The Ivors’ CEO Roberto Neri on AI, Championing U.K. Music & Hosting the Industry’s ‘Oscar-Equivalent’ Awards Ceremony
Categoria: Musica
Rosalía and Linda Perry are among the names set to be honored at 2026's Ivor Novello Awards.
Por Billboard | 13/05/2026
Planning awards shows is no simple task, not least when you run the U.K.’s Ivor Novello Awards, which Robert Neri , the Ivors Academy CEO, posits is music’s “Oscar-equivalent” ceremony. When Billboard U.K. speaks with Neri a fortnight out from the big night (May 21), he’s in the process liaising with artists, attendees, and sponsors to ensure a smooth planning process and happy faces when the ceremony kicks off. “It feels like a wedding day,” he laughs. First held in 1956, the Ivor Novello Awards honor the art of songwriting and composers for both U.K. and international artists. The roll call for acts to have been honored is full of music’s elite ( The Beatles , Stevie Wonder , Brian Wilson , David Bowie , to name a few) and the intimate ceremony frequently brings together superstars to honor each other’s work. In 2024, Paul McCartney toasted the work of Bruce Springsteen when he was honored with an Academy Fellowship. Last year, The Boss returned to celebrate the work of The Killers’ Brandon Flowers. Related Olivia Dean, Lola Young & Coldplay Lead the Ivors 2026 Nominations: See Full List Backline Launches Mental Health Toolkit for Dance Music Community: 'Seeking Help Is Not Something to Be Ashamed Of' Fugees' Pras Michel Surrenders to Authorities to Begin 14-Year Prison Sentence, Vows to Appeal Neri says that the event has fostered a celebratory spirit despite the fact some artists are competing for prizes. The fact that the ceremony is not broadcast, he says, is part of its appeal, as is the prize’s prestige. “The whole intention of the Ivors, really, is that they’re the crown jewels of the music industry,” he says. “Who says no to an Ivor Novello Award?” This year’s event , held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on May 21, will see Olivia Dean, Self Esteem, Wolf Alice and Lily Allen compete across an array of categories. An honorary award will be given to Rosalía in recognition of her boundary-smashing LUX , while Linda Perry will be collecting the special international songwriter prize in honor of her work with the 4 Non Blondes and as a songwriter for several major artists such as Adele and Christina Aguilera. Bringing together large swathes of the music industry, from performers and publishers to record labels and media, also provides a moment for Neri and its members to tackle prescient issues for the Academy. In 2025, RAYE used a winning speech to challenge label executives in the room to offer royalty points on the master for songwriters. This year Neri — who has held senior roles in music publishing at PRS For Music, Downtown and Believe — is increasingly concerned about AI and protecting songwriters, and how U.K. music can use a recent boost for some of its artists in the long-term. Here’s what’s on the agenda for 2026’s ceremony. What makes the Ivor Novello Awards such an unmissable moment for musicians? It’s the fact that they’re being recognized for their craft and songwriting; some of these peop