Some of Britain’s brightest songwriting talents are getting their due as nominations for the 71st annual Ivor Novello Awards are announced. Rising soul-pop star Olivia Dean, veteran hitmaker Lily Allen, and alt-pop sensation Lola Young are among the artists recognized in this year’s shortlist for the prestigious songwriting honors. The Ivors presented by the Ivors Academy, celebrate excellence in music writing, and this year’s slate of nominees blends breakthrough newcomers with established stars.
For Dean, the recognition caps a whirlwind year. The 24-year-old earned two Ivor nominations – her first ever – including Best Album for her acclaimed debut “The Art of Loving” and Most Performed Work for her breakout hit “Man I Need.” Dean recently scooped up four Brit Awards and even a Grammy, and now finds herself in the Ivors spotlight. Lily Allen, meanwhile, scored a nod in the Best Album category for “West End Girl,” marking a high-profile return to music with her first album in over a decade. And 22-year-old Lola Young continues her rise with a nomination for her soulful track “Messy” – her fourth Ivors nod to date.
Other notable nominees this year include indie-rock band Wolf Alice (nominated for The Clearing and song “The Sofa”), Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, acclaimed poet-rapper Kae Tempest and pop-rock giants Coldplay, recognized for their enduring anthem “Viva La Vida.” The diverse lineup underscores the breadth of British and Irish songwriting talent making an impact. “I want to congratulate these incredible nominees, whose work reflects the strength, diversity and global influence of British and Irish songwriting,” said Ivors Academy CEO Roberto Neri, highlighting the importance of this peer-judged honor. Winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London on May 21.
