CMAT Wins Best Album at 2026 Ivor Novello Awards

Irish singer-songwriter CMAT won the Best Album award for her record Euro-Country at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards. The 30-year-old, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, said the win marked her first major recognition in England. CMAT told the Press Association that English people do not generally give her awards.

She also praised the award's namesake, calling Ivor Novello "the tits" and describing the award itself the same way.

Fender received songwriter of the year.

Rosalia won international songwriter of the year. Sir Elton John was presented with an Ivors Academy Honour and named the academy's first president. Thom Yorke received a Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, as did the late George Michael. Poet Kae Tempest won best contemporary song for the track I Stand On The Line from the 2025 album Self Titled.

Singer Lola Young received the PRS For Music award for most performed work for her 2024 song Messy. Lily Allen won the award for outstanding song collection. Calvin Harris received the music icon award. Rapper Kano took the visionary award. Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon won two awards: rising star and best song musically and lyrically for Don't Fall Asleep.

Linda Perry received the special international award. The soundtrack to Trespasses, composed by David Holmes and Brian Irvine, won best TV soundtrack. The music for Testimony by Tom Hodge won best film score.

Performances during the event included Thom Yorke, Jacob Alon performing Don't Fall Asleep, and Skye Newman performing Careless Whisper in tribute to George Michael. The Ivors Academy presents the peer-judged ceremony to recognize songwriting and composing.