Named after Welsh composer and actor Ivor Novello, the annual awards began in 1956 to celebrate excellence in British and Irish songwriting.
Of this year's 48 individual nominees, 70 percent of which have been recognized for the first time, Jorja Smith is one of three songwriters competing for the best contemporary song prize, along with The 1975, punk band Idles and British rapper Ghetts are among a glut of first-time nominees for this year's Ivors, one of the U.K.'s most prestigious music award ceremonies.
