
Charli XCX Crowned Songwriter of the Year at Ivor Novello Awards 2024
Charli XCX, known for her fearless pop innovation and genre-defying anthems, has officially been named Songwriter of the Year at the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards 2024, held in London. Accepting the honor with her trademark humility and humor, Charli quipped, “I’m hardly Bob Dylan,” while referencing her high-energy hit “Club Classics” — a song that perfectly encapsulates her creative bravado.

A Moment of Musical Recognition
The Ivor Novello Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of songwriting,” recognize the UK and Ireland’s most talented music creators. For Charli XCX, whose 2024 album Brat became the soundtrack of the summer, this award is more than just a trophy — it’s recognition of a unique voice that resonates deeply across club floors and emotional soundscapes alike.
Her acceptance speech was as unconventional as her artistry. Quoting from her own lyrics — “I wanna dance to me, me, me / When I go to the club, club, club” — she demonstrated that clever songwriting doesn’t always have to be complex. Sometimes, it just needs to feel right.

Brat: Chaos, Clarity, and Club Beats
Brat, her latest album, is more than just club-ready bangers. It’s a bold, chaotic exploration of vulnerability, identity, and ambition. With its neon “Brat green” cover art that became a viral meme, the project speaks to a generation that wants both beats and emotional depth.
Charli said on stage:
“A great song alone has never actually been enough to captivate an audience… A distinct identity coupled with conviction is what can catapult a songwriter from being technically good to globally renowned.”
This statement underscores her commitment to the full creative package — music, message, and the visual aesthetic that defines her brand.

Star-Studded Night of Honors
While Charli XCX stole the spotlight, the Ivor Novello Awards 2024 were filled with other standout moments:
- U2 received the Academy Fellowship, becoming the first Irish band to achieve the honor. Bono remarked that songs can “pierce the hardest armor of the human heart.”
- Robbie Williams was celebrated as a music icon, reflecting on his three-decade career and the emotional weight of the accolade.
- Rising stars Lola Young and Myles Smith were also awarded. Smith’s hit Stargazing was the most played track on UK radio, while Young’s breakthrough single Messy earned her the Rising Star Award.
- Bloc Party took home the Outstanding Song Collection award, reminding fans of the indie era’s timeless charm.

The Bigger Picture: Empowerment and Honesty
The night wasn’t just about applause and accolades. Pop visionary Self Esteem used her moment in the spotlight to address the misogyny faced by women in the music industry. Her emotional, empowering speech added depth to a night otherwise defined by glamour and glitz.
Indie artist Orla Gartland, who won Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her vulnerable ballad Mine, emphasized the importance of creative independence in a world driven by commercial metrics.
The Legacy of the Ivors
The Ivor Novello Awards continue to celebrate authenticity and songwriting craftsmanship. In an industry often dominated by trends, the Ivors spotlight the power of lyrics, melodies, and meaning.
For Charli XCX, being named Songwriter of the Year is a testament to her evolution from underground party starter to one of pop’s most influential voices. Her ability to balance catchy hooks with raw emotion proves that songwriting today is as much about presence and perspective as it is about poetry.
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