Artists and music industry figures have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list.
Acclaimed composer and producer Max Richter has been awarded a CBE for services to music. The honour coincides with the release of the film Hamnet, featuring Richter’s score (released via Decca). Amid Oscars buzz, it has already been nominated for a Golden Globe.
Ellie Goulding, who’s scored four No.1 singles and albums in her career, receives an MBE. The honour is for her work on biodiversity and the climate. Goulding has worked with the UN as a global environmental ambassador.
Cynthia Erivo is receiving an MBE for services to music and drama. As well as appearing in the Wicked musical film adaptations, Erivo is a solo recording artist and producer – click here to read our recent digital cover story. She said it was "an honour I could never have thought would happen".
Idris Elba is being awarded a knighthood for services to young people. Best known as an actor, he is also a DJ and recording artist and recently renewed a publishing deal with UMPG.
Within the music industry, Key Production Group founder and CEO Karen Emanuel has been recognised with an OBE for services to music. The Music Week Women In Music Businesswoman Of The Year winner for 2024 has been a champion of physical music since launching her company more than three decades ago.
Karen Emanuel OBE, founder and CEO of Key Production Group, said: “I am truly blown away. To be awarded an OBE and recognised in this esteemed list is an incredible privilege that I’m hugely grateful for. I dedicate this to my passionate team around me, who make Key Production Group what it is, by providing the best physical music products for the music industry. Without them, I wouldn’t be on this list today.
“It’s been a long road here and I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in levelling the playing field for women in music and shaping a more sustainable physical music industry. There’s still lots to do, but I’ll continue to work hard towards making the industry a better place with each day.”
To be awarded an OBE and recognised in this esteemed list is an incredible privilege that I’m hugely grateful for
Karen Emanuel
Emanuel founded RevolutionS (formally Moving the Needle), a not-for-profit providing mentoring, peer-to-peer support and a path for women entering the industry. She has organised, hosted and sponsored events focusing on mental and physical health, menopause and equality. She is also a key voice in ensuring environmental responsibility across the music manufacturing industry.
Natalie Wade – founder of both Small Green Shoots and The Cat’s Mother – has also been awarded an MBE for services to the Creative Industries. Wade was also awarded a BEM in 2016 for services to music and the creative industries, recognised as an Unsung Hero by the MMF and FAC at the 2018 Artist & Manager Awards.
In her current role, Wade is PPL director of music industry engagement and is a previous winner of the Music Week Women In Music Awards campaigner catgeory and inductee in the Roll Of Honour.
In the King’s New Year honours list, there is also recognition for Phillip Patterson, formerly a sector specialist at the Department for Business and Trade. He is recognised with an OBE for services to export and to the music industry – including a key role in the British Music Embassy at SXSW.
Scottish singer Eve Graham receives the MBE for services to the music industry. As a founding member of The New Seekers, she had a global hit with I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing.
In addition, Live Music Now chair Janet Fischer is awarded an MBE for services to music and charity.
Welcoming the news of UK artists and music industry recipients of The King’s New Year Honours for 2026, BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE and BPI chair YolanDa Brown OBE DL said: “British music and artists make a huge contribution to our national life and to our standing around the world – both culturally and economically – and we are delighted that their importance is again being recognised in the King’s New Year Honours. Our sincere congratulations and best wishes to all the talented honourees, and we extend our appreciation and thanks for the exceptional service they have given to music and to the UK music industry. It’s also wonderful to see important work by artists to promote biodiversity and climate being acknowledged.”
PHOTO: Matt Crossick/WWD/Getty Images
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