Thom Yorke, the visionary frontman of Radiohead, was formally inducted into the Fellowship of the Ivors Academy during the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards held on May 21. The prestigious ceremony, which celebrates excellence in songwriting and screen composition, saw Yorke not only accept the high honor but also treat the audience to a rare performance that included the debut of a new composition.
During his set, Yorke revisited the Radiohead catalog with a performance of “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” before unveiling a brand-new track titled “Space Walk.” The award was presented by Harry Styles, who shared a lighthearted anecdote regarding his personal history with Radiohead’s music, specifically mentioning the band’s track “Talk Show Host.”
In a characteristically poignant acceptance speech, Yorke utilized the platform to address systemic issues within the music industry. He directed sharp criticism toward major record labels and streaming platforms, highlighting the lack of sustainable revenue models for the next generation of creators. Yorke condemned what he described as “opaque accounting tricks” and urged industry leaders to reconsider how they value artists. “This industry will die and arseholes with it, if all you do is devalue the next generation of artists and their fans,” Yorke stated. “Just remember: without us, you ain’t shit!”
The 2026 Ivor Novello Awards also recognized a diverse array of talent across the contemporary music landscape. Sam Fender was named Songwriter of the Year, while CMAT secured Album of the Year for her acclaimed work, EURO-COUNTRY. Jacob Alon emerged as a significant winner, taking home both the Rising Star award and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for “Don’t Fall Asleep.”
Other notable honors included Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest winning Best Contemporary Song for “I Stand on the Line,” and Calvin Harris receiving the PRS for Music Icon Award. International recognition was bestowed upon Rosalía, who was named International Songwriter of the Year. Lily Allen was celebrated for her Outstanding Song Collection, while the Visionary Award was presented to Kano. Additionally, the ceremony marked a historic moment as Elton John was named the first-ever President of the Ivors Academy.