U.K.
It’s a few days late to tie in with St. Patrick’s Day, but U2 are the first Irish songwriters to be named Ivors Academy Fellows. They are the second group to receive the honor, following Bee Gees.
Ivors Academy Fellows is the highest honor that the organization, best known for their annual Ivor Novello Awards, bestows. The award will be presented at this year’s The Ivors with Amazon Music event at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday May 22. This year’s Ivor Novello Award nominees will be announced on Wednesday April 23.
With U2’s inclusion, the total number of Fellows rises to 32. This counts U2 (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.) as four individuals and Bees Gees (Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb) as three. Most of the honorees (see full list at the end of this story) have hailed from Britain, though the roster also includes American composer/conductor John Adams, American rock singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen and French composer/conductor Pierre Boulez.
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Formed in Dublin in 1978, U2 is one of the greatest songwriting partnerships and most influential bands of all time. The band has amassed eight No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and two No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. U2 is the only band to have a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 in four consecutive decades (the 1980s through the 2010s).
U2 has won 22 Grammy Awards, far more than any other group in history. This tally includes four wins in songwriting categories: two for song of the year (for “Beautiful Day” and “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own”) and two for best rock song (for “Vertigo” and “City of Blinding Lights”).
In addition, the band members have received two Oscar nominations for best original song, for “The Hands That Built America” (from Gangs of New York) and “Ordinary Love” (from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom).
U2 has won four Ivor Novello Awards – the Special Award for International Achievement in 1994, Best Song Musically and Lyrically for “Walk On” in 2002, Outstanding Song Collection in 2003 and International Hit of the Year for “Vertigo” in 2005.
Other prized songs by U2 include “I Will Follow,” “Pride (In the Name of Love),” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “With or Without You” and “One.”
“To be recognised in this way by The Ivors Academy feels very special indeed,” U2’s Adam Clayton said in a statement. “The appreciation of one’s peers is a humbling honour and we are immensely grateful. We’ve been playing our songs in this country for over 45 years, thank you to all those who have not just supported us, but carried us… producers, engineers, crew, fans, management, label.”
Bandmate Larry Mullen Jr. added: “Making music collectively, as we’ve done for close to 50 years, has been an incredible experience and privilege for the four of us and I believe it’s a testament to a band that values individual creativity and independence of mind. We are grateful to each other and very grateful to The Ivors Academy for recognising us with this award.”
Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy said in a statement: “With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music. Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2’s induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft.”
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, added: “We are proud to welcome U2 to Fellowship of The Ivors Academy as era-defining songwriters whose legacy continues to propel musical innovation and inspire social progress. As U2’s politically charged anthems have sparked global change, The Ivors Academy is committed to championing creative integrity with the same unwavering passion. At a time when AI threatens to undermine human creativity, U2’s Fellowship stands as a testament to the irreplaceable role of songwriters and composers in shaping culture and inspiring change.”
U2’s many other awards include the Kennedy Center Honors in 2022 and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience award.
Here’s a full, updated list of Fellows of the Ivors Academy. Notes: Multiple honorees in a single year are listed alphabetically. Paul McCartney’s team prefers not to list him with his Sir honorific.
2000: Paul McCartney
2001: Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE, John Barry OBE
2004: John Adams, Sir Elton John
2005: David Arnold, Pierre Boulez CBE, Sir John Dankworth CBE, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies CH CBE
2006: Sir Barry Gibb CBE, Maurice Gibb CBE, Robin Gibb CBE
2007: George Fenton
2009: Don Black OBE, David Ferguson
2010: Sir Tim Rice
2012: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber
2015: Annie Lennox OBE
2020: Joan Armatrading CBE, Julian Joseph OBE
2021: Kate Bush CBE
2022: Peter Gabriel, Judith Weir CBE
2023: John Rutter CBE, Sting
2024: Sir James Macmillan, Bruce Springsteen, Errollyn Wallen
2025: Bono (Paul Hewson), Adam Clayton, The Edge (Dave Evans), Larry Mullen Jr.
Chappell Roan seems to have started a trend with her pointed acceptance speech at the Grammys on Feb. 2, in which she challenged labels to provide better healthcare and financial support for their new and developing artists. At the BRIT Awards on Saturday (March 1), several artists used their acceptance speeches to make points that mattered to them.
Myles Smith, whose “Stargazing” was a global hit, posed three questions, to the government, music venues and label executives. Georgia Davies of The Last Dinner Party challenged successful arenas like The O2, where the Brits were held, to do more to support small independent venues, who, she said, were dying. And Chappell Roan had still more to say about artistic freedom and queer joy in her two acceptance speeches.
Here, we look at three artists who used their acceptance speeches at the BRITs not just to recite a laundry list of thank yous, but to actually say something. These are the pertinent excerpts from their speeches.
Chappell Roan
Award: International song of the year for “Good Luck, Babe!”
“Over the years, I have written many songs. I don’t believe in bad art, but let’s just say I had to write a lot of bad songs to get to the good ones, and artists deserve that freedom to write bad songs and to explore horrible concepts and to flop — and rise and not be pressured into making music based off of what’s trending. So, we must continue to support these artists so they can find success on their own terms and have long careers. So, this is dedicated to the people who have helped me protect my bad art and lifted me up along the way.”
Award: International artist of the year
“Chappell Roan was born through experiencing queer joy. It’s so special I had to write an entire album about it. I dedicate this to trans artists, to drag queens, to fashion students, sex workers and Sinéad O’Connor. Because of all those people, they have laid the groundwork for me to be here today. I did not give up because of them and I will continue going because of them.”
Myles Smith
Award: BRITs Rising Star
“Tonight, whilst I have the attention of the nation and this award, which gives me kind of like this really cool speaking power, I want to ask three questions:
“My first is to the government. If British music is one of the most powerful cultural exports we have, why have we treated it like an afterthought for so many years? How many more venues need to close? How many more music programs need to be cut before you realize that we can’t just celebrate success, you have to protect the foundations that make it?
“My second is to the biggest venues in the country and around the world. If artists selling out your arenas and your stadiums started in grass-roots venues, what are you doing to keep them alive?
“And my third, to the industry, to the execs in the room and to the people behind-the-scenes. Are we building careers or are we just chasing moments because moments fade and careers take time. So please stick with artists past their first viral hit, please stick with artists past their first tour, because it really matters to us. And moments, they fade, but careers last forever.”
Georgia Davies of The Last Dinner Party
Award: Best new artist
“We wouldn’t be a band, and a lot of the artists here would not be bands either, without the U.K.’s incredible independent venues, and they are the lifeblood of the music industry and they are dying. And if venues like this, like The O2, like arenas, stadiums across this country contributed even a tiny bit toward these independent venues, then we would not be losing them at this alarming rate. We wouldn’t be here without them. None of this would be happening without them. So, I want to say to those artists who are playing independent venues all over the country tonight — keep going because that’s the best kind of art there is. In a time when art is under threat, that is the most important thing to keep supporting.”
Conclave was named best film at the 2025 BAFTA Awards. It tied with The Brutalist for most wins at the ceremony (four each). The awards were held on Sunday (Feb. 16) at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Doctor Who star David Tennant hosted for the second year in a row.
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In addition to best film, Conclave won outstanding British film, adapted screenplay and editing.
The Brutalist took leading actor for Adrien Brody, director for Brady Corbet, original score for Daniel Blumberg and cinematography for Lol Crawley.
Runners-up with two awards each were Emilia Pérez, A Real Pain, Wicked, Dune: Part Two, Anora and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
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Despite six nominations, the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown was shut out.
Brody has won best actor at most awards shows and is seen as the front-runner to take the Oscar on March 2. Other top awards still appear to be unsettled. The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez won the best picture awards at the Golden Globes. Anora won best picture at the Critics Choice Awards and was also victorious at three guild awards — the Producers Guild, Directors Guild and Writers Guild. With Conclave winning here, it adds more uncertainty to the Oscar race.
And while Anora’s Mikey Madison won best actress here, Demi Moore is still seen as very much in the hunt for the Oscar for best actress for The Substance.
Last year the outcome in the top eight categories (picture, director, the two writing awards and the four acting awards) at the BAFTAs and the Oscars was exactly the same, but two years ago there was no overlap in the winners in those categories at the two shows. And consider this: Only two of the last 10 BAFTA winners for best film went on to win the Oscar for best picture — Nomadland in 2021 and Oppenheimer in 2024.
Blumberg, who is also nominated for an Oscar for best original score, is an artist, musician, songwriter and composer from London. From 2005-’09, he was a founding member and lead singer for the band Cajun Dance Party. From 2009-’13, Blumberg was frontman and guitarist for the indie rock band Yuck.
Here’s the full list of 2025 BAFTA nominations, with winners marked.
Best film
Anora — Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, Sean Baker
The Brutalist – Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, DJ Gugenheim, Brady Corbet
A Complete Unknown — Fred Berger, Alex Heineman, James Mangold
WINNER: Conclave — Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman
Emilia Pérez – Pascal Caucheteux, Jacques Audiard
Leading actress
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths
WINNER: Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Saoirse Ronan, The Outrun
Leading actor
WINNER: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Hugh Grant, Heretic
Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice
Supporting actress
Selena Gomez, Emilia Pérez
Ariana Grande, Wicked
Felicity Jones, The Brutalist
Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
WINNER: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
Supporting actor
Yura Borisov, Anora
WINNER: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Clarence Maclin, Sing Sing
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice
Director
Anora — Sean Baker
WINNER: The Brutalist — Brady Corbet
Conclave — Edward Berger
Dune: Part Two — Denis Villeneuve
Emilia Pérez — Jacques Audiard
The Substance — Coralie Fargeat
Original screenplay
Anora — written by Sean Baker
The Brutalist — written by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold
Kneecap — written by Rich Peppiatt, story by Rich Peppiatt, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, JJ Ó Dochartaigh
WINNER: A Real Pain — written by Jesse Eisenberg
The Substance — written by Coralie Fargeat
Adapted screenplay
A Complete Unknown — screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks
WINNER: Conclave — screenplay by Peter Straughan
Emilia Pérez — screenplay by Jacques Audiard
Nickel Boys — screenplay by RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes
Sing Sing — screenplay by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin, John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield
Original score
WINNER: The Brutalist — Daniel Blumberg
Conclave — Volker Bertelmann
Emilia Pérez — Camille, Clément Ducol
Nosferatu — Robin Carolan
The Wild Robot — Kris Bowers
Film not in the English language
All We Imagine as Light — Payal Kapadia, Thomas Hakim
WINNER: Emilia Pérez — Jacques Audiard
I’m Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui) — Walter Salles
Kneecap — Rich Peppiatt, Trevor Birney
The Seed of the Sacred Fig — Mohammad Rasoulof, Amin Sadraei
Documentary
Black Box Diaries — Shiori Ito, Hanna Aqvilin, Eric Nyari
Daughters — Natalie Rae, Angela Patton
No Other Land — Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor
WINNER: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story — Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui, Lizzie Gilliett, Robert Ford
Will & Harper — Josh Greenbaum, Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum
Animated film
Flow — Gints Siibalodis, Matīss Kaža
Inside Out 2 — Kelsey Mann, Mark Nielsen
WINNER: Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek
The Wild Robot — Chris Sanders, Jeff Hermann
Children’s & family film
Flow — Gints Siibalodis, Matīss Kaža
Kensuke’s Kingdom — Kirk Hendry, Neil Boyle, Camilla Deakin
WINNER: Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek
The Wild Robot — Chris Sanders, Jeff Hermann
Casting
WINNER: Anora — Sean Baker, Samantha Quan
The Apprentice — Stephanie Gorin, Carmen Cuba
A Complete Unknown — Yesi Ramirez
Conclave — Nina Gold, Martin Ware
Kneecap — Carla Stronge
Cinematography
WINNER: The Brutalist — Lol Crawley
Conclave — Stéphane Fontaine
Dune: Part Two — Greig Fraser
Emilia Pérez — Paul Guilhaume
Nosferatu — Jarin Blaschke
Editing
Anora — Sean Baker
WINNER: Conclave — Nick Emerson
Dune: Part Two — Joe Walker
Emilia Pérez – Juliette Welfling
Kneecap — Julian Ulrichs, Chris Gill
Costume design
Blitz — Jacqueline Durran
A Complete Unknown — Arianne Phillips
Conclave — Lisy Christl
Nosferatu — Linda Muir
WINNER: Wicked — Paul Tazewell
Makeup & hair
Dune: Part Two — Love Larson, Eva Von Bahr
Emilia Pérez — Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier, Jean-Christophe Spadaccini, Romain Marietti
Nosferatu — David White, Traci Loader, Suzanne Stokes-Munton
WINNER: The Substance — Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, Frédérique Arguello, Marilyne Scarselli
Wicked — Frances Hannon, Laura Blount, Sarah Nuth
Production design
The Brutalist — Judy Becker, Patricia Cuccia
Conclave — Suzie Davies, Cynthia Sleiter
Dune: Part Two — Patrice Vermette, Shane Vieau
Nosferatu — Craig Lathrop
WINNER: Wicked — Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales
Sound
Blitz — John Casali, Paul Cotterell, James Harrison
WINNER: Dune: Part Two — Ron Bartlett, Doug Hemphill, Gareth John, Richard King
Gladiator II — Stéphane Bucher, Matthew Collinge, Paul Massey Danny Sheehan
The Substance — Valérie Deloof, Victor Fleurant, Victor Praud, Stéphane Thiébaut, Emmanuelle Villard
Wicked — Robin Baynton, Simon Hayes, John Marquis, Andy Nelson, Nancy Nugent Title
Special visual effects
Better Man — Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs
WINNER: Dune: Part Two — Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Gerd Nefzer, Rhys Salcombe
Gladiator II — Mark Bakowski, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny, Pietro Ponti
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes — Erik Winquist, Rodney Burke, Paul Story, Stephen Unterfranz
Wicked — Pablo Helman, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, Anthony Smith
Outstanding British film
Bird — Andrea Arnold, Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Lee Groombridge
Blitz — Steve McQueen, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Anita Overland
WINNER: Conclave — Edward Berger, Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman, Peter Straughan
Gladiator II — Ridley Scott, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, David Scarpa, Peter Craig
Hard Truths — Mike Leigh, Georgina Lowe
Kneecap — Rich Peppiatt, Trevor Birney, Jack Tarling, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, JJ Ó Dochartaigh
Lee — Ellen Kuras, Kate Solomon, Kate Winslet, Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee, Lem Dobbs
Love Lies Bleeding — Rose Glass, Andrea Cornwell, Oliver Kassman, Wereonika Tofilska
The Outrun — Nora Fingscheidt, Sarah Brocklehurst, Dominic Norris, Jack Lowden, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Liptrot
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek, Mark Burton
Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer
Hoard — Luna Carmoon (Director, writer)
WINNER: Kneecap — Rich Peppiatt (Director, writer)
Monkey Man — Dev Patel (Director)
Santosh — Sandhya Suri (Director, writer), James Bowsher (Producer), Balthazar de Ganay (Producer), also produced by Alan McAlex, Mike Goodridge
Sister Midnight — Karan Kandhari (Director, writer)
British short animation
Adiós — José Prats, Natalia Kyriacou, Bernardo Angeletti
Mog’s Christmas — Robin Shaw, Joanna Harrison, Camilla Deakin, Ruth Fielding
WINNER: Wander to Wonder — Nina Gantz, Stienette Bosklopper, Simon Cartwright, Maarten Swart
British short film
The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing — Theo Panagopoulos, Marissa Keating
Marion — Joe Weiland, Finn Constantine, Marija Djikic
Milk — Miranda Stern, Ashionye Ogene
WINNER: Rock, Paper, Scissors — Franz Böhm, Ivan, Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer
Stomach Bug — Matty Crawford, Karima Sammout-Kanellopoulou
EE rising star award (voted for by the public)
Marisa Abela
Jharrel Jerome
WINNER: David Jonsson
Mikey Madison
Nabhaan Rizwan
The BRIT Awards has announced the three shortlisted artists for its Rising Star Award. Elmiene (Polydor/Def Jam US), Good Neighbours (Polydor) and Myles Smith (RCA) comprise the all-male field of contenders. The winner will be announced on Dec. 5 on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show With Jack Saunders.
This is only the second time that the field of contenders has consisted entirely of male artists or groups. James Bay, George the Poet and Years & Years were the 2015 finalists.
The award is voted on by a panel of music journalists, heads of music at radio and music TV stations, songwriters, producers and live bookers. The award is open to British artists who have not yet achieved a top 20 placement on the Official Albums Chart, or achieved more than one top 20 single on the Official Singles Chart before Oct. 31 of this year.
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The Rising Star Award (previously called Critics’ Choice) originated in 2008 and was most recently collected by baroque-pop group The Last Dinner Party. Previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Sam Fender, Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine, Griff and FLO, while Dua Lipa, Anne-Marie, Lewis Capaldi, Cat Burns, Michael Kiwanuka, Mabel and Years & Years have also all been finalists.
Elmiene released his most recent EP, Anyway I Can, in October, fusing his love of R&B, jazz and pop. He has performed at Glastonbury and collaborated with Stormzy, Syd, Sampha, BADBADNOTGOOD, A$AP Ferg and more, and recently headlined a 3,000-capacity show at London’s Troxy.
Speaking on his nomination, Elmiene said, “If I could put the feeling of being nominated into words, I would say it’s like being completely satisfied with a meal you bought and then finding out it comes with dessert and a drink. Didn’t know it could get any better.”
Myles Smith’s single “Stargazing” has had considerable success in the U.K. and abroad this year. The pop song, first released in May, peaked at No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart and reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith recently released his second EP, A Minute…, and had a debut U.S. TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In a press release, Smith said, “Growing up in Luton, I started playing pubs and open mic nights when I was just 12 and music quickly became my way of understanding the world and connecting with others. This recognition feels like a reflection of that journey – the highs, the challenges and the incredible people who’ve supported me along the way.”
Indie-pop duo Good Neighbours have had a triumphant year following their TikTok hit “Home,” which has topped 322 million streams on Spotify alone. The song peaked at No. 26 in the U.K., and rode the Hot 100 for 11 weeks, reaching No. 77.
The pair said of the nomination: “The BRITs have always been a huge dream for both of us growing up. We started Good Neighbours purely for the fun of it, so to be up for an actual BRIT award at this stage in our career is the biggest honour. Thank you.”
The winner will be recognised at the BRITs ceremony on March 1 at London’s O2 Arena. The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV and ITV X.
LONDON — Pet Shop Boys and Paloma Faith were among the major honorees at the 2024 Artist & Manager Awards, which also saw the creative teams behind Yungblud and British dance duo Chase & Status pick up prizes in recognition of their clients’ commercial success.
Held at London’s Bloomsbury Big Top on Thursday (Nov. 21), the annual awards show organized by U.K. trade bodies the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and Music Managers Forum (MMF) is one of the few industry events that exclusively celebrates the achievements of both artists and their managers.
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One of the night’s biggest prizes was the artist and manager partnership award, collected by the Pet Shop Boys and their long-time manager Angela Becker, who has represented the dance pop duo since 2009.
“At a time when we needed it, [Angela] brought into our lives good advice, organization, honesty and strategy to help us carry out some of our strange, spontaneous and willful ideas, and make them into a reality,” singer Neil Tennant told the audience of industry executives, artist managers, entrepreneurs, and invited guests. “She has helped us flourish in those 16 years and we love her for that.” Tennant was joined onstage by his musical partner Chris Lowe and Becker.
“Learning the language of your client’s hopes and fears will open doors to profound impact, ensuring that their work echoes in the hearts of audiences long after,” Becker responded, adding: “I am continually elevated and inspired by the pursuit of new ways to communicate Pet Shop Boys’ vision.”
This year’s icon award was presented to Faith, whose sixth studio album, The Glorification of Sadness, reached No. 2 on the Official U.K. Album Chart in February and who organizers praised for being “political, strong, a true individual, and a brilliant songwriter and artist.”
“Being named an icon is truly an honor and one I certainly don’t feel when I’m at school drop-off and pick-up with yesterday night’s gig makeup halfway down my face and wearing a dirty grey tracksuit,” joked Faith, collecting the award from her long-time manager and “partner-in-crime” Innis Ferguson at Lateral Management.
“Innis is the person who allowed me to become more than a singer. She and the company [Lateral Management] are the reason why I’m winning the award because they don’t just view me as a music artist. They view me as whatever I want to be, whenever I want to be it,” said Faith, who recently published a best-selling book and has previously featured in an acclaimed, fly-on-the-wall BBC documentary. Faith went on to urge other artists to speak out about social and political issues.
“It’s a waste of a platform not to be politically engaged and not use your voice for good,” she told the audience. “Throughout history, musicians have always spoken out about social issues. It should be part of all our work to continue to do that job. It’s our duty. Please do not squander your influence on superficial things alone when you can make the world better.”
Other prizes given out at the ceremony included the fan champion award, which went to Yungblud, Tommas Arnby, Adam Wood and the management team at Special Projects Music, in recognition of their “innovative and hands-on approach to building and nurturing Yungblud’s fanbase.”
“I will do everything for my community, everything is for them. We work every day to try and make them feel safe, to try and make them feel heard and to try and make them feel seen,” said Yungblud, real name Dominic Harrison, in a video acceptance speech filmed in California. Accepting the award in London on his behalf were two of his biggest fans, Corey and Kenya.
British dance duo Chase & Status and their manager Sophie Kennard (Frame Artists) triumphed in the artist and manager team of the year category.
“Management is really a thankless job,” said the band’s Will Kennard. “All artists are a total nightmare and managers have to deal with them day-in and day-out on so many different levels. What they do is really quite heroic, and they don’t really get the recognition they deserve,” he said paying tribute to his “incredible, irreplaceable” manager.
Riverman Management founders Alex Weston and Dave McLean were awarded the prestigious title of managers’ manager in tribute to their successful three-decade long career, which began in the early 1990s when they promoted some of the first U.K. shows by Nirvana, Green Day, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. The company’s artist management roster now includes Friedberg, Dea Matrona, Tom Fleming and Placebo, who the firm has represented since 1995.
“Over the years, with the introduction of technology and with the continuously increasing and expanding workloads, [artist] management has become a job that I sometimes question why any sane person would enter or continue to [do],” said Weston, accepting the managers’ manager award from FAC board director and former member of The Fall, Brix Smith.
“What other job on this planet requires us to have so much wide-ranging knowledge, so many skills and so much responsibility and time invested?” she went on to say. “But we do it because we are 100% committed and passionate about each of the artists we take on and truly believe, against all the odds, we can break them and their music. They are the future of our industry and put their faith and trust in us to help them achieve those ambitions,” said Weston before offering a note of caution to major labels: “Sometimes it’s worth remembering that managers need support too.”
Other winners on the night included British funk group Cymande, who took home the originator award, and Grammy-nominated Scottish musician Sophie, who died in 2021 at age 34. With the blessing of her family, who were present at the awards ceremony, Sophie was posthumously given the pioneer award.
Later in the evening, electronic music producer Barry Can’t Swim (real name Joshua Mainnie) received the breakthrough artist award, while Victoria de Juniac was named breakthrough manager in recognition of her work with Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot.
The ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Remi Burgz and featured live performances from Moonchild Sanelly, BEKA and Hana Lili.
Here’s the full list of winners at the 2024 Artist & Manager Awards:
Artist & Manager Partnership: Pet Shop Boys & Angela Becker (Becker Brown)
Artist & Manager Team of the Year: Chase & Status & Sophie Kennard (Frame Artists)
Icon: Paloma Faith
Managers’ Manager: Riverman Management
Pioneer: SOPHIE (posthumous award)
Originator: Cymande
Fan Champion: Yungblud & Special Projects Music
Breakthrough Artist: Barry Can’t Swim
Breakthrough Manager: Victoria de Juniac (VictoriaBDJ Management)
Secret Weapon: Hope James (Atlas Artists)
Writer / Producer Manager: Ant Hippsley (Milk & Honey)
Team Achievement: Finesse Foreva
Shawn Mendes, Benson Boone, RAYE, Teddy Swims and the Mexican-born sister trio The Warning are set to perform at the 2024 MTV EMAs. The show is set to be broadcast live on Nov. 10 from Co-op Live in Manchester, U.K.
Four of those artists – Boone, RAYE, Swims and The Warning – are also vying for Grammy nominations for best new artist. RAYE swept the Brit Awards on March 2. Boone won best alternative at the MTV VMAs on Sept. 11.
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In addition, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale and screen stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lucien Laviscount will take the stage as presenters. Ten of the 11 artists with the most nominations for the 2024 MTV EMAs are women. The only man who cracked the leaderboard is Kendrick Lamar, with four nods.
Taylor Swift leads with seven nods, including best artist, best video, best pop and biggest fans. Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter each scored five nominations. Closely following with four nods each are Ayra Starr, Beyoncé, Lamar, LISA, plus first-time nominees Chappell Roan and Tyla.
Fans can vote for their favorites on the EMAs website from now until 00:00 CET on Nov. 6.
The 2024 MTV EMAs will broadcast at 9 p.m. GMT Sunday, Nov. 10, on MTV UK, Channel 5 and Pluto TV, and will be available on demand on Paramount+ from Nov. 12. Tickets will be on sale at a later date.
Bruce Gillmer and Richard Godfrey are executive producers for the 2024 MTV EMAs. Debbie Phillips and Chloe Mason are producers.
This will be the eighth time the EMAs have been held in the U.K. Last year’s ceremony was set for Nov. 5 in Paris, but was canceled two weeks before the show due to the Israel–Hamas war, becoming the first EMAs to be canceled in its 30-year history.
Final nominations have been announced for this year’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards. Electronic music producer Barry Can’t Swim (real name: Joshua Mainnie) leads the pack with three nominations, followed closely by Jorja Smith, Sampha, CASISDEAD and Kneecap, who are up for two awards each.
Singer-songwriter Sampha, who is in the running for best independent video and best independent track, will be among the live performers on the night, alongside Manchester rapper and fellow nominee OneDa.
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The 14th edition of the annual awards show, which recognizes the achievements of the artists, labels, entrepreneurs and companies that make up the U.K.’s indie sector, is set for Oct. 17 at London’s Roundhouse venue.
Nominees also include D-Block Europe, Kim Gordon, Actress, rapper Skrapz, Mount Kimbie, Anohni and the Johnsons and jazz nine-piece Nubiyan Twist, who are all in the running for the best independent album prize alongside Smith and Barry Can’t Swim.
AIM announced the nominees in seven categories on Aug. 13, but have now announced the nominees in all 14 competitive categories, as well as the recipient of the diversity champion award. Afrobeats artist, producer and songwriter Silvastone, who has collaborated with the likes of Popcaan, Sneakbo, Bugzy Malone and Lady Leshurr, has been named AIM’s 2024 diversity champion in recognition of his commitment to his local community in Croydon and work as a youth ambassador.
R&B singer Jorja Smith, a 2019 Grammy nominee for best new artist, is also listed in the best independent track category for her hit “Little Things,” which reached No. 11 on the Official U.K. Singles chart.
2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, Fontaines D.C., KNEECAP, Hudson Mohawke and Nikki Nair, Sampha, NikNak, Matthew Halsall, Amy Gadiaga and CASISDEAD — who was crowned best hip-hop/grime/rap act at the BRIT Awards on March 2 – round out the best track shortlist.
Other categories announced on Tuesday (Oct. 1) by AIM, which represents more than 1,000 U.K. independent artists and music companies, include best independent label. Heavenly Recordings, Ninja Tune, Partisan Records, Seattle’s Sub Pop Records and British indie Transgressive Records are the nominees in that category.
New for 2024 is the award for the U.K.’s best independent record store. Drift in Totnes, Manchester-based Piccadilly Records, Rough Trade Bristol and London’s Honest Jon’s and Stranger Than Paradise Records are all in the running for the inaugural prize.
The top five list for the public-voted best live performer title numbers Belfast rap trio Kneecap, Laura Misch, Pendulum, Raye and Frank Turner. All other nominees and winners are decided by the AIM board and a panel of expert judges.
The five contenders for the independent breakthrough award number London rapper CASISDEAD, Barry Can’t Swim, Bar Italia, Saint Harison and Wunderhorse, who all receive free access to studio time at London’s Metropolis Studios as part of their nomination.
AIM’s One to Watch category, which has previously been collected by Nia Archives and Arlo Parks, shines a light on spoken word artist Antony Szmierek, drum and bass MC OneDa, DJ Kitty Amor and artist/producers Lynks and Miso Extra.
Sponsors and media partners for October’s awards ceremony, which will be hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders, include Spotify, Vevo, Meta, Notion, Amazon Music and the BBC.
Here’s the full list of nominees for the 2024 AIM Independent Music Awards:
Diversity Champion
Silvastone
Best Independent Label
Heavenly Recordings
Ninja Tune
Partisan Records
Sub Pop Records
Transgressive Records
Best Creative Campaign
Chrysalis Records (BODEGA, ‘Our Brand Could Be Yr Life’)
Dead Oceans (Slowdive, ‘everything is alive’)
Identity Music (Lofi Girl, ‘Snowman’)
Warp Records (Aphex Twin, ‘Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760’)
Young (Sampha, ‘LAHAI’)
Best Live Performer
Frank Turner (Xtra Mile Recordings)
KNEECAP (Heavenly Recordings)
Laura Misch (One Little Independent)
Pendulum (Mushroom Music)
RAYE (Human Re Sources)
Best Boutique Label
AD 93
Houndstooth
LAB Records
New Soil
Sonic Cathedral
PPL Award for Most Played Independent Artist
Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)
Coach Party (Chess Club Records)
Far From Saints (Ignition Records)
Popeth (Recordiau Côsh Records)
Tom A. Smith (TYM Records)
Best Independent Record Store
Drift
Honest Jon’s
Piccadilly
Rough Trade Bristol
Stranger Than Paradise Records
Music Entrepreneur of the Year
Andrew Batey (Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Beatdapp)
Atlanta Cobb (Founder & Director, Music Industry Mentor)
Colin Batsa (President and Chairman, EGA Distro)
Meg Carnie (Studio Manager / Co-Founder / Artist Manager – South Lanes Studios)
Tom Allen (President, Downtown Royalties and Financial Services, Downtown Music)
Best Independent Album
Actress – LXXXVIII (Ninja Tune)
ANOHNI and the Johnsons – My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross (Rough Trade Records)
Barry Can’t Swim – When Will We Land? (Ninja Tune)
D-Block Europe – Rolling Stone (EGA Distro)
Jorja Smith – falling or flying (FAMM)
Kim Gordon – The Collective (Matador Records)
Mount Kimbie – The Sunset Violent (Warp Records)
Nabihah Iqbal – Dreamer (Ninja Tune)
Nubiyan Twist – Find Your Flame (Strut Records)
Skrapz – Reflection (EGA Distro)
Best Independent Remix
“The Egyptian Lover Remix” – Sudan Archives – Freakalizer (Stones Throw Records)
“Joy Anonymous Remix” – Ezra Collective, Sampa the Great – JOY (Life Goes On) (Partisan Records)
“L BEATS Mashup” – Jorja Smith – Little Things x Gypsy Woman (FAMM)
“Olof Dreijer Remix” – Björk – Oral (feat. Rosalia) (One Little Independent)
“P-rallel Remix” – Aluna, Jayda G – Mine O’ Mine (Mad Decent Under Exclusive Licence to Because Music)
One To Watch
Antony Szmierek (LAB Records)
Kitty Amor (Defected Records)
Lynks (Heavenly Recordings)
Miso Extra (Transgressive Records)
OneDa (Heavenly Recordings)
Best Independent Track
Amy Gadiaga – “All Black Everything” (Jazz re:freshed)
CASISDEAD – “Venom” (XL Recordings)
Ezra Collective – “Ajala” (Partisan Records)
Fontaines DC – “Starburster” (XL Recordings)
Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – “Set the Roof” (Warp Records)
Jorja Smith – “Little Things” (FAMM)
KNEECAP, Grian Chatten – “Better Way To Live” (Heavenly Recordings)
Matthew Halsall – “An Ever Changing View” (Gondwana Records)
NikNak – “1200RPM” (Accidental Records)
Sampha – “Spirit 2.0” (Young)
Best Independent EP/Mixtape
George Riley – Un/limited Love (Ninja Tune)
Headie One & K-Trap – Strength to Strength (One Records and Thousand8)
HONESTY – BOX (Partisan Records)
JGrrey – If Not Now? (PACE, a subsidiary of Marathon Music Group)
Potter Payper – Thanks for Hating (EGA Distro)
UK Independent Breakthrough
Bar Italia (Matador Records)
Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)
CASISDEAD (XL Recordings)
Saint Harison (Tell Your Friends)
Wunderhorse (Communion Records)
Best Independent Video
Gia Ford – “Poolside” (Chrysalis Records)
Khruangbin – “A Love International” (Dead Oceans)
Master Peace – “I Might Be Fake” feat. Georgia (PMR Records)
Mitski – “My Love Mine All Mine” (Dead Oceans)
Sampha – “Only” (Young)
Modestly titled The Girls Aloud Show, the reunion tour for Girls Aloud has been one of the most anticipated music events of the year for pop fans worldwide, marking a powerful and emotional return to the stage for the beloved U.K. girl group. The outing is the band’s first since disbanding in 2013 and their first time together since the tragic loss of bandmate Sarah Harding, who died from breast cancer in 2021.
With multiple Guinness World Records for chart dominance on The Official U.K. Singles Chart, Girls Aloud has solidified their place in British pop music history. Yet, the years following their breakup allowed personal feuds, mainly between Cheryl, Kimberly Walsh and Nicola Roberts on one side against Nadine Coyle on the other. However, Harding’s death served as a catalyst for reconciliation, with one of her final wishes to bring the women back together as bandmates and friends willing to put the past behind them.
Following the reconciliation and subsequent tour announced at the end of 2023, The Girls Aloud Show tour has grossed $19.1 million from 200,000 fans filling arenas across the 20 dates reported so far to Billboard Boxscore. But beyond the numbers, the real impact of The Girls Aloud Show lies in the heartfelt moments that have defined this reunion.
From emotional tributes to Harding in the show, where the group paused to honor their late friend with tearful speeches and a poignant video montage, to a reimagined Pride concert in August that celebrated the LGBTQ+ community with vibrancy and love, the tour has been a testament to the enduring bond between these women, their fans and the critically acclaimed music from their seven LPs together.
Beyond the celebration, the tour also helped bring awareness and donations to the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal created by her bandmates in April 2023. As one of Sarah’s parting wishes, the foundation developed the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women to find new ways to spot the disease. With its second phase of research funded by initiatives in place during the tour, the show also marked a way to honor Harding beyond the stage.
As Girls Aloud take their final bow this month, the members leave behind a legacy not just of chart-topping hits, but of resilience, forgiveness and the power of friendship. The Girls Aloud reunion felt like more than a comeback; it was a celebration of life, great pop music and the memory of a superstar friend who will never be forgotten.
Read on for the best moments from the reunion.
The Ethereal, ‘Untouchable’ Tour Opener
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
LONDON — Jorja Smith, CASISDEAD and Barry Can’t Swim are among the leading nominees for the 2024 Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards, which recognize the achievements of the artists, labels, entrepreneurs and companies that make up the U.K.’s indie sector.
The 14th edition of the annual awards show is set for Oct. 17 at London’s Roundhouse venue. Nominees also include D-Block Europe, Kim Gordon, Actress, rapper Skrapz, Mount Kimbie, Anohni and the Johnsons and jazz nine-piece Nubiyan Twist, who are all in the running for the best independent album prize alongside Smith and electronic music producer Barry Can’t Swim, real name Joshua Mainnie.
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R&B singer Jorja Smith, a 2019 Grammy nominee for best new artist, is also listed in the best independent track category for her hit “Little Things,” which spent 22 weeks on the Official U.K. Singles chart, peaking at No. 11.
2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective are on the best track shortlist, along with Fontaines D.C., KNEECAP, Hudson Mohawke and Nikki Nair, Sampha, NikNak, Matthew Halsall, Amy Gadiaga and CASISDEAD — who was crowned best hip-hop/grime/rap act at the BRIT Awards on March 2.
Other categories announced by AIM, which represents more than 1,000 U.K. independent labels, artists and music companies, include best EP/mixtape, best remix and best video.
The five contenders for the independent breakthrough award number London rapper CASISDEAD, Barry Can’t Swim, Bar Italia, Saint Harison and Wunderhorse, who all receive free access to studio time at London’s Metropolis Studios as part of their nomination.
AIM’s One to Watch category, which has previously been collected by Nia Archives and Arlo Parks, shines a light on spoken word artist Antony Szmierek, drum and bass MC OneDa, DJ Kitty Amor and artist/producers Lynks and Miso Extra.
Nominees and winners are picked by the AIM board and a panel of expert judges with the exception of the best live performer award, which is decided by a public vote.
In terms of most nominated indie labels, London-based Ninja Tune leads the pack with its artists receiving four nods across the categories announced so far (Actress, Barry Can’t Swim, Nabihah Iqbal and George Riley). XL Recordings, Heavenly Recordings and artist services company EGA Distro each have three acts up for prizes.
Nominations for the remaining award categories, including best boutique label and independent champion, as well as live performers at this year’s ceremony will be announced in the coming months, said AIM. Sponsors and media partners for October’s awards include Spotify, Vevo, Meta, Notion, Amazon Music and the BBC.
Gee Davy, interim AIM CEO, said that this year’s nominees “spans the regions and nations, genres and communities of the U.K.’s independent music scene, recognizing success, talent and artistry.”
Ruth Barlow, the not-for-profit organization’s chair, said in a statement that the 2024 awards shortlist provides “a great glimpse into the length and breadth of the U.K.’s independent sector and highlight a handful of the innovators, culture makers and commercial successes AIM’s outstanding community has to offer.”
According to figures released earlier this year from U.K. labels trade body BPI, independently released songs and albums accounted for almost one-third of all music consumption in the U.K. in 2023 with the equivalent of more than 53 million independently released albums streamed or purchased across digital and physical formats. The U.K. is the world’s third-biggest recorded music market in IFPI’s annual rankings behind the U.S. and Japan.
See below for a full list of the nominees for the 2024 AIM Independent Music Awards announced so far:
Best Independent Album (in association with Spotify)
Actress – LXXXVIII (Ninja Tune)
ANOHNI and the Johnsons – My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross (Rough Trade Records)
Barry Can’t Swim – When Will We Land? (Ninja Tune)
D-Block Europe – Rolling Stone (EGA Distro)
Jorja Smith – falling or flying (FAMM)
Kim Gordon – The Collective (Matador Records)
Mount Kimbie – The Sunset Violent (Warp Records)
Nabihah Iqbal – Dreamer (Ninja Tune)
Nubiyan Twist – Find Your Flame (Strut Records)
Skrapz – Reflection (EGA Distro)
Best Independent Remix
P-rallel Remix – Aluna, Jayda G – Mine O’ Mine (Mad Decent Under Exclusive License to Because Music)
Olof Dreijer Remix – Björk – Oral (feat. Rosalia) (One Little Independent)
L BEATS Mashup – Jorja Smith – Little Things x Gypsy Woman (FAMM)
Egyptian Lover Remix – Sudan Archives – Freakalizer (Stones Throw Records)
Ezra Collective, Sampa The Great – JOY (Life Goes On) (Partisan Records)
One to Watch (in association with BBC Music Introducing)
Antony Szmierek (LAB Records)
Kitty Amor (Defected Records)
Lynks (Heavenly Recordings)
Miso Extra (Transgressive)
OneDa (Heavenly Recordings)
Best Independent Track (in association with Meta)
Amy Gadiaga – “All Black Everything” (Jazz re:freshed)
CASISDEAD – “Venom” (XL Recordings)
Sampha – “Spirit 2.0” (Young)
Fontaines DC – “Starburster” (XL Recordings)
Ezra Collective – “Ajala” (Partisan Records)
Jorja Smith – “Little Things” (FAMM)
KNEECAP, Grian Chatten – “Better Way to Live” (Heavenly Recordings)
Matthew Halsall – “An Ever Changing View” (Gondwana Records)
NikNak – “1200RPM” (Accidental Records)
Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – “Set the Roof” (Warp Records)
Best Independent EP/Mixtape
George Riley – Un/limited Love (Ninja Tune)
Headie One & K-Trap – STRENGTH TO STRENGTH (One Records and Thousand8)
JGrrey – If Not Now? (PACE, a subsidiary of Marathon Music Group)
Potter Payper – Thanks for Hating (EGA Distro)
HONESTY – BOX (Partisan Records)
UK Independent Breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music)
Bar Italia (Matador Records)
CASISDEAD (XL Recordings)
Wunderhorse (Communion Records)
Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)
Saint Harison (Platoon)
Best Independent Video (in association with Vevo)
Gia Ford – Poolside (Chrysalis Records)
Khruangbin – A Love International (Dead Oceans)
Master Peace – I Might Be Fake feat. Georgia (PMR Records)
Mitski – My Love Mine All Mine (Dead Oceans)
Sampha – Only (Young)
Charli XCX’s Brat was among the albums shortlisted for this year’s Mercury Prize on Thursday (July 25). It’s the second time that the recent Billboard Cover star – whose album recently charted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 – has been nominated for the prize, following a nod for 2020’s How I’m Feeling Now.
The Mercury Prize is awarded annually and celebrates the best of British and Irish music across a wide range of genres. The Last Dinner Party’s Prelude To Ecstasy, Beth Gibbons’ Lives Outgrown, Corinne Bailey Rae’s Black Rainbows and CMAT’s Crazymad, For Me are also up for the award. The winner will be announced in September.
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The shortlisted albums were announced at a launch event in London this morning. It follows the news that this year’s live event – traditionally held at the capital Eventim Apollo and featuring performances from the nominated acts – will not be taking place. Coverage across the BBC on TV, radio, online and social media will replace the usual live performance.
The announcement comes admidst a huge summer for Charli. Earlier this week, the pop star endorsed U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris following the news that President Joe Biden would not seek the Democratic nomination in this year’s U.S. presidential election. Fans on social media quickly spliced together clips of songs from Brat with footage of Harris, and the presumptive democratic party nominee changed the banner on her campaign’s X feed to the signature Brat green palette and font. In addition, talking heads on CNN, Fox News and late-night talk shows scrambled to clumsily explain this sudden explosion of memes to their audiences. In September, Charli will join Troye Sivan on a co-headline tour in the U.S. before a string of solo arena shows in the U.K. later this fall.
The Mercury Prize was first awarded in 1992. Recent winners include Ezra Collective (2023), Little Simz (2022), Arlo Parks (2021) and Michael Kiwanuka (2020). PJ Harvey, who won the prize in 2001 and 2011, and is the only artist to have won the award twice.
A panel of judges, chaired by Jeff Smith, head of music, Radio 2 & 6 Music, selects the winner and it also includes the following: Danielle Perry – broadcaster & writer; Jamie Cullum – musician & Radio 2 broadcaster; Jamz Supernova – 6 Music broadcaster & DJ; Lea Stonhill – music programming consultant; Mistajam – songwriter, DJ & broadcaster; Phil Alexander – creative director, Kerrang!/contributing editor, Mojo; Sian Eleri – Radio 1 broadcaster & DJ; Will Hodgkinson – chief rock & pop critic, The Times; Sophie Williams – music writer & broadcaster.
Here’s the complete list of 2024 Mercury Prize album of the year nominees:
Barry Can’t Swim, When Will We Land?
BERWYN, Who Am I
Beth Gibbons, Lives Outgrown
Cat Burns, early twenties
Charli XCX, Brat
CMAT, Crazymad, for Me
Corinne Bailey Rae, Black Rainbows
corto.alto, Bad with Names
English Teacher, This Could Be Texas
Ghetts, On Purpose, With Purpose
Nia Archives, Silence Is Loud
The Last Dinner Party, Prelude to Ecstasy