The Anchoress judges Ivor Novello Awards 2026

It was such an honour to be asked to be one of the judges at this year’s 71st Ivor Novello Awards. It was even more of a privilege to be in a room yesterday with so many outstanding talents and wonderful humans, including Sir Elton John, whose championing of my last album stopped me from walking away from my career, and who has raised up so many other young songwriters and artists with his passion and dedication. To see him appointed as the first ever President of the Ivors really brought a tear to my eye.

Whilst some awards shows can turn into cynical showboating events, the Ivors is different. There was a true love for the craft in the room and in every acceptance speech that recognised WHY we do what we do. Songs save lives. It really does matter.

I was so moved to see the likes of Kae Tempest, Sam Fender and Jacob Alon and many more articulate so clearly why it matters so much when you’re LGBTQ+, when you’re working class… that you have access to express and articulate your world through the medium of song craft. There’s nothing quite like it.