Blunt a double winner at Ivor Novello awards

James Blunt was a double winner at the Ivor Novello Awards today while Coldplay left empty-handed.

Blunt’s song You’re Beautiful was named International Hit of the Year and Most Performed Work.

The ballad spent five weeks at number one and the singer became the first UK artist in nearly a decade to top the US Billboard chart.

Former army captain Blunt co-wrote the song with British singer-songwriter Amanda Ghost.

He beat Coldplay, whose single Speed Of Sound was nominated in the same categories.

Coldplay also had a third nomination for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, with their single Fix You.

But the prize went instead to Scottish singer KT Tunstall for Suddenly I See.

The judges chose Tunstall’s song ahead of Coldplay and the Arctic Monkeys, nominated for their hit I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.

The 51st annual Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Other winners included the Kaiser Chiefs, who won the Album Award for Employment.

Gorillaz duo Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett were named Songwriters of the Year.

Athlete won Best Contemporary Song for Wires while That’s My Goal by X-Factor winner Shayne Goal was honoured as the best-selling UK single of 2005.

Kinks star Ray Davies received a special prize for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

Philadelphia soul duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff were honoured with a Special International Award.

Ivor Novello Award Winners

:: Best Song Musically and Lyrically

Suddenly I See – KT Tunstall

:: Most Performed Work

You’re Beautiful – James Blunt

:: Best Television Soundtrack

Elizabeth I

:: Outstanding Song Collection

New Order

:: Best-Selling UK Single

That’s My Goal – Shayne Ward

:: Album Award

Employment – Kaiser Chiefs

:: Classical Music Award

Sir Harrison Birtwistle

:: International Hit of the Year

You’re Beautiful – James Blunt

:: Best Original Film Score

Evil

:: Best Contemporary Song

Wires – Athlete

:: International Achievement

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

:: Songwriters of the Year

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett

:: Outstanding Contribution to British Music

Ray Davies

:: Special International Award

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff

:: The Academy Fellowship

The Bee Gees