Sophie Ellis-Bextor was interviewed by Music-News.com Group Editor Marco Gandolfi at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on 2 July 2025, shortly before receiving the Best Female Award at the Nordoff and Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards.

The UK music industry gathered this evening to celebrate some of its most iconic and inspiring talents at the 49th annual O2 Silver Clef Awards, raising £715,000 so far for Nordoff and Robbins, the country’s largest music therapy charity.

At the forefront of the 2025 honours was David Gilmour, who was presented with the prestigious O2 Silver Clef Award by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, recognising a career that has influenced and inspired generations of music fans.

In his speech, Gilmour paid tribute to “the wonderful Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity,” and added, “My relationship with them goes back 50 years – thank you to them for this award and for the miraculous work they do, and have done since then.”

Hosted by Edith Bowman and held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the glittering evening brought together musicians, industry leaders, and celebrity supporters for a night of celebration, fundraising, and reflection on the power of music to change lives. This year marked the first time in the event’s history that the awards were staged as an evening gala.

Alongside David Gilmour, twelve artists in total were recognised for their contributions to music across a wide variety of genres:

Sophie Ellis-Bextor was named Best Female, presented by Cathy Dennis, following a standout era that saw the viral resurgence of Murder on the Dancefloor and the announcement of her eighth studio album this year.

Noah Kahan received Best Male, presented by Frank Lampard, honouring his meteoric rise and ability to connect deeply with fans around the world.

Mika was awarded the Global Impact Award, presented by Natalie Imbruglia, celebrating his multilingual artistry, global touring success and advocacy for inclusion.

“Thank you to Nordoff and Robbins for making music a kinder place.”

The Corrs were honoured with the Legend Award, presented by Trevor Horn, recognising their enduring influence on pop-rock and Celtic music.

Tony Christie received the Icon Award, presented by Graham Gouldman, celebrating a storied career spanning over six decades.

Rick Astley was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Music Award by Alistair Norbury (BMG), acknowledging both his 1980s legacy and contemporary reinvention as a beloved performer.

“Everyone needs a bit of help at some point – if you see the work Nordoff and Robbins do, you feel extremely humbled. This is truly important. You realise what music can do – it’s given me a life I am unbelievably grateful for”

Chase & Status won Best Group, presented by Andy C, in recognition of their boundary-pushing productions and continued influence on UK electronic music.

The Last Dinner Party took home Best New Music, presented by Edith Bowman, after a breakout 18 months culminating in a chart-topping debut album and major award wins.

AURORA was awarded the Contemporary Music Award, presented by Paris Paloma, celebrating her unique sonic identity and lyrical fearlessness.

Soul II Soul received the Innovation in Music Award, presented by Trevor Nelson, marking their impact on British soul, R&B and club culture.

IDLES were named Best Live Act, with Steve Lamacq presenting the award in recognition of the band’s ferocious and cathartic stage shows.