Stormzy, James Blake and Glastonbury Festival organizer Emily Eavis were among seven people recognized at the Ivors Academy Honours 2026 on Thursday night at the Intercontinental London Park Lane, NME reported.
Who was honored at the Ivors Academy Honours 2026
The other recipients were singer-songwriter MNEK, broadcaster Annie Macmanus, IMRO chief executive Victor Finn and Sentric Music chief executive Chris Meehan, according to Billboard. The Ivors Academy said the honors recognize people whose work supports songwriters and composers.
Blake was cited for his artistry and his advocacy for songwriters, and academy chair Tom Gray helped present his award. Eavis was recognized for her commitment to emerging talent, with Elbow frontman Guy Garvey presenting. Stormzy was honored for his influence on British music and culture and for creating opportunities for others. Warner Chappell Music U.K. executive Shani Gonzales presented his award.
Both Blake and Eavis spoke about the artists the honors are meant to serve. Blake called for more openness in the music business, while Eavis said Glastonbury exists to showcase talent, according to Billboard.
Second year for the honors
The Ivors Academy Honours 2026 class follows an event that began in 2025, when RAYE and Sony Music Publishing chief executive Jon Platt were among the first recipients, Billboard reported. Elton John received his own Ivors Academy honor at the Ivor Novello Awards in May.
For more on the business behind songwriting, read our coverage of the Pandora lawsuit over song royalties, the Sia catalog sale and a song dispute involving Dean.
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