Bruce Springsteen Honors Brandon Flowers, Bono Advocates for Gaza Peace, and Charli XCX Crowned Songwriter of the Year at Ivors

Table of Contents

The Ivor Novello Awards this year had a lot riding on it. Last year’s ceremony featured a memorable moment when Paul McCartney playfully roasted Bruce Springsteen while giving him a Fellowship Award. How could this year top that?

This was a special event—the 70th anniversary of the Ivors, the U.K.’s longest-running music awards. To celebrate, they managed to gather an incredible lineup. Rock legends like U2 and current pop stars such as Charli XCX and Lola Young lit up the evening. A highlight was Springsteen’s surprise return, where he presented the Special International Award to Brandon Flowers of The Killers.

Springsteen made quite an entrance, joking about his hoarse voice from last year’s show. He reminisced about discovering Flowers while hearing "Somebody Told Me" from behind a closed door. He praised Flower’s unique sound, noting, “Most bands end up in Las Vegas; they don’t come from there.”

Flowers expressed his gratitude, sharing that Springsteen would often reach out just to check in on him. He recalled how he fell in love with British music as a kid, inspired by songs like “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure, which his brother played.

The night continued with Ed Sheeran honoring U2—who he admired since childhood. While he lightly teased them about a past iPhone debacle, he favored them with heartfelt respect, recognizing Bono as a mentor in his life.

U2 collected their award with all members speaking, a refreshing change from the norm. Adam Clayton thanked those who believed in them early on. Even drummer Larry Mullen Jr. turned a former rejection into motivation, recalling how he was once told that the band could only have a record deal if he was removed.

Bono, as always, had much to say. He took the opportunity to speak out for peace in Gaza, urging for the release of hostages and an end to violence. The audience was moved as they watched him perform an acoustic version of “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”

The Ivors have become a powerful platform for voices in the music industry. Tom Gray, the Ivors Academy chair, reflected on the struggles songwriters face today. Many still struggle to earn fair pay. Last year’s winner, Raye, had made a passionate appeal for better treatment of songwriters, a topic that remains critical.

Self Esteem received the Visionary Award, sharing her experience as a woman in the music world and the need to protect emerging women artists.

Charli XCX was named Songwriter of the Year for her track "Brat." She challenged the notion that a great song is enough. “It’s about having a distinct identity and point of view,” she shared, highlighting how conviction can elevate a songwriter from talented to renowned.

Robbie Williams, often celebrated in the U.K., accepted the Icon Award with a humorous poem, making jabs at the audience. Lola Young, a breakout star, won the Rising Star Award and candidly spoke about her passion for songwriting.

Indie rockers Bloc Party received recognition for their earlier work, while Orla Gartland won for her song "Mine." U2 wrapped up the evening with a lively performance, leaving the audience in awe.

The Ivors is not just about celebrating music but addressing essential issues in the industry. Now more than ever, voices are speaking out for what’s right, making it a night to remember.

For more information on the history and impact of the Ivors, you can check out their official site here.