Towa Bird
The singer collected the Ivors Academy Honour at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards.
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Elton John has been honoured and announced as the first-ever President of The Ivors Academy.
The newly created ambassadorial role will see Elton represent the organisation’s global community of songwriters and composers, championing the value of music creation and advocating for creators’ rights worldwide.
The announcement came during the 71st Ivor Novello Awards, where Elton also received an Ivors Academy Honour recognising his longstanding support for songwriters, composers and emerging talent, alongside his advocacy around AI and creative rights.
Speaking during the ceremony, Elton reflected on the importance of songwriting and discovering new artists.
“To be able to write a song, it is such a personal, wonderful thing,” he said. “The new music that I hear inspires me, and I can't thank them enough for keeping me young.”
He also addressed the growing debate around AI in music, telling artists: “No matter what kind of music you write. It's yours, you own it. It came from your soul. And don't let it be taken away from you, especially by A.I.”
Elsewhere in his speech, Elton singled out Jacob Alon and Nectar Woode as “the future generations of great songwriters”, while also speaking warmly about Sam Fender, who he described as “part of my family and a son”.
Ivors Academy Chair Tom Gray described Elton as “one of the most passionate and determined champions of songwriters and composers”, while CEO Roberto Neri praised both his defence of human creativity and his continued support of emerging artists including Lola Young, Ed Sheeran and Sam Fender.
The Ivors Academy Honours will next take place on 1st October 2026 at InterContinental London Park Lane.
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