Sam Fender, Rosalía and Jacob Alon win Ivor Novello Awards

In a special moment, Lola Young - whose track Messy was crowned most performed work - presented Sir Elton with a special honour for his "outstanding work championing songwriters, composers, and creativity across the music industry".

In his new role as the Ivors Academy's first president, Sir Elton will now represent its "global community of songwriters and composers, championing the value of music creation and advocating for the rights and recognition of music creators worldwide".

Sir Elton John was quick to highlight his pride of UK music stating that "we're an amazing country that produces great songwriting."

A recurring theme of the night was the discussion among musicians and music industry figures about the use of AI in music and songwriting.

Among those to address this was Sir Elton who told the audience that, "No matter what kind of music you write, it's yours, you own it... It came from your soul, it means a hell of a lot to you.

"And don't let people take it away from you, especially AI."

In 2004, Sir Elton was awarded fellowship of the Ivors Academy, and his old collaborator, the late George Michael, also had that honour bestowed upon him on Thursday - 10 years after his death.

The Wham! and solo pop star, who died in 2016 aged 53, joined a host of famous fellowship inductees including Bruce Springsteen and also U2, from last year's ceremony.

The songwriting academy's highest accolade recognises "excellence and impact in the art and craft of music creation".

His Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, collecting the award on his behalf, said that "George would have been profoundly moved to be recognised in this way".

He added that it was Michael's songwriting that "was the window to his soul, and it was the skill and discipline that he felt distinguished him more than anything else."

Also being awarded the Fellowship wasRadiohead's lead singer Thom Yorke.

Surprise guest Harry Styles presented the award to Yorke calling it "a terrifying honour."

However it was his more playful confession about Yorke's track Talk Show Host that prompted one of the biggest laughs of the night from the audience, with Styles revealing that he had "lost his virginity" to the track... before quickly clarifying: "Well, the intro to Talk Show Host."

UK rapper and actor Kano was recognised with the visionary award, highlighting his "lasting impact on British music and culture". It was handed to by his Chapter 16 collaborator and Top Boy co-star Dave.

The Ivors acknowledged Kano as "one of the UK's most influential artists, helping shape the legacy of grime through acclaimed albums including Made in the Manor and Hoodies All Summer."

In his acceptance speech, Kano thanked his mum, "for babysitting right now".

He added: "Anyway, thank you Ivors and to everyone in the room. Keep the craft going. Respect to the craft".

Other big winners on the night included Kae Tempest, whose tracks I Stand on the Line + Know Yourself split the vote for best contemporary song.

And Irish country singer CMAT, who noted it was "nice to finally win an award in England".

Songwriter of the year

• Sam Fender

International songwriter of the year

• Rosalía

Academy Fellowship

• George Michael

• Thom Yorke

Music icon award

• Calvin Harris

Best album

• Euro- Country - CMAT

Best contemporary song

• I Stand on the Line + Know Yourself - Kae Tempest/Fraser T Smith

Best song musically and lyrically

• Don't Fall Asleep - Jacob Alon

Most performed work

• Messy - Lola Young

Rising star

• Jacob Alon

Best original film score

• Testimony - Tom Hodge

Best television soundtrack

• Trespasses - David Holmes/Brian Irvine

Outstanding song collection

• Lily Allen

Special international

• Linda Perry

Visionary award

• Kano