Annie Lennox to Receive Artist Songwriter Icon Honour at the 2026 SONA Awards

The annual celebration, organised by the Songwriters of North America (SONA), honours some of the most influential creative voices in music and entertainment. This year's event will take place at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and will bring together songwriters, artists, music executives and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to the craft of songwriting.

For Eurythmics fans, Annie Lennox's recognition as Artist Songwriter Icon is a fitting tribute to a career that has spanned more than four decades. From her groundbreaking work with Dave Stewart in Eurythmics to her acclaimed solo career, Annie's songwriting has left an indelible mark on popular music. Songs such as Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Here Comes The Rain Again, Why, Walking On Broken Glass and many others continue to inspire audiences around the world.

The award highlights Annie's enduring influence as both a songwriter and performer whose work has consistently combined artistic innovation with emotional depth. Beyond her music, Annie has also become widely respected for her humanitarian and advocacy work, using her platform to support numerous global causes throughout her career.

Annie will be honoured alongside an impressive group of recipients at this year's ceremony:

• Tom Morello will receive the Freedom of Expression Warrior Award.
• Desmond Child will be presented with the Songwriter Warrior Award.
• The songwriting team behind the animated hit KPop Demon Hunters will receive the inaugural Global Impact Award.
• Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt Music, will be recognised as Executive of the Year.

The evening will once again be hosted by acclaimed songwriters Bonnie McKee and Shane Stevens, while the popular TikTok-presented Black Carpet returns with host Daniel Wall. Organisers have also promised special live performances, with details expected to be announced closer to the event.

Another highlight of the evening will be the live presentation of the 2026 Emerging Songwriter Award, presented by YouTube Songwriters. All five nominees will be present and will learn the result alongside the audience, making it one of the night's most anticipated moments.

Following a sold-out event in 2025, organisers are encouraging attendees to secure tickets early for what SONA describes as "the most songwriter-ly night of the year."

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 29th October 2026

Venue:
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049