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The Ivors Academy Honours Stormzy, James Blake And Emily Eavis In 2026

Filed by Liberty Dunworth

October 3, 2026

MNEK was also celebrated for his songwriting, producing, and his advocacy for LGBTQIA+ songwriters and artists

The Ivors Academy has honoured Stormzy, James Blake and Glastonbury‘s Emily Eavis and more for their contributions to music.

The recipients were announced at the Ivors Academy Honours ceremony, which was held at the Intercontinental London on Park Lane tonight (Thursday October 1).

The awards recognise the creators and executives setting higher standards across the sector, and celebrates those who are taking steps to help carve out a better future for songwriters and composers.

At the event, singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist James Blake was awarded for his exceptional artistry and advocacy for songwriters and artists.

The Grammy-winning artist released his seventh studio album ‘Trying Times’ – his first since 2023’s ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’ and the first since he went independent and split from Republic Records – in March. In addition to his solo work, Blake is also a highly regarded producer, having worked on projects including Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’, Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’, Jay-Z‘s ‘4:44’ and Rosalía’s ‘Motomami’.

His award was presented by CEO of The Ivors Academy Lord Neri and Chair Tom Gray, and both acknowledged his massive contributions to the music industry, as well as his actions in bringing greater attention to songwriter’s rights.

Also on the night, Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis was recognised for her both impact on music and culture, and her commitment to championing emerging talent. She was presented with the honour by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey.

Elsewhere, CEO of IMRO (Ireland’s music rights collecting society) Victor Finn, received an Honour for his longstanding support of Irish songwriters and composers – ahead of his retirement at the end of the year, after nearly two decades of leadership – and broadcaster, DJ, curator and writer Annie Macmanus received an Honour from Nick Grimshaw for her talent in shaping music culture and bringing new music to wider audiences.

Others to receive Honours on the night included MNEK, who was recognised for his work as a songwriter, producer and artist, alongside his advocacy for LGBTQIA+ songwriters and artists, and CEO of Sentric Music Chris Meehan, who was celebrated for nearly 20 years work in making music publishing more accessible, transparent and fair for songwriters.

MNEK was presented with his Honour by Becky Hill, and his appearance at the ceremony comes after he spoke to NME earlier this year about his determination to speak out for Trans rights, and also reveal that he is gearing up to release his first album in eight years.

Finally, it was Stormzy who rounded out those honoured at the Ivors event tonight, and the rapper and philanthropist was recognised for his impact on British music and culture and his commitment to creating opportunities for others.

The London rapper is behind a huge community initiative and brand, #Merky, which stems back a decade. It includes the highly-praised #Merky Football Careers partnership, which the artist first established in 2022 as a way to address racial equity in the football industry and provide opportunities for UK Black Heritage Youth to access jobs in the sector.

The initiative also announced a centre in London for music, football and gaming, called #MerkyFC HQ, and launched an award-winning publishing imprint called #Merky Books – which was expanded into a two-day literature festival.

On top of that, in 2021, the London grime icon also announced plans to support 30 more students through studies at Cambridge University through his scholarship scheme. It came as part of a partnership between the #Merky Foundation and the bank HSBC, and sees 10 students per year receive a £20,000 annual scholarship to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs.

“Congratulations to all of our honourees,” said Lord Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy. “We are proud to honour your achievements and how you’re making a positive difference to music and its creators. From establishing inclusive spaces and opening up the world’s biggest stages, to championing new music, meeting ambition with opportunity and getting creators the money they’re due, each of you shows what can happen when we lift each other up.”

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, shared: “Tonight is a moment to appreciate the people putting in the hard graft to make music a better place – supporting songwriters and composers, tackling inequality and exclusion, championing diverse voices and making sure creators get a fair deal. These are people who show up, see what’s wrong and have the resolve to do something about it. They use their position to make things better for others. And that deserves to be recognised.”

The latest recipients join Sir Elton John in receiving honours from the Ivors Academy, with the legendary singer, songwriter and pianist being celebrated at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards in May 2026 for his contributions to music and for championing emerging talent across the industry.

At that awards ceremony earlier this year, Thom Yorke, Sam Fender and Rosalía were among the winners, and George Michael posthumously received the Academy Fellowship, too. His longtime friend and former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley collected the award on his behalf.

Carly Rae Jepsen Opens Up About Making Music Without a Plan

Filed by Krystal Rodriguez

September 29, 2026

Carly Rae Jepsen says she has never planned her career around a set “strategy”.

The 40-year-old singer is writing the music and lyrics for a stage adaptation of the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You. She believes her role in a 2014 production of Cinderella helped lead her to the new project.

“I don’t think 10 Things would have happened had I not said yes to Cinderella back then,” the Call Me Maybe singer told People.

Carly’s career has taken her in several directions, though she says those choices were never part of a detailed plan.

“It sounds like I was smart and had a strategy. It wasn’t like that. I just got a phone call and I said yes,” she said.

At the time, trying something different felt like a “relief”.

“Sometimes I feel like the best decisions that I’ve made have been ones where I don’t overthink it too much, and I just sort of try it on and feel it and jump,” she explained.

She accepted the Cinderella role without hesitation and remains glad she took the opportunity.

“I feel really happy that I took that left turn. It’s actually brought so much,” Carly said.

The singer has also spoken about enjoying a “fresh new chapter” since becoming a mother for the first time.

Her son, Ilya Blue, was born seven months ago. Carly said she and her husband are still getting used to family life.

“You can see us coming from a mile away. We’re carrying strollers and diaper bags and eight other things,” she told People. Carly married musician Cole M.G.N in 2025.

“We’re figuring it out together, and it’s all so new to us. We’re really enjoying it.”

Carly also enjoyed making music during her pregnancy.

“I’ve had other chapters that have been lonelier, like I was on a journey not knowing where it was leading. It feels like a really fresh new chapter that I’m in now, with a family that I couldn’t be more grateful for,” she said.

Miley Cyrus: "Dolly was just always right about stuff"

Filed by Newsdesk

September 22, 2026

Ahead of the release of her tenth studio album Bass Persuades, Miley Cyrus sat down with Apple Music's Zane Lowe for an in-depth conversation. During the interview, the Grammy winner opened up about her relationship with her Godmother, the legendary Dolly Parton, reflecting on their final conversations together and the wisdom Parton imparted regarding the balance between persona and authenticity.

"Dolly has been the first person that when I get a vinyl printed, that's the first person I send it to," Cyrus shared. "The time that we talked, which was the last time we would talk, it was actually me telling her about this record. She is known for the fake, the hair, the makeup, and the show of it. But there's a part of her that I think is what everyone gravitates towards—it's how real she is and how authentic she is. So much of my life was about persona... Dolly was just always right about stuff."

Cyrus also recalled how Parton personally convinced her to perform at the Grammys when she felt hesitant about returning to the stage. "She wanted to pick me up, which never happens," Cyrus explained. "She's telling me why I gotta do the Grammys. I'm like, 'I feel like I'm still in this rest and recovery mode.' And she's like, 'Get your hair teased and get a dress that you love... you're gonna step into your Hannah Montana, your Dolly Parton. You have that part of yourself.'"

Reflecting on the impact of her predecessors, Cyrus added: "So many of my really stabilizing peers that I have in my life are from generations before me. They've laid down, brick-by-brick, the road that I travel now. They aren't always going to be here for me to call them and say, 'What do I do now?' Which I always did with Dolly."

Bass Persuades is available now across all platforms via BMG, with full interview footage available on Apple Music and YouTube.

J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer have reportedly split

Filed by Newsdesk

September 17, 2026

J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer have ended their relationship after spending approximately eight years together.

The Argentine actress and model confirmed their separation through a statement shared on Instagram Stories on Wednesday.

“After sharing so many years and important moments together, José and I have decided to go our separate ways,” she wrote in a message translated from Spanish. “It has been a decision made out of love, respect, and the desire to do the best for our family.”

Balvin, whose full name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvin, began dating Ferrer in 2018. The former Miss Argentina appeared alongside the singer in the music video for his 2016 track ‘Sigo Extrañándote’.

The couple welcomed their son, Rio, in June 2021.

“Our priority will always be to give Rio all of our love. We are going through this process calmly and deeply appreciate the understanding and respect toward this very personal moment for us,” the 32 year old continued.

Balvin’s representatives have not publicly responded to the news of their separation.

Fans had been questioning the status of their relationship over the past month, particularly after Ferrer was absent from the 41 year old musician’s recent performance at the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also recently shared Karol G’s breakup song ‘Alguien que te amaba’.

Ella Langley Matches Mariah Carey’s Historic Chart Record

Filed by Newsdesk

September 16, 2026

Ella Langley’s Choosin' Texas has secured a 22nd week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

The achievement puts the track level with Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You as the longest running No. 1 song in chart history.

The country crossover hit has now moved ahead of Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ Old Town Road and Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy), both of which remained at No. 1 for 20 weeks.

The milestone arrives only days after Langley earned a leading nine nominations for the 60th Annual CMA Awards. Her categories include Entertainer, Single, Album, Song, Female Vocalist, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year.

Choosin' Texas and Be Her have both received nominations for Single and Song of the Year.

Choosin' Texas initially reached the top spot in February. Langley performs the song and wrote it alongside Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, with the track returning to No. 1 several times since its release.

“This genuinely has shocked me to my core,” Langley told Backstage Country in June.

“I was talking to Miranda the other night. I mean, this is groundbreaking territory for all of us, all the writers on the song, everyone included. And it's just crazy to see how many different people love this song, and why they love this song.”

Following her latest accomplishment, Langley continues to strengthen her position as a leading contender for Best New Artist at the Grammys. She is also expected to compete for Record of the Year and Song of the Year with Choosin' Texas. The full list of nominees for the 2027 Grammy Awards will be announced on 16 November.