Charli XCX Enjoys Continued Success
Charli XCX is riding high after her significant win at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards, where her album “Brat” earned the prestigious title of Songwriter of the Year 2024. This event celebrates outstanding songwriting in the UK and Ireland.
“Brat” has made waves, achieving remarkable chart success in the UK and reaching number three in the US. Critics have praised Charli’s sharp yet uplifting lyrics. Earlier this year, she also took home five Brit Awards, marking one of the most successful nights in awards history, along with three Grammy Awards.
The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize as well as for Best Album at the Ivor Novellos, although the latter was ultimately awarded to Berwyn for his work “WHO AM I.”
Speaking of Berwyn, his rise to fame is nothing short of impressive. Growing up in Trinidad and later settling in Romford, he overcame significant challenges like drug trafficking and addiction. His music vividly addresses themes of black British identity, love, masculinity, and immigration, as he received the right to remain in the UK in 2021. His debut mixtape, “Demotape/Vega,” even snagged a Mercury Prize nomination and features collaborations with artists like Fred Again.
In another highlight, Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland was recognized for her song “Spartan Ballad Mine,” which offers an intensely honest exploration of trauma and intimacy.
She faced fierce competition from other popular British artists but managed to clinch the award for Best Song, while Laura Young, who won the Rising Star Award, saw her song peak at number one in the UK for four weeks, marking significant global success.
In the category of Best Contemporary Song, “Circumnavigating Georgia” by Sans Soucis took the prize. The artist behind the name, Giulia Grispino, is Italian and moved to London as a young adult. The track, a dreamy ballad, delves into themes of love and self-discovery.
In film and television categories, Rafferty won for Best Original Film Score for “Demi Moore Body Horror: The Substance,” while Vince Pope secured the award for Best TV Soundtrack for “True Detective: Night Country.”
John Consolakis was acknowledged for his score in an indie project, and Miles Smith received accolades for his popular song “Stargazing,” which has enjoyed extensive radio play.
The Ivors Academy also presented several honorary awards, with U2 making history as the first Irish act to receive an Academy Fellowship. The Icon Award went to Robbie Williams, timed with the release of his latest album, while the Visionary Award was presented to Self-Esteem after her recent album “A Compleced Woman.” Brandon Flowers of the Killers also received a special international award.
The classic lineup of Bloc Party, consisting of Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes, and Matt Tong, were celebrated for their outstanding body of work that dates back to their debut album “Silent Alarm,” released in 2005.
Roberto Neri, the CEO of the Ivors Academy, acknowledged the hurdles that songwriters encounter today. He stated, “Whether it’s securing fair wages or ensuring a safe working environment, the Ivors Academy is dedicated to safeguarding and uplifting creativity within the music industry.”
2025 Ivor Novello Winners
Best Album: “Who am I,” written and performed by Berwyn
Best Contemporary Song: “Circumnavigating Georgia,” written and performed by Sans Soucis
Best Song (Musically and Lyrically): “Mine,” written and performed by Orla Gartland
Best Performance Work: “Stargazing,” written by Peter Fenn, Jesse Fink, Miles Smith, performed by Miles Smith
Rising Star Award: Lola Young
Best Original Film Score: Rafferty for “Materials”
Best Original Video Game Score: John Consolakis for “Part-time”
Best TV Soundtrack: Vince Pope for “True Detective: The Land of Night”
Academy Fellowship: U2
Outstanding Song Collection: Bloc Party
Icon Award: Robbie Williams
Songwriter of the Year: Charli XCX
Special International Award: Brandon Flowers
Visionary Award: Self-Esteem
