Latest news with #songwriters
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ivor Novello Awards 2025 winners: Humble Charli XCX downplays Best Songwriter gong while Robbie Williams admits he still struggles with 'self-doubt and hatred' as he's named Icon
Singers Charli XCX, Robbie Williams, Myles Smith and rapper Berwyn triumphed on Thursday night at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. The Ivors, Britain's annual awards for songwriters and screen composers, marked its milestone 70th year with a star-studded ceremony, which saw U2 add to their honors with a fellowship. During the ceremony, Boom Clap singer Charli quipped that she's 'hardly Bob Dylan ' as she was crowned Songwriter of the Year. The 32-year-old pop innovator - who dominated pop music with her 2024 LP Brat - received the prize at the prestigious bash at London's famous Grosvenor House. Collecting the trophy, Charli joked: 'I'm sure you all agree, I am hardly Bob Dylan, but one thing I certainly do is commit to the bit.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Robbie Williams was also honoured at the event as he was named an Icon. The Angels hitmaker, 51, said: 'When momentous things like this happen, it's just a hodge-podge of things coming at you from the universe. 'It's self-doubt and self-hatred mixed with ego and delusion and audacity. 'So it's very difficult to put your finger on what it feels like in the moment, other than you're supposed to say, "I'm very grateful". And I am.' Elsewhere, U2 became the first Irish songwriters to receive the Ivors Academy fellowship for their back catalogue spanning five decades. Frontman Bono said onstage: 'Songs can be arrows through time if they come from the right place. 'They can fly higher and farther, last longer, hit harder. They can pierce the hardest armour of the human heart. 'I don't know if they can change the world, but they changed us.' Robbie was named an Icon and said: 'When momentous things like this happen, it's just a hodge-podge of things coming at you from the universe. 'It's self-doubt and self-hatred mixed with ego and delusion and audacity' Best contemporary song went to Sans Soucis for Circumnavigating Georgia. The non-binary singer opted to wear a stick on mustache to accept their award The star-studded bash also saw Bruce Springsteen honour The Killers with the Special International award. Frontman Brandon Flowers quipped: 'It feels one giant step away from fulfilling my original dream of becoming the most sought-after valet on the Las Vegas strip.' Best Album went to Berwyn for his critically acclaimed debut studio effort, Who I Am. Messy hitmaker Lola Young received the Rising Star award, while Myles Smiths' Stargazing was named the most-played song on UK radio in 2024. Self Esteem picked up the Visionary Award. Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: 'Congratulations to every Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter and composer. 'On behalf of The Ivors Academy, it is a privilege to recognise their craft and achievements. 'Their lyrics and melodies are the most important foundations of music and there is no greater recognition than an Ivor Novello Award, judged by fellow songwriters and composers.' Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, added: 'A massive congratulations to all of our winners. 'From the UK we're creating the global recognition that songwriters and composers deserve. 'Whether it's fair pay, safe working environments or ensuring meaningful opt-in consent in the age of AI, The Ivors Academy exists to protect, empower and celebrate the most vital creative force in the music industry. 'I'm proud to lead an organisation dedicated to upholding the rights and earnings of our members.' Named after the early 20th century Welsh composer, actor and entertainer Ivor Novello, the Ivor Awards were first handed out in 1956.
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
U2, Charli XCX and Robbie Williams honoured at Ivor songwriting awards
LONDON, May 22 (Reuters) - Singers Charli XCX, Robbie Williams, Myles Smith and rapper Berwyn triumphed on Thursday at the Ivors, Britain's annual awards for songwriters and screen composers, with Irish rockers U2 adding to their honours with a fellowship. U2 members Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. follow Paul McCartney, Sting, Kate Bush and Bruce Springsteen in receiving an Ivors Academy Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the UK-based association. They are the first Irish songwriters to do so. "When we gathered in Larry Mullen's kitchen in 1976, this was unimaginable - we never thought that the band could be this old," Clayton said on stage. "We had the most basic of talents but we believed that songs could take us anywhere because we'd already been to so many places, we just had to tell our story." At the ceremony in London, Charli XCX was named songwriter of the year in recognition of her hit album "Brat," which inspired a cultural phenomenon. But "Brat" lost out in the album of the year category to rapper Berwyn's "Who Am I," with the judges hailing that record's "vivid storytelling that transcends generations, race and social differences, offering a voice to those often unseen by society." Best contemporary song went to Sans Soucis' "Circumnavigating Georgia" while Orla Gartland's "Mine" won best song musically and lyrically. Smith's viral hit 'Stargazing" won the most performed category. "Angels" and 'Let Me Entertain You' singer Williams won the music icon award "in recognition of a songwriting career that has touched millions and defined a generation." "I'm just compelled to keep searching for the perfect pop tune and also compelled to express myself and try and get whatever's inside out for whatever reason that is," Williams told Reuters when asked how his songwriting had evolved over his career. The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers took the special international award, with judges describing him as "one of the most influential songwriters of his generation" for lyrics he penned for the band as well as for his solo work. "Messy" singer Lola Young, who had led nominations with three nods, took the rising star prize. Named after the early 20th century Welsh composer, actor and entertainer Ivor Novello, the Ivor Awards were first handed out in 1956.
Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
The Eurovision 2025 finalists ranked — from hypnotic to atrocious
Welcome back to Eurovision world, where taste goes out of the window and nationality identity changes by the hour. This year the Swedish entrants are Finnish and the Irish are Norwegian, while the Dutch song has a French title, the Finnish one has a German title and two non-Italian songs pay tribute to Italy. Don't try to make sense of it all — just strap in and enjoy the ride. Twenty-six countries have qualified for the final on Saturday, but which songs are inspired and which are insipid? I have ranked them all, from worst to best. Do you agree? Who would you give nul points to? Let us know in the comments below. Deslocado by NapaTotally forgettable and barely in tune, this lot
