The 70th Ivor Novello Awards: A Night to Remember

The Ivor Novello Awards, the U.K.’s longest-running music awards ceremony, made waves recently with its 70th edition, hosted by Amazon Music. The big question was how the organizers would surpass last year’s unforgettable event featuring Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen. As it turns out, the night was filled with stellar performances and heartfelt tributes, capturing the essence of songwriting and its significance in the music industry.

A Star-Studded Affair

This year’s award ceremony was nothing short of spectacular. Celebrated legends like U2, who were honored as Fellows of the Ivors Academy, shared the spotlight with emerging artists like Charli XCX, awarded Songwriter of the Year. The night also included exciting performances from the likes of Ed Sheeran and Robbie Williams, both of whom brought their unique flair to the proceedings. Among the surprise guests was Springsteen himself, who returned to present the Special International Award to Brandon Flowers of The Killers.

Springsteen brought a delightful energy to the event, quipping about his previous year’s hoarseness while praising Flowers. “I discovered the Killers after hearing my son play ‘Somebody Told Me’,” he reminisced. His genuine admiration for Flowers was palpable, describing him as a “brother” and a creative force in music.

Celebrating Songwriting Excellence

Every year, the Ivors Academy celebrates excellence in songwriting, and 2025 was no exception. Ed Sheeran took a moment to honor U2, reflecting on their profound impact on his life and career. However, he couldn’t resist poking fun at their infamous iPhone album drop in 2014, remarking on the mixed reception it received. But the respect and gratitude he expressed for Bono and the band members proved that their artistic contributions are cherished by younger musicians.

In a touching display of camaraderie, all four members of U2 spoke during their acceptance speech, a rare occurrence that highlighted their collective effort in songwriting. Adam Clayton acknowledged the founding figures in their journey, including Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, and their dedicated team who supported them through thick and thin.

Voices for Change

This year’s Ivors also mirrored the challenges and changes within the music industry. Ivors Academy chair Tom Gray delivered a sobering speech about the struggles facing songwriters today in a landscape dominated by algorithms and commercial pressures. In a significant moment last year, Raye made headlines with her call for fair compensation for songwriters — a theme echoed this year by Myles Smith, winner of the PRS For Music Most Performed Work for his hit “Stargazing.”

The night took on a more serious tone when Bono used his platform to advocate for peace in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution. “Peace creates possibilities in the most intractable situations,” he stated before delivering a powerful rendition of “Sunday Bloody Sunday”. This combination of celebration and advocacy is what makes the Ivor Novello Awards a truly unique event in the music calendar.

New Voices Rising

Emerging artists like Lola Young and Charli XCX were also celebrated for their contributions. Young, who was honored with the Rising Star Award, delivered an impassioned speech reflecting on the trials of songwriting. “When I don’t even know who the [heck] I am, I write to remember,” she said, a sentiment that resonated deeply with many in the audience.

Meanwhile, Charli XCX offered her own unique perspective on songwriting, challenging traditional notions about the art form. “A great song alone has never been enough to captivate an audience,” she confidently stated. For her, it’s about identity and conviction, qualities she believes elevate a song from good to globally renowned.

A Grand Finale

As the night drew to a close, U2 capped off the ceremony by performing “Angel of Harlem,” reimagining it in tribute to their early supporters in North London. The crowd erupted in applause, encapsulating the spirit of the event — a blend of homage to the past and excitement for the future.

The Ivors continue to grow in significance, championing artists of all generations. For the experts and insiders in the industry, next year’s celebration will undoubtedly have a high bar to meet after this milestone event.

The full list of winners includes:

• Best Album: Who Am I – Berwyn
• Best Contemporary Song: Circumnavigating Georgia – Sans Soucis
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Mine – Orla Gartland
• PRS For Music Most Performed Work: Stargazing – Myles Smith
• Rising Star Award: Lola Young
• PRS For Music Icon Award: Robbie Williams
• Songwriter of the Year: Charli XCX
• Special International Award: Brandon Flowers

In reflecting on this year’s highlights, the Ivors set the tone not just for the celebration of music but also as a platform for important conversations about the future of the industry. We can’t wait to see how they top this amazing night in 2026.

For more insights into the ceremony and other music news, check out our coverage on the music awards page, and don’t miss our features on songwriters and U2.