The Ivor Novello Awards, a celebration of songwriting excellence, recently bestowed its Songwriter of the Year honor upon Charli XCX. Known for her boundary-pushing pop and at times, self-effacing persona, Charli XCX accepted the award with a touch of humor, playfully comparing herself to Bob Dylan and emphasizing the unique identity she strives to bring to her music. This year’s ceremony also celebrated a spectrum of talent, from rock icons U2 to pop veteran Robbie Williams, alongside rising stars like Lola Young and Myles Smith. The event underscored the profound impact of songwriting across genres. This article explores the highlights of the Ivor Novello Awards, with a focus on Charli XCX’s win as Songwriter of the Year and the memorable moments shared by other honorees. Her innovative approach has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music.

Charli XCX’s acceptance speech was characteristically self-aware. Downplaying her songwriting prowess with a dose of humor, she quoted lyrics from her song “Club Classics” to illustrate her point. “I’m sure you all agree, I am hardly Bob Dylan, but one thing I certainly do is commit to the bit,” she joked, highlighting her dedication to a distinct artistic vision. According to the Songwriter of the Year, a technically proficient song isn’t enough.

“I’ve never particularly believed the idea that everything starts from a great song. In my head, a great song alone has never actually been enough to captivate an audience. Instead, a song with a distinct identity coupled with a point of view… and above all, conviction is what can catapult a songwriter from being technically good to globally renowned.”

This philosophy underscores her belief that a unique identity and unwavering conviction are paramount for a songwriter aspiring to global recognition.

Charli XCX’s latest album, “Brat,” is described as “chaos and emotional turmoil set to a club soundtrack.” It delves into themes of vulnerability, doubts about friendships, anxieties surrounding motherhood, and the pursuit of commercial success. Even the album’s cover art, which became a viral meme, contributed to its widespread recognition, demonstrating her knack for capturing the zeitgeist.

U2 received the fellowship of the Ivor Novello songwriting academy, marking the first time an Irish band has been granted this honor. The award recognized their nearly 50-year career, filled with iconic songs such as “With Or Without You” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”

“Songs can be arrows through time if they come from the right place. They can fly higher and farther, last longer, hit harder. They can pierce the hardest armour of the human heart. I don’t know if they can change the world, but they changed us,” said Bono, emphasizing the enduring emotional power of well-crafted songs.

Larry Mullen Jr. added a touch of humor, recalling a rejection letter from CBS Records. He explained that Muff Winwood offered a deal only if the band fired the drummer. “I humbly concede that on every musical break, I may have counted to three instead of four – but from where I’m standing right now having trouble counting makes some of us look like musical geniuses.”

Other notable winners included Robbie Williams, who received the music icon award in recognition of his 34-year career. “When momentous things like this happen, it’s just a hodge-podge of things coming at you from the universe. It’s self-doubt and self-hatred mixed with ego and delusion and audacity. So it’s very difficult to put your finger on what it feels like in the moment, other than you’re supposed to say, ‘I’m very grateful’. And I am.”

The Killers won the special international prize, presented by Bruce Springsteen. Brandon Flowers quipped that “the only downside” of the award was that “it feels one giant step away from fulfilling my original dream of becoming the most sought-after valet on the Las Vegas strip”.

Lola Young won the rising star award for her single “Messy.” “This is such a big moment for the kid in my bedroom who was 10 years old, writing songs on her guitar. To be here now is such an honour, and a gives me such a warm feeling.”

Myles Smith’s song “Stargazing” was named the most-played song on UK radio last year. “The first time I heard it on the radio was actually in New York. I remember it so specifically. I was in an Uber and the song came on, and I told the driver, ‘This is me’ and he could not care less. It was the best way to be humbled, and it really kept me grounded from year one.”

Bloc Party won the outstanding song collection prize, Berwyn’s album “Who Am I” was named best album, and Orla Gartland won best song musically and lyrically for “Mine.” “I’m not sure what a boardroom of old guys would have known what to do with this song about bodily autonomy and reclaiming it,” Gartland remarked.

Self Esteem was given the visionary award, using her speech to address misogyny and online abuse. “People are foaming at the mouth to ridicule you. People hate women, and sometimes [those comments] get in and stay there,” she stated.

Here’s a full list of winners from the 2024 Ivor Novello Awards:

• Songwriter of the Year: Charli XCX
• Academy Fellowship: U2
• Music Icon Award: Robbie Williams
• Best Album: Berwyn – Who Am I
• Best Contemporary Song: Sans Soucis – Circumnavigating Georgia
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Orla Gartland – Mine
• Most Performed Work: Myles Smith – Stargazing
• Rising Star: Lola Young
• Best Original Film Score: The Substance – Raffertie
• Best Original Video Game Score: Farewell North – John Konsolakis
• Best Television Soundtrack: True Detective: Night Country – Vince Pope
• Outstanding Song Collection: Bloc Party
• Special International: Brandon Flowers
• Visionary Award: Self Esteem

The 2024 Ivor Novello Awards celebrated a diverse range of musical talent, from icons like U2 and Robbie Williams to rising stars such as Lola Young and Myles Smith. Charli XCX’s win as Songwriter of the Year highlighted her unique approach to music and her ability to connect with audiences through innovative and personal songwriting. Her self-deprecating humor and insightful perspective on what makes a song truly captivating resonated throughout the ceremony. The awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the enduring power and impact of music in reflecting and shaping our world. The event served as a reminder of the importance of originality, conviction, and a distinct point of view in creating globally renowned songs, as exemplified by Charli XCX and all the honorees.