Road Ready Talent Contest - American Songwriter

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The Road Ready Talent Contest

The Top 3 Perform Live in Front of a VIP Audience for a Prize Package Valued at Over $100,000 - Including Cash, Prizes, Mentorship, and More!

2026 OPEN FOR ENTRY

2025 Top 3 Announcement

Next On Deck Promotion Open Now

New year means new opportunities. Your next big moment is Next On Deck.

Enter songs about moving forward and new beginnings for a chance to win an unforgettable four-day music cruise on Moon River at Sea with Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Matt Kearney, and more.

ENTER ROAD READY & PROMOTION
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Promotion Deadline: January 19, 2026, 11:59 PM CST US

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:​

THREE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE (one from each contest):

  • American Songwriter Membership
  • Feature on American Songwriter
  • Eligible for all regular contest prizes
  • And more!
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Contest Deadline Extended: September 24, 2025

What is it?

Road Ready is a looking for real talent with the full artist package.

Last year’s winner got signed. You could be next.

Road Ready Talent Contest is open to all artists worldwide, in every genre, not currently signed to a major label.

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Latest News

📣 2025 Top 3 Announcement

📣 2025 Finalists Announcement

📣 Live VIP Event returning to The Basement East in Nashville, TN on March 31, 2026

2025 Semi-Finalists Playlist

What are the Prizes?

  • $20,000 USD in Cash USD
  • Signature Live Performance
    • Top 3 Finalists perform ‘live’ and Grand Prize winner announced to a VIP audience
  • Publishing Deal Opportunity with Savage Music
  • Mentorship with A&R Industry Executives
  • 2-Page Feature in American Songwriter Magazine
  • Premier Studio Recording Package
  • Premium Gear Package
  • Extensive Customized PR Campaign
  • 1-Year Free American Songwriter Membership
  • $5,000 USD in Cash USD
  • Signature Live Performance
  • Publishing Deal Opportunity with Savage Music
  • Mentorship with A&R Industry Executives
  • Feature in American Songwriter Magazine
  • Premier Studio Recording Package
  • Premium Gear Package
  • 1-Year Free American Songwriter Membership
  • $500 USD in Cash
  • Feature on American Songwriter
  • 1-Year Free American Songwriter Membership

What are the Categories?

Choose your category at checkout. 

Songs rooted in American musical traditions, blending soulful storytelling with elements of folk, country, and blues.
Faith-based songs that inspire, uplift, and share messages of hope and worship.
Songs that tell real-life stories with heart, rooted in tradition and honesty.
Honest, lyric-driven songs that highlight storytelling and personal expression.
Rhythm-driven songs with lyrical flow, creativity, and powerful storytelling.
Original, genre-blending songs that showcase creativity and individuality. Indie Music: Music defined by artistic freedom, authenticity, and fresh perspective.
Songs inspired by Latin rhythms and culture, full of passion and energy.
Catchy, contemporary songs with strong hooks and broad appeal.
Emotion-driven songs that blend smooth vocals, groove, and heartfelt storytelling.
Powerful, guitar-driven songs that capture energy, attitude, and emotion.

Meet the 2025 Judges

Music Agent at United Talent Agency (UTA) working with artists like Of Monsters and Men, Thomas Day, Lilyisthatyou, Royal & the Serpent, and more.
Vice President, International A&R at Warner Music Group. He oversees A&R strategy for global talent development and international projects
Savage Music A&R Director. Industry A&R veteran with Warner Music, Sony Music, and Virgin to name a few who signed Josh Ritter, Brendan Benson, Langhorne Slim, Lenka, and more.
Larry Webman is SVP at Wasserman Music overseeing an established roster that includes Coldplay, Sara Bareilles, Barenaked Ladies, Bastille, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, MGMT, Joe Jackson, Palaye Royale, MICO, Michigander, Sam Ryder, Sawyer Hill and HONNE.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re still deciding whether to enter, you’re probably wondering how it all works. Here’s everything you need to know before beginning your entry process.

Have an additional question? Reach out to us directly below. 

CONTACT US

The contest is open to unsigned artists (Bands, Singers, Rappers, Duos, Solo artists, etc.) from anywhere in the world in any style of music not currently signed to a major record label or any of its subsidiaries. 

The Final Deadline is August 26, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM (CT)

Yes! We do NOT claim ownership in the materials you submit in conjunction with the contest.

Yes! Submissions from any country are allowed.

$35 per song submission

Copy and paste a public link to your songs into the form at checkout. They can be hosted on any platform: Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Google Drive, etc.

To edit your entry please email our Customer Relations team at [email protected] with your Order ID and the edit you need to make.

*Note: We cannot guarantee that we will be able to edit your entry if you contact us more than 2 weeks after your entry date.

Everything is a factor in a talent contest. Enter songs and video performances that best personify you as an artist. The more songs & videos you enter, the better chance our judges have to evaluate your talent.

Our judges do not give individual feedback. If you are interested in having your songs reviewed, we have a lyric critique benefit that is included in our Diamond Memberships.

The finalists will be announced in Fall 2025 via email and on our website. The Grand Prize winner will be announced at the live performance event in 2026 (to be announced).

Terms & Conditions

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2024 Road Ready Wrap

'Live' 2024 Grand Finale Recap From Nashville

2025 Grand Prize Winner | BEACHMONT
2024 Runner Up | SmithField
2024 Runner Up | Joe Jenneman

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© 2026 American Songwriter

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