American Songwriter’s flagship contest and the world’s largest online platform dedicated to recognizing songwriters and their songs from across the globe.
Founded in 1984 in American Songwriter’s very first issue, the Lyric Contest spotlights the craft of songwriting and the stories that stick.
Talent discovery platform looking for the full package: talent, performance, presence, and brand. Top 3 complete in front of VIP audience for the overall Grand Prize.
InspireMore’s Christian Music contest that provides a powerful platform for emerging songwriters of faith. Contest is in partnership with American Songwriter.
Wide Open Country's signature competition for original country songs, built to amplify standout songwriters. Contest is in partnership with American Songwriter.
Grand Prize Winner:
“This Is Where” By Drew Schueler, Nell Maynard, Claire Flynt
First Place:
“Somebody” By Harper O’Neill, Meg McRee
Second Place:
“American Spirits” By Austin Sawyer (Drumming Bird)
Third Place:
“Milky Way” By Nathalie Nedeljkovic (Nouel)
First Place:
“Walk” By Lauryn Marie
Second Place:
“This Could Be My Last Song” By Frank Watkinson
Third Place:
“Right At The Wrong Time” By Jade Steg
2026 Grand Prize Winner:
2026 Grand Prize Winner: TBA
Session Winners:
2026 Session One Winners: Learn More
2026 Session Two Winners: TBA
2026 Session Three Winners: TBA
2026 Session Four Winners: TBA
2026 Session Five Winners: TBA
2026 Session Six Winners: TBA
2025 Grand Prize Winner:
2025 Grand Prize Winner: “Marble and Stone” By Coco Zhai
Session Winners:
2025 Session One Winners: Learn More
2025 Session Two Winners: Learn More
2025 Session Three Winners: Learn More
2025 Session Four Winners: Learn More
2025 Session Five Winners: Learn More
2025 Session Six Winners: Learn More
Grand Prize Winner:
2024 Grand-Prize Winner: “Love Washes Off” By Michael R.J. Roth
Session Winners:
November/December 2024 Lyric Contest Winners: Learn More
September/October 2024 Lyric Contest Winners: Learn More
July/August 2024 Lyric Contest Winners: Learn More
May/June 2024 Lyric Contest Winners: Learn More
March/April 2024 Lyric Contest Winners: Learn More
January/February 2024 Lyric Contest Winners: Learn More
Grand Prize Winner:
2023 Grand-Prize Winner: “Painting Pickets” By Christine Merritt, Gregory Becker, Michelle Creber
Session Winners:
November/December 2023 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
September/October 2023 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
July/August 2023 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
May/June 2023 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
March/April 2023 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
January/February 2023 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
Grand Prize Winner:
2022 Grand Prize Winner: “Long Line of Cars” By Mason Caviness, Emily Rose
Session Winners:
November/December 2022 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
September/October 2022 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
July/August 2022 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
May/June 2022 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
March/April 2022 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
January/February 2022 Lyric Contest Winners: Click Here
Grand Prize Winner:
Beachmont
Runner Ups:
Joe Jenneman
SmithField
American Songwriter is pleased to announce the long-awaited Official 2025 Song Contest Semi-Finalists. Congratulations to the talented songwriters listed below on this achievement. In the coming weeks, we will announce More
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“Heaven Ain’t The First Place“Written by Chris NelsonInterview by American Songwriter Chris Nelson scored 1st place in the Session One 2026 American Songwriter Lyric Contest for his song “Heaven Ain’t The More
Congratulations to all our Session One 2026 Lyric Contest winners. Read the winning lyrics for first through fourth place, below. CLICK HERE to enter the 2026 Session Two Lyric Contest. 1st More
Read below to learn more how our esteemed panel of judges picked the winners for the Session One 2026 Lyric Contest. Meet the Judges HERE. 1st Place – “Heaven Ain’t More
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