Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for her 2025 release 'Euro-Country'. The awards, which recognize the work of British and Irish songwriters and composers, were presented at a ceremony in London on May 21, 2026.
In her acceptance speech, CMAT urged fellow artists to stop 'sitting on the fence' on political and social issues. 'We have a platform, and we should use it to speak up for what we believe in,' she said, according to reports from the event.
The Best Album category honors albums released in the previous year that demonstrate 'outstanding songwriting and musical excellence.' CMAT's 'Euro-Country' blends country music with European pop influences, a style she has described as 'Euro-Country.'
CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, has been praised for her witty and often poignant lyrics. The Ivor Novello Awards are considered among the most prestigious in the UK and Irish music industry.
