist CMAT won best album for Euro-Country, while Kae Tempest took best contemporary song for I Stand on the Line, co-written with Fraser T Smith, a track addressing trans experiences. The most performed work award went to Lola Young's Messy.
Honorary prizes included the Ivors Academy Fellowship, awarded to George Michael (accepted by Andrew Ridgeley) and Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Lily Allen, Calvin Harris, Linda Perry and Kano also received songwriting career awards. Nominees who missed out included Olivia Dean, Self Esteem and Wolf Alice, each nominated twice.
