Ed Sheeran named songwriter of year at U.K.'s Novello awards

LONDON - Ed Sheeran has been named songwriter of the year at Britain's prestigious Ivor Novello songwriting awards.

The inescapable singer won the prize Thursday for his "exceptional body of work" in 2017, including his chart-topping album "Divide." Sheeran's hit "The Shape of You" took the prize for most-performed song of the year.

Grime musician Stormzy won album of the year for his breakthrough "Gang Signs and Prayer." The best contemporary song prize went to 19-year-old rapper Dave for the politically charged "Question Time."

The Pogues' Shane MacGowan received an inspiration award, while Billy Bragg, Cathy Dennis and Billy Ocean were rewarded for career achievements.

The awards, named for early 20th-century musician and songwriter Ivor Novello, are presented by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.

Congratulations to our Songwriter of the Year for 2017 @edsheeran. #TheIvors 2018 pic.twitter.com/hintdoPDWe
— Ivor Novello Awards (@TheIvors) May 31, 2018