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Jacob Alon Sweeps Ivor Novello Rising Star, Best Song

5/22/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jacob Alon Wins

Jacob Alon (25) won the rising star prize and best song at the 2026 Ivor Novello awards for “Don’t Fall Asleep.”
Judges called the song “emotionally honest,” noting it was inspired by his cousin’s accidental drowning before Alon was born.
In February, Alon won the critics’ choice award at the 2026 Brit Awards.
His debut album In Limerence (May 2025) was Mercury-Prize-nominated.

Summary

Elton John Warns

Sir Elton John warned that AI must not appropriate songwriters’ work.
Amazon Music co-presented the ceremony, emphasizing a peer-voted focus on artistic craft.
Thom Yorke, Jacob Alon and Skye Newman performed sets, including a “Careless Whisper” tribute to George Michael.
Harry Styles presented the Ivors Academy Fellowship to Thom Yorke, calling it “terrifying.”
Kano earned the Award for shaping grime with albums such as “Made in the Manor.”

History

Historical Context

The Ivor Novello Awards, launched in 1956 by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (now the Ivors Academy), celebrate British songwriting yearly. Highlights include Lennon and McCartney’s four nominations in 1964, Lynsey de Paul as the first female winner in 1974, and the first video-game soundtrack award in 2010. Jacob Alon’s 2026 win extends this legacy as the awards adapt to music forms.

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Jacob Alon Wins

Jacob Alon (25) won the rising star prize and best song at the 2026 Ivor Novello awards for “Don’t Fall Asleep.”
Judges called the song “emotionally honest,” noting it was inspired by his cousin’s accidental drowning before Alon was born.
In February, Alon won the critics’ choice award at the 2026 Brit Awards.
His debut album In Limerence (May 2025) was Mercury-Prize-nominated.

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