Rosalía Set To Receive International Songwriter Of The Year At Ivors 2026

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Rosalía is set to be honoured with the International Songwriter Of The Year Award at the Ivors 2026.

The Spanish star and NME 100 alum will receive the award at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards, taking place at Grosvenor House in London on May 21. The recognition follows the release of her widely praised fourth studio album, ‘Lux’, which arrived last November.

The award recognises an international songwriter whose released work has made a strong cultural and commercial impact in the UK over the past year.

“Written in 13 different languages, ‘Lux’ represented not only a bold and innovative artistic step forward for Rosalía, but a revelatory project that transcended language and genre barriers,” the Ivors said.

They also highlighted the artist “who has expanded the boundaries of music”, noting that her work “moves fluidly across form, language and genre, creating something that feels both deeply authentic and distinctly original”.

Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “We are proud to celebrate Rosalía 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, Rosalía 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.”

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, added: “With her craft, musicality and intellect, Rosalía 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.”

The Ivors are known for celebrating songwriting craft, cultural influence and the lasting importance of music and screen composition. Other nominees this year include Wolf Alice, Lily Allen, Olivia Dean and CMAT.

Last year’s ceremony saw Brandon Flowers receive the Special International award, while Charli XCX was named Songwriter Of The Year.

In February, Rosalía also picked up the International Artist prize at the BRIT Awards 2026, where she performed ‘Berghain’ alongside Björk. She is currently touring Europe with her ‘Lux’ world tour, which began in France last month, and is set to play two major shows at The O2 in London next week. Remaining tickets can be found here.

NME awarded ‘Lux’ a five star review, describing it as “an arresting album of astonishing scope and ambition”. It added: “Dim the lights, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, turn up the volume and settle in for a truly one of a kind experience.” The album later ranked at Number Seven on NME’s 50 best albums of 2025 list.

The track ‘Reliquia’ from ‘Lux’ also secured the same position on NME’s best songs of the year ranking, praised for its “adventurous” sound and “gorgeous opening string arrangement melting into gently thumping electronic production”.

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John Forté’s Official Cause Of Death Announced

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John Forté passed away in January at the age of 50 after being discovered unresponsive on his kitchen floor by a neighbor. The neighbor quickly alerted authorities, but by the time they arrived, there was nothing they could do. Forté was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time, officials stated that no foul play was involved. However, his cause of death was not immediately made public. Now, according to the Vineyard Gazette, the state medical examiner has confirmed that he died from complications related to influenza A.

It was also reported that a seizure disorder contributed to his passing. Forté had been managing the condition with medication following a serious health incident that led to hospitalization more than two years before his death.

John Forté's Death

John Forte
John Forte performs during the "Farewell For Now" show at the Highline Ballroom on February 15, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
 

Following the news, tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists alike, including members of Fugees such as Wyclef Jean, Pras, and Lauryn Hill. Hill shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on their bond.

"I can’t remember the exact moment I met John Forte or Forte as we used to call him, but I know we became fast friends very soon after," she wrote in part, "I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom with her sweet voice for the first time and walking New York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode."

"Our generation of hip hop was young and at the ascent of its epic rise. We were both there…participating and taking it all in, full of excitement and possibility. Forte was a gentlemen and a scholar with a strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart," Hill continued. "This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him. I Love you John. Rest in peace gentle King."

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