The acclaimed Spanish alternative pop star Rosalia is set to receive the prestigious International Songwriter of the Year award at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards. The recognition follows a period of remarkable global success for the 33-year-old Catalan artist.
Lux Album and Chart Success
Last year saw the release of her fourth studio album, Lux, which earned widespread critical acclaim and featured UK chart successes such as "Reliquia", "La Perla", and "Berghain"—a collaboration with Icelandic icon Björk and US musician Yves Tumor. Her international profile was further cemented when she was named International Artist of the Year at this year's Brit Awards.
Ceremony Details
Rosalía Tobella, as she is formally known, will be presented with the award during a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House on 21 May. Roberto Neri, chief executive of The Ivors Academy, praised her achievements, stating: "We are proud to celebrate Rosalia as International Songwriter of the Year. Her songwriting has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the globe. With lyrics in over 13 languages, Rosalia has broken down barriers and borders, and I'm delighted she will be celebrated by our community and industry as she picks up her first Ivor Novello Award. This recognition reflects our growing global outlook and celebrates songwriters defining music and culture."
Linguistic Versatility and Artistic Impact
The album Lux itself is a testament to her linguistic versatility, featuring tracks written in 13 different languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, and German. Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy, added: "With her craft, musicality and intellect, Rosalia is redefining what songwriting can be. Her work blends tradition and experimentation with extraordinary precision and impact, creating songs that continually evolve and immerse us fully in her world."
Career Milestones
A classically trained musician, Rosalía's earlier works include Los Ángeles (2017), El Mal Querer (2018), and Motomami (2022). However, it was Lux that propelled her to worldwide fame, significantly boosting her popularity in the UK—a rise underscored by her highly acclaimed performance at the Brit Awards. Beyond music, the artist is also currently appearing in the latest season of the HBO teen drama Euphoria.
Upcoming Awards
Further winners at the awards ceremony will be announced on 21 May, with a list of nominees that includes Olivia Dean, Lily Allen, and CMAT.
