Lola Young’s breakout year reached another high point as the singer-songwriter emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2026 ASCAP London Awards, taking home Song of the Year and Top Streaming Song honors for her hit single “Messy.”
The annual event celebrated the songwriters, artists, composers and creative figures whose work has helped shape today’s music landscape, bringing together industry leaders and performers for an evening focused on the creators behind some of the year’s most impactful music.
Young’s double victory underscored the remarkable success of “Messy,” a song that has connected with audiences worldwide and become one of the defining tracks of her career. The awards recognize both the song’s artistic achievement and its impressive commercial performance across streaming platforms.
Another major honor of the evening went to FLO, who received the ASCAP Vanguard Award. The British R&B trio has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting new acts in music, earning acclaim for its modern take on classic R&B influences. The Vanguard Award recognizes emerging artists whose work is helping shape the future of the industry.
The ceremony also paid tribute to one of rock music’s most enduring voices. Roger Daltrey was presented with the ASCAP Founders Award, honoring a career that has left a lasting mark on popular music. As the iconic frontman of The Who, Daltrey has influenced generations of performers and remains one of the most respected figures in rock history.
Beyond music, the event acknowledged achievements across the broader entertainment world. Idris Elba received the ASCAP Creative Voice Award, recognizing his accomplishments as a producer, storyteller, entrepreneur and creative force whose work continues to span multiple disciplines.
The winners reflected ASCAP’s ongoing mission to celebrate creators at every stage of their careers, from emerging talents finding new audiences to legendary artists whose contributions continue to inspire decades after they first took the stage.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the 2026 ASCAP London Awards highlighted a common thread connecting every honoree: the power of creativity. Whether through chart-topping hits, groundbreaking performances or lifelong artistic achievement, the night’s winners demonstrated the enduring value of great songwriting and creative expression.
For Lola Young, the evening served as another confirmation that one of music’s fastest-rising stars has firmly arrived. For Roger Daltrey, it was recognition of a legacy already etched into music history. And for the industry gathered in London, it was a celebration of the artists and creators whose work continues to define the soundtrack of modern culture.
