Leading the pack with two nominations each are Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell, Olivia Dean, and Self Esteem (alongside co-writer Johan Hugo). They are joined by Kae Tempest and Fraser T Smith, who also secured double nods for their exceptional craft. Remarkably, 34 of the 61 nominees—including breakout stars like Jacob Alon—are receiving their first-ever Ivor Novello recognition, proving that the Academy’s peer-judged process continues to champion fresh voices.
The Battle for Best Album
The Best Album category is particularly competitive this year, representing the “pinnacle of creative musical achievement.” The nominees include:
Lily Allen – West End Girl (Her first album in seven years)
Wolf Alice – The Clearing
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY
Jim Legxacy – black british music (2025)
Genre-Defying Excellence
The nominations span everything from hip-hop to alternative pop. Little Simz picks up her fifth career nomination for “Free,” while Damon Albarn returns to the fold with a nod for “Damascus.” Meanwhile, the Best Song Musically and Lyrically category sees Florence + The Machine nominated for “Everybody Scream” alongside co-writers Mitski and Mark Bowen.
In the data-driven Most Performed Work category, Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” makes a rare third appearance on the list, bolstered by their massive global tour, alongside modern hits from Lola Young and Myles Smith.
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, congratulated the nominees, noting that to be recognized by peers for “exceptional craft and originality” remains one of the greatest honors in the music world.
