American Songwriter is excited to reveal the Top 3 Finalists selected to perform at the 2025 Road Ready Talent Contest finale on March 31, 2026, at The Basement East in Nashville, Tennessee. These artists will step into the spotlight for a live showdown, competing for the Grand Prize package that includes $20,000 in cash and additional prizes.
To make the moment even more special, the finalists are being announced by the 2024 Road Ready Talent Contest Grand Prize winners, BEACHMONT.
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Chosen from thousands of submissions, each finalist has demonstrated the rare ability to command a stage and forge a real connection with an audience. The Road Ready Talent Contest is designed to spotlight unsigned performers who are already built for live performance, going beyond songwriting alone. This spring, the finalists will showcase their skills in front of a VIP audience at The Basement East.
Congratulations to the Top 3 artists listed below.
A sincere thank you to every artist who submitted this year. Submissions are now open for the 2026 Road Ready Talent Contest, and we look forward to hearing the next round of standout performers.
Please Note: The Top 3 are sorted alphabetically by Song Title.
“Distant” By Ava Valianti
“Keep Driving” By Douwe Bob
Douwe Bob can no longer participate in the finale event due to a touring conflict. As such, Moga Family Band (see below) has been added to the lineup of finalists.
“Twelve Out of Ten” By Gabe Baker
“What You Do When You Can’t” By Moga Family Band
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Photo by Steve Woods/Mirrorpix via Getty Images -
From left, Paul McCartney (playing a Hofner 500/1 violin bass guitar) and John Lennon (playing a Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar) of English rock and pop group The Beatles perform on stage for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) music television show 'Shindig!' at Granville Studios in Fulham, London on 3rd October 1964. The band would play three songs on the show, Kansas City/hey-Hey-Hey!, I'm a Loser and Boys. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) -
English singers, musicians, and songwriters Mick Jagger (at microphone), Keith Richards and Bill Wyman (far right) of the rock band 'The Rolling Stones,' perform on stage at Madison Square Garden, November 28, 1969. Jagger stands with his hands on his hips, eyes closed, and lips pursed together as he sings. (Photo by David Fenton/Getty Images) -
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 01: Rex Allen, Jr. performs on stage at the Country Music Festival held at Wembley Arena, London in April 1986. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) -
Don Henley on 7/3/85 in Chicago, Il. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage) -
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Lindsey Buckingham, former member of Fleetwood Mac, performs onstage at the Lobero Theatre on April 15, 2022 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
