Novello glory for Gray

Kylie Minogue put on a brave face today after flying in for an awards ceremony in London and coming away empty-handed.

The star had two of her songs nominated in one category at today's Ivor Novello Awards, but was beaten by relative newcomers Liberty X - best known as the losers from the Pop Idol TV show.

Their song Just A Little took the Performing Rights Society's award for Most Performed Work, defeating the Australian singer's In Your Eyes and Love At First Sight.

Arriving at the Grosvenor House Hotel awards, Minogue said: "I'm really very nervous. It's fabulous - I'm really excited to be here just as a songwriter. These nominations are so timely for me because I'm currently in the studio working on my next album."

Minogue, who turned up minus French actor boyfriend Olivier Martinez - filming in Toronto - said of their relationship: "It's all going fantastically - I'm so happy."

Other artists at the awards included David Gray, currently recording a new album, and former Beach Boy Brian Wilson, who won the Special International Award. He said: "Great songs need great attitude. I'm so proud to be honoured."

Campaigning U2 singer Bono was fresh from a meeting with Tony Blair about tackling Aids in Africa. He said: "I've had a very posh day - breakfast at No 10, then on to the Ivor Novellos."