The American Songwriter Lyric Contest
World’s Longest-Running Lyric Contest
Get your lyrics published, win premium gear, and get your work in front of top songwriters and industry professionals.
Since 1984 • Worldwide •. Lyrics Only
Session Four Deadline: May 15, 2026
Current Promotion Alert
All promotion entries are automatically included in the main contest.
Limited Time: Spring Break Up
Where Breakup Songs Become Getaways
No one likes a breakup, but we sure do love a breakup song. Enter your song or lyrics about heartbreak into American Songwriter’s Contests before May 6th and win a sea cruise to the Bahamas.
Winner Receives
Grand Prize Winner (1)
- Cabin for 2 on Moon River at Sea Cruise
- Feature on American Songwriter
- American Songwriter Membership
- Dedicated Social Post
- Eligible for all respective contest prizes
Additional Winners (1 per contest)
- Feature on American Songwriter
- American Songwriter Membership
- Eligible for all respective contest prizes
What You Can Win
Six session winners each year. One Grand Prize winner.
The Dream Day on Music Row Grand Prize
One overall winner (selected from six session winners) will receive a Dream Day in Nashville, including a co-write with a hit songwriter, a professional demo recording, and travel accommodations.
Session Winner Prizes
Six session winners each year win a prize package that includes a feature in American Songwriter magazine, a premium guitar, a condenser mic, and studio monitors.
Session Finalists Receive
Six session Runner Ups (2nd, 3rd, 4th) and Honorable Mentions receive a feature article in American Songwriter (Print Magazine and Digital)
From Entry to Breakthrough
From Lyric Contest Win to Billboard #1
From Lyric Contest Win to Signed by Jimmy Buffett
Meet the 2026 Judges
Grammy winners, hit songwriters, and major label artists
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.
- Session One: Deadline is November 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Two: Deadline is January 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Three: Deadline is March 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Four: Deadline is May 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Five: Deadline is July 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Six: Deadline is September 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
Yes! We do NOT claim any rights to the lyrics submitted.
Yes! Submissions from any country are accepted. However, lyrics must be submitted in English.
$15 per submission
Copy and paste your lyrics into the designated area on the checkout form.
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.
Our judges do not give individual feedback. If you are interested in having your lyrics reviewed, we have a lyric critique benefit that is included in our Diamond Memberships.
- Session One: Winners announced January 2026
- Session Two: Winners announced March 2026
- Session Three: Winners announced May 2026
- Session Four: Winners announced July 2026
- Session Five: Winners announced September 2026
- Session Six: Winners announced November 2026
