Charli XCX named Songwriter of the Year

A modest Charli XCX downplayed her songwriting prowess when she was named songwriter of the year at the Ivor Novello Awards.

During her acceptance speech in London, she showcased her “songwriting genius” by reciting lyrics from her 2024 track Club Classics: “I wanna dance to me, me, me / When I go to the club, club, club.”

“You all can agree that I’m not exactly Bob Dylan,” she quipped to an audience that featured Bruce Springsteen and Robbie Williams, “but one thing I do is fully commit to the bit”.

The event also honored emerging artists like Lola Young and Myles Smith, while U2 became the first Irish band to receive the fellowship from the Ivor Novello songwriting academy.

This award recognized nearly five decades of hits, including classics like With Or Without You, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Even Better Than The Real Thing, I Will Follow, Vertigo, and One.

On stage, U2’s lead singer, Bono, highlighted the significance of music. “Songs can travel through time if they’re born from the right source,” he expressed.

“They can soar higher and longer, have a lasting impact, and break through the toughest defenses of the human heart.

“I can’t say they’ll change the world, but they’ve definitely changed us.”

Each band member shared their own acceptance messages, with drummer Larry Mullen, Jr., reminiscing about the first rejection letter they received from CBS Records head, Muff Winwood.

“He heard the song and offered us a record deal, but only if we agreed to replace the drummer,” he shared.

“I confess I might have miscounted during a few musical breaks — but standing here right now, that kind of blunder makes some of us seem like musical geniuses.”

The Killers were awarded a special international prize, with Bruce Springsteen handing the trophy to lead vocalist Brandon Flowers.

Flowers humorously noted that “the only downside” of the award was that “it feels like one giant leap away from my dream of being the most popular valet on the Las Vegas strip”.

Backstage, Flowers expressed his awe at Springsteen’s presence.

“It was incredible,” he told BBC News. “He made an effort to be here. I really admire him.”

Lola Young was recognized with the Rising Star award for her breakthrough single, Messy.

“This moment means so much to the kid I was when I was 10, writing songs on my guitar,” the 24-year-old artist shared with the BBC.

“Being in this position is an honor, and it fills me with warmth.”

Young also mentioned having recently completed her next album and shooting 12 music videos in a single day to accompany the new songs.

Myles Smith’s Stargazing was named the most-played song on UK radio in the previous year.

“I first heard it on the radio in New York,” he recalled. “It’s a memory that stands out. I was in an Uber and the song played, and I told the driver, ‘That’s me,’ and he didn’t care at all.”

“That experience was the best way to stay humble, and it grounded me since day one.”

Charli XCX was honored for her innovative Brat album, which she described as “a blend of chaos and emotional upheaval fused with a club soundtrack”.

The album is a thoughtfully constructed and intricate piece, where moments of hedonism transition into reflections on vulnerability, addressing her concerns regarding friendships, motherhood, and commercial achievement.

With a strong marketing push, the album quickly became an anthem for the summer of 2024, and its eye-catching “Brat green” cover art became a viral sensation.

On stage, Charli emphasized that music is merely the starting point.

“‘I’ve never entirely subscribed to the idea that a great song is all it takes,” she stated.

“In my view, a great song alone has never truly captivated a crowd.

“Rather, a song with a strong identity paired with a distinct perspective… and importantly, conviction, elevates a songwriter from merely skilled to globally celebrated.”

Robbie Williams received the icon award, honoring his illustrious 34-year career – from his time with Take That and hits like Could It Be Magic and Back For Good, to his stellar solo tracks such as Angels, Rock DJ, Feel, and Come Undone.

His reaction to the award might be seen as unraveling amidst such profound recognition.

“When monumental events happen, it becomes a jumble of sensations overwhelming you from the universe,” he explained backstage.

“It’s a mix of self-doubt and self-hatred intertwined with ego and aspirations.

“So pinpointing the emotion in the moment is challenging, beyond the obligatory gratitude. And I truly am grateful.”

The indie icons Bloc Party received the outstanding song collection prize, while Berwyn’s candid debut Who Am I was recognized as the best album.

Sans Soucis claimed the best contemporary song for Circumnavigating Georgia, and Orla Gartland won for the best song musically and lyrically for Mine, surpassing nominees like Lola Young, Raye, and Fontaines DC.

Mine is a gentle yet hopeful ballad that addresses the challenges of overcoming trauma, which Orla stated “significantly impacted my ability to connect with others”.

In her acceptance remarks, the Irish artist expressed pride in her independence, stating, “I doubt a boardroom of older executives would fully grasp the intent of a song about reclaiming bodily autonomy.”

Similarly, pop artist Self Esteem received the visionary award.

She seized the opportunity to urge the music industry to better protect young women from misogynistic behavior and online harassment.

“People are eager to criticize,” she noted. “Misogyny is prevalent, and sometimes those comments find a way to stick.”

She also took a moment to express gratitude to her parents, Janet and Andy, who were finally witnessing her win an award, “after coming to support me through two Mercury Prize losses.”

“I’m genuinely sorry for my choice of language and the themes of my songs,” she added.

Songwriter of the Year

Academy Fellowship

Music Icon Award

Best Album

Best Contemporary Song

• Sans Soucis – Circumnavigating Georgia

Best Song Musically and Lyrically

Most Performed Work

Rising Star

Best Original Film Score

• The Substance – Raffertie

Best Original Video Game Score

• Farewell North – John Konsolakis

Best Television Soundtrack

• True Detective: Night Country – Vince Pope

Outstanding Song Collection

Special International

Visionary Award