The Ivors dominated by Lily Allen

Lily Allen was the biggest winner at this year’s Ivor Novello awards, with the well-liked singer-songwriter walking away with three awards.
The prestigious event, which recognises artists’ songwriting and composing skills, was founded way back in 1955 and has been growing in stature and popularity ever since. Often featuring relatively unknown acts alongside established performers, the accolades are judged by the writing community.
Allen managed to pick up three awards at the event, as she and producer Greg Kurstin won the prize for Most Performed Work and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her song ‘The Fear’ and also the Songwriters of the Year award for her album ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’.
The singer, who had previously announced her retirement from music to focus on a career in fashion and to start a family, said she was “overwhelmed” as she picked up her award at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
However, backstage after the ceremony she revealed that her future plans still involved being part of the music scene. “Writing for other people is what I want to do, you won’t see me performing after this year,” she said.
Also recognised for his creative talents at the Ivors was Johnny Marr who won the Ivors Inspiration award.
“I always thought the greatest thing you can be called as a musician is to be called an inspiration,” the former Smiths guitarist said from the stage. “Apart from the big house in Sunningdale, of course! I do believe that rock music and pop music is an art form. It’s all about inspiration.”