Sam Fender, CMAT, ROSALÍA and more win at The Ivors 2026

Some of music’s biggest names gathered in London last night (21st May) for the 71st Ivor Novello Awards - a night dedicated to celebrating the very best in songwriting.

Among those to win big at the 2026 ceremony were Sam Fender, for Songwriter Of The Year (his latest LP ‘People Watching’ also scooped last year’s prestigious Mercury Prize); CMAT, for Best Album (for ‘EURO-COUNTRY’, DIY’s Album of the Year 2025); and ROSALÍA, for International Songwriter Of The Year. 

Elsewhere, DIY Class of 2025 alum Jacob Alon was awarded not one but two trophies - 
Best Song Musically and Lyrically (for ‘Don’t Fall Asleep’) and Rising Star - while Kae Tempest and co-songwriter Fraser T Smith won Best Contemporary Song for ‘I Stand On The Line’. 

Additionally, Kano cemented his place in Ivors history with the Visionary Award - an accolade recognising his lasting impact on British music and culture, and George Michael and Thom Yorke were honoured with Fellowships of the Ivors Academy. 

Check out some of the evening’s best pictures and dive into the full list of 2026 winners below.