Meet the 2025 American Songwriter Song Contest Category Winners

Americana

First Place: “A Pretty Woman’s Like a Rainbow Trout” by Eli Fox

Eli Fox penned the song in college, right after a girl rejected him and the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“I spent a lot of time trout fishing alone. One day on the Clinch River in Tennessee, I had given up on the fly rod and hooked a nice rainbow trout on the spinning rod. It flew out of the water dramatically and right off the hook,” he recalled. “After cursing and stomping my feet, overwhelmed by the metaphor of this to my current situation, I wrote ‘A pretty woman’s like a rainbow trout’ in my phone notes app within about 10 minutes there by the river.”

The results of the contest, Fox said, “gives me some confidence and reassurance that the time and effort I’ve put into songwriting and playing music is something worth pursuing.”

Pursuing it he is. Fox released his third LP, Qualified Country Gold, in 2025, and is busy writing new music too.

“I’d like to see it reach more people and get me out playing gigs in some new and different places,” he said of the album. “I’m still writing constantly and already thinking about the next album. I’m also on tour this year playing fiddle, banjo, and pedal steel with the band Breakfield.”

Second Place: “Marry Mississippi” by Olivia Barnes

Olivia Barnes wrote the track alongside Ethan Zales, and, in doing so, stepped away from her typical style of writing autobiographical tunes.

“‘Marry Mississippi’ is the only song I’ve released that wasn’t inspired by my own life, funny enough,” she said. “This was the third song that my friend Ethan Zales and I ever wrote together in college. At the time, we were letting our creativity run free and making up stories as we went. Over time, the song has come to mean different things to me.”

“Looking back, I think it was born from the sense of freedom I felt in being young, starting to find a community of musicians in New Orleans, and bracing for Ethan’s move to Los Angeles after graduation,” Barnes continued. “We made up the entire story on the spot and it remains one of my favorite writing memories.”

Being recognized in this way, Barnes said, is “validating for my inner child to know that I took a risk, followed my passion and am moving in the right direction.”

Next up, Barnes is eyeing a fall release for her forthcoming project, and is looking forward to playing gigs in Nashville, Vail, and Mississippi.

Blues

First Place: “Nobody Has to Know” by Zed Charles

When Zed Charles sat down to write “Nobody Has to Know,” he did so while thinking “about satisfying desire even if it means breaking all the rules.” His win in the contest is meaningful to him, particularly because he’s an Australian-based musician who threw his hat in the ring of an American contest.

“For an independent artist from Australia to receive such an accolade in the USA is invaluable recognition!” Charles said of his first-place finish.

The big win came fairly early on in Charles’ solo career. His debut solo album, Hear My Word, came out in January 2025. The album came in at No. 2 on the Blues and Roots Airplay Chart in 2025, and made the Top 9 Self-Produced Albums at the International Blues Challenge USA in 2026.

About a year and a half after his freshman album’s release, Charles, who considers himself “Australia’s wild man of blues,” put out his next project, Jed, Josh & Jerry. Released in May, Charles teamed up with Jesse Redwing for the 10-song LP. 

On top of that, he has plenty of shows planned for the rest of 2026.

“I’m set for an Australian tour with American motorsport icon Seth Enslow of The Crusty Demons later in the year,” he shared. “Epic!”

Second Place: “Liquidation Sale” by Jaimi Faulkner

On “Liquidation Sale,” Jaimi Faulkner “was inspired by the feeling of staying in a relationship longer than you should; putting in the time, the effort, trying to make it work, even when deep down you know it’s already done.”

“I liked the idea of framing that through the lens of a closing-down sale. The language of ‘retail discounts,’ ‘clearing stock,’ ‘everything must go’ felt like an interesting way to talk about emotional burnout and letting go without being ultra direct,” he said. “It gave me a way to balance something quite heavy with a bit of dry humor and everyday imagery.”

Faulkner called his win “incredibly validating,” specifically pointing to the balance of the songwriting and production as something he’s proud of.

“I’ve been developing my sound and perspective over time, and moments like this reinforce that I’m moving in the right direction,” he said. “It’s encouraging, and it motivates me to keep pushing further creatively.”

Looking ahead, Faulkner is looking forward to playing headlining shows across Europe, working on his next album, and focusing some of his time on his side project, Paper Towns.

“Overall, there’s a lot on the horizon—new music, more live shows, and continued collaboration,” he said. “I’m excited to see where it all leads.”

Children’s Music

First Place: “HERstory (Anthem)” by Flor Bromley

Flor Bromley had a specific goal in mind when she put out “HERstory (Anthem).”

“It was created as a powerful call for girls everywhere to be seen, heard, and remembered,” she said. “I wanted it to feel like an anthem they could sing together and say: our stories matter, we want to be represented, and we want to make our mark on history.”

Tired of women’s voices and contributions being “left in the shadows or left out of the narrative altogether,” Bromley wrote the tune with “a desire to shift that story forward.”

“It’s about stepping into the future with intention and saying, we are not just part of history, we are creating HERstory,” she said. “I wanted to create a song that celebrates courage, resilience, and the idea that children, especially girls, can grow up knowing their voices have value, their stories deserve space, and they have the power to shape the world around them.”

For Bromley, her win is “incredibly meaningful,” especially given that “children’s music is sometimes overlooked.”

“[The win] tells me that these stories matter, that there is space for music that uplifts and educates, and that we can create meaningful art for children without compromising depth or quality,” she said.

With more live performances, educational programming, and new creative projects on the horizon, Bromley has plenty to look forward to.

“There’s a lot more to come,” she said. “I’m really energized by this moment.”

Second Place: “Choo Choo” by Greg Stare

Greg Stare looked back when he sat down to write a song for the next generation.

“The song was written from the perspective of a parent reliving their childhood as they play with and care for their own children,” he said. “… Through the forward momentum of life, aging and cross-generational relationships, I sense the fleeting beauty and innocence of childhood and sometimes feel a tinge of sadness. But the truth is, that little daydreaming kid thinking up songs on the swing never left. I can welcome him back and relive that joy with others through my music.”

For the song’s little listeners, Stare “wanted to encourage the babies and toddlers in my classes to shake along with me.” That the grown ups at American Songwriter connected with the song too is “a special accomplishment,” Stare said.

Plenty more singalongs are on the horizon for listeners of Stare’s work.

“I have another album in the works and was recently invited to collaborate with a fellow children’s artist. I’m also playing a series of family shows in NYC and continuing to run my Sing & Drum-Along classes for babies and toddlers,” he said. “Outside of children’s music, I still work as a drummer/percussionist, performing around town and in the studio.”

Christian

First Place: “Sweet Surrender” by Meredith Aguirre

It’s no surprise that, in the Christian category, Meredith Aguirre’s song was borne “out of a prayer to God.”

At the time, Aguirre felt that she’d “been running from Him” and was “scared to talk to Him.”

“I eventually realized that surrendering isn’t scary at all, He meets you exactly where you are and loves you as you are,” she said. “In a way, I feel like I’ve been writing this song my whole life; every dead-end road I ever took eventually led me back to Jesus.”

As personal as the song is, “Sweet Surrender” is also about Aguirre “finally partaking in a much bigger story, one that began 2000 years ago when the Savior of the world was nailed to a cross.”

“I’ve learned that surrender isn’t just about giving up; it’s about stepping onto the only path that leads to true life,” she said. “All glory to God.”

Transforming “such a private, desperate moment of prayer” into an award-winning song, Aguirre said, is a “gift [that] reminds me that honesty is the most powerful tool we have.”

Now that she’s graduated Belmont University with a degree in Songwriting and Music Business, Aguirre is excited for what lies ahead.

“‘Sweet Surrender’ was just the beginning of the story I want to tell,” she said. “I can’t wait to share the next chapter soon!”

Second Place: “Hindsight” by Van Buren

One day, when Van Buren was feeling “discouraged” about the state of his career, he decided to turn to his old journals for some comfort and inspiration.

“I wasn’t as far along in my career as I thought I would or should be by a certain point,” he explained. Looking in those journals, Van Buren said, he “was amazed at the number of prayers that I had written down that I was currently living in the middle of.”

“So many of those old prayers were answered—maybe not in the way I thought, or not in the timing I would’ve chosen, but still answered,” he said. “In hindsight, all I saw was God’s faithfulness.”

And thus, “Hindsight” was born. Given that writing about faith is a fairly new venture for Van Buren, he said it’s “very validating… to see these songs resonate like this.”

Exciting things are ahead for Van Buren, who’s currently in the process of signing a record deal and making plans for the future.

“Lots of new songs, albums, and live shows to come. Couldn’t be more excited,” he said. “Follow @thisisvanburen on socials and Van Buren on Spotify to keep up with me and my music!”

Comedy/Novelty

First Place: “Office Christmas Party” by Brittany Ann Tranbaugh

Brittany Ann Tranbaugh decided to turn a cherished office tradition into a fun romp with “Office Christmas Party.”

“I’ve been to many office Christmas parties at my various 9-5 jobs through the years,” Tranbaugh said. “I wanted to describe a very relatable experience with humor and a pro-union message.”

After coming up with the concept and getting a head start on the lyrics, Tranbaugh enlisted Carsie Blanton to infuse a sharp wit into the track, and Joe Plowman to refine its melody and arrangement.

The result was one worthy of the top prize in the Comedy/Novelty category.

“This is so validating and exciting!” Tranbaugh said. “I’ve been reading American Songwriter for years and it’s an honor to be officially recognized. The prizes are awesome and sincerely helpful as a working musician.”

The contest-winning song is just the start of exciting things to come for Tranbaugh. Most notably, her debut album, Lucky Broke Girl, is due out Aug. 28.

“It’s full of clever, joyful, unabashedly queer Americana delights,” she said. “If you love Adrianne Lenker and Shania Twain in equal measure, you are my target audience and should absolutely give it a listen. Learn more at brittanyanntranbaugh.com.”

Second Place: “70 in December” by Luke and Kaylee

After a wintertime trip to the beach, Luke & Kaylee were inspired to write “70 in December.”

“[The song was] inspired by a trip we made to the Florida panhandle around Christmastime,” the duo recalled. “We played a holiday themed show on the beach and the tiki bar was decked out with Christmas decorations.”

The trip was out of the norm for the pair, who’d usually head West Coast for the holidays. But with the pandemic raging and flights not an option, they decided to take a road trip down south.

“Thank god we didm because it inspired this song which got into some Spotify editorial playlists and has now won second place in a national contest!” they said, adding that the recognition “means the world” to them.

“We have dedicated our lives to writing songs and touring, and have been working at our craft for a long time,” they added. “Winning a huge contest like this just means more people will get to hear our songs and hopefully bring many more people joy!”

The pair is busy touring at present, and is eyeing a fall release for their next album.

“In the meantime, we just dropped the first single off the new album called ‘Wild Like Me’ and are dropping the second single Friday July, 10th called ‘Red Used Yamaha’!” they said. “Go stream them and catch us on the road this year! You can find all our tour dates at www.lukeandkayleemusic.com.”

Country

First Place: “Wonder Woman” by Abby Rose

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In thinking about “the incredible women” in her life, Abby Rose was inspired to pen “Wonder Woman.”

“There’s so much pressure on women to look a certain way, live a certain way, and constantly question whether they’re on the ‘right’ path,” Rose said. “I wanted to create something that pushes back on that and to acknowledge just how capable, resilient, and powerful women really are, no matter what they chose to do in life. To me, they’re real-life superheroes, and this song is a celebration of that.”

The Nashville-based musician noted that her win is “incredible meaningful,” stating, “It’s easy to let self-doubt creep in. Moments like this remind me why I started and reinforce that I’m on the right path. It’s proof that we’re often capable of far more than we give ourselves credit for.”

Looking ahead to the future, Rose said she has a lot more music in the works.

“What’s especially exciting is that this song hasn’t been released yet, so this moment feels like the perfect time to share it,” she said of “Wonder Woman.” “I’m planning to release it soon, followed by more music throughout the year (including an EP in the works).”

“I’ve also been playing around the Nashville scene and collaborating with other artists and writers, which has been really inspiring,” Rose added. “This feels like just the beginning!”

Second Place: “Heartbreak, Thank You” by Alyssa Flaherty

EDM

First Place: “Feel It Too” by Christine Ekeberg

The melody came first for Christine Ekeberg when she sat down to craft “Feel It Too.” The lyrics followed shortly thereafter.

“The inspiration for the lyrics came from a point in the beginning of my relationship where I got scared of entering into something serious,” she said. “… This song describes the moment where you’re all over the place emotionally. Still, you have faith that, as long as the other person is in love, it’s gonna be OK.”

For Ekeberg, her big win validates the fact that she’s “on the right path musically.”

“I’ve always worked in music, but one year ago I quit my music teacher job to go all in with my career on my own,” she shared. “Winning means the world and gives me faith that more great things are yet to come.”

In the wake of her success, Ekeberg is hard at work on her EP. She also keeps busy by writing songs for other artists.

“I love to write for other artist projects because that brings out another side of my songwriting that might not fit into my own artist project. I love to do different genres and different moods, so writing both for myself and others is very fulfilling,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what the future brings!”

Second Place: “Piña Colada” by Fran Castelo

Folk/Singer-Songwriter

First Place: “202020” by Lucy Ellis

Lucy Ellis wrote “202020” during a period of immense self-doubt.

“I began writing this song in the spring after graduating from theatre school, in a moment when I realized artistically, I didn’t really know what I had to offer the world,” she said. “I found myself questioning whether I should even pursue a career in the arts if I wasn’t sure of my purpose, and I felt like I was running out of time to prove myself.”

“Around that time, I realized I’d stopped seeing myself as a person and had started seeing myself as a ‘project,’” Ellis continued. “I crossed the line from healthy personal growth, into self-criticism, and then further, into self-hatred. This song was written from that place, talking to myself in the mirror, begging my inner voice to be kinder.”

Given that the song was borne out of uncertainty, the fact that it’s “been recognized in this way is such a beautiful full circle moment to me,” Ellis said.

“It showed me that deeply personal questions can turn into something universally relatable,” she said, “and that maybe there is something to be said about finding beauty in uncertainty.”

Ellis has much more in the works, including new music, shows in Toronto, and a European tour. She’s also working on her second EP, which will feature songs “about relationships, friendships, the places they take you, and how far you can go inside them without losing yourself.”

Second Place: “Near You” by Sonny Luca

Golden

First Place: “Circling the Moon” by Jeff Dayton

Taking inspiration from the likes of John Prine, Guy Clark, and Jimmy Buffett, Jeff Dayton sat down to write “Circling the Moon” about one of his favorite childhood stories.

“During the pandemic, the James Webb telescope was making big news, and it reminded me of my very first favorite book in kindergarten called You Will Go To the Moon,” Dayton said. “I’d never told that story before and the first verse and chorus arrived in about 15 minutes.”

Dayton noted that being recognized in this way contributes to the “affirmations, love, applause, and ‘atta-boys’” that all creatives need at one point or another. 

“There are so many songwriters in town and to get noticed is important,” he said. “I’ve had cuts and deals and even put out 18 solo albums, but this win comes at the perfect time for me. I’ve been writing songs here for over 40 years—and living here for 26—and every single one of those God winks mean so much.”

Presently, Dayton is filling his time by touring, producing, and putting on an artist in residency with fifth graders across the country. He’s also recording another album and doing the occasional session as well.

Second Place: “Gold in the Golden Years” by David Leask

Hip-Hop/Rap

First Place: “All In” by Itz Jaleel

For Itz Jaleel, “All In” came from “a passion of making meaningful music and my daily grind as an independent hip-hop artist.”

“This track embodies the dedication I have to chasing my dreams and is a reflection of the work I’ve put in thus far,” he added, before noting that he was “shocked but so grateful” to come out on top in the contest.

“As an independent hip hop artist in today’s world of vast creatives, I’ve seen a lot of talented artists go unheard or overlooked. So it was an honor to have my song selected as number one for the hip-hop category,” he said. “One of my missions as a creative is to make meaningful and timeless music, so I am very appreciative of the results from the contest.”

In an Instagram post, Itz Jaleel added that the win is “more like a confirmation to keep pursuing this dream and this life.”

He plans to do just that by releasing more singles, including his latest one “Cold Nights.” Itz Jaleel also has an album in the works, with a title and release date set to be announced soon.

Second Place: “Charlie’s Angels” by Pink Jagg

Indie

First Place: “Best Friends (Wanted 2 Say)” by Oliver Forest

Made up of members Joshua Cunningham, Robin L’Houmeau, Megan Griffin, and Jonathan D’Ambrosio, indie pop band Oliver Forest looked to their long-term friendships as inspiration for their winning song, “Best Friends (Wanted 2 Say).”

“It’s really about the friends we’ve had since childhood, friends you’d take a bullet for,” the band said. “There’s also a heavy nostalgia to it. Memories of growing up together, of having someone in your corner through the hardest and most defining times of life.”

Winning “means the world” to the band, as they work hard to ensure that their songs “have a positive impact on people.” 

“We try to poke fun at ourselves and the things we don’t like about ourselves—and also write about the things we would like to remember, ‘Best Friends’ being an example of that,” the band said. “We’re also very aware that there are so many amazing indie artists right now that deserve this kind of recognition—even just locally in Montreal where we’re from)—so we feel grateful for this opportunity.”

After playing the biggest music festival Osheaga, Canada, has to offer—an opportunity the band called “super amazing”—they will turn all their focus to working on their next LP.

Second Place: “Parallel” by Brielle

Instrumental

First Place: “Angels Praising Almighty God” by Rick Oli

Throughout his career, Rick Oli has worked hard “to develop a unique identity as a composer,” a fact that was immediately clear with his contest-winning song, “Angels Praising Almighty God.”

“After creating many pieces with a more melancholic atmosphere, I felt a desire to explore something spiritually elevated, something capable of creating in people a connection with what is eternal,” Oli said of the instrumental song, which he composed in early 2024.

“The inspiration came during a moment of meditation, when I began imagining angels joyfully and reverently praising God in heaven,” he said. “At the same time, that vision merged with another image that had already been deeply alive within me: Templar knights gathered inside a beautiful cathedral, chanting sacred music in Latin in an atmosphere of worship.”

“In that moment of contemplation,” Oli continued, “I was able to feel the grandeur of that sacred scene, and it was this inner experience that guided every compositional choice and gave the music the spiritual and emotional depth I wanted to convey.”

The fact that Oli’s song was recognized in this way gives him “the confirmation that I am on the right path as a composer.” He plans to continue down that path with a new album “that will be a fusion of two styles I developed: Templar Chant and Dark Opera.” At the same time, he’s “advancing opportunities for licensing in television series and audiovisual productions, which are among the most important goals in my career.”

Second Place: “In Dreams” by Agustín Amigó

Jazz

First Place: “MUSEUM” by Jordan Curls

Through her song “MUSEUM,” Jordan Curls sought to “unravel the notion of patriarchy in the most undetectably satirical way possible.”

“I think the best songs are the ones whose soundscapes aren’t married to its message,” she said. “This song in particular delves into the objectification women experience through the male gaze, likening such paralysis to the experience of being on display at a museum. But, still, it’s something to dance to.”

Her win, Curls said, proved to her that artists can still be “recognized for their merits over the amount attuned to them.”

“With the financial cushion American Songwriter provides for artists, the snake can slowly relinquish its tail,” she said. “It’s relieving to see the commonality amongst all the other grant winners is a distinguishable sound. It shows that though underground, with its ears (and pockets), the underground is in fact listening.”

“I think that’s the crux of why we musicians do what we do,” Curls continued. “Gleefully sending countless love letters into the ethers, with timorous hopes they’re not all lost in transit.”

In the future, Curls plans to release “conceptual dual EPs, thematic music videos, international tours, creative socially engaged rollouts, and a culturally meshed merch line.”

Second Place: “INSOMNIAC” by HoneyBree

Latin Music

First Place: “TE PROMETO – el fin de una era” by César Pinzón

César Pinzón teamed up with Ela Taubert to write “TE PROMETO – el fin de una era.” Taubert, Pinzón said, is one of his “favorite artists to write with” thanks to the fact that “her ideas and her vision are genuine and pure.” 

That was fully on display in their winning song, which the pair co-wrote alongside Kevin Aguirre. Pinzón described the track as “a letter to the past.” The song, he said, is all about “closing one cycle to start another, better and stronger one.”

For Pinzón, “winning in the Latin Music category means a lot.” 

“It makes me happy to remember what a song is capable of and how far it gets every time,” he said. “I feel happy, honored and excited to do more songs like this.”

While Pinzón is largely focusing on his songwriting in 2026, he said that he’s “also excited to share the new sound I’ve been working on with the world again.” That sound, Pinzón said, will be accompanied by “new music, new collaborations, new visuals.” 

“I am excited for what the rest of 2026 has for me,” Pinzón celebrated.

Second Place: “Abriendo Latidos” by Diego Laroze

Music Video

First Place: “Grinchy Me” by Jon Cornwall

Jon Cornwall wrote “Grinchy Me,” during a wintery day amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Christmas was approaching and I was worried about how we would afford Christmas gifts, as my income had been decimated by lockdowns, and we were supposed to travel to celebrate with my parents that year,” he recalled. “I was thinking, ‘At least we have each other,’ and ‘My son will understand,’ but it sucked. I was totally bummed because I wanted to give my son the type of Christmas morning I had as a kid.”

For Cornwall, turning that tough moment into a contest-winning song is notable largely for the impact it could have on his career.     

“Winning the American Songwriter competition means I might have a chance at attracting some management/agent support,” he said. “I’ve always been a confident person, except when it comes to promoting and talking about myself. If I had more confidence and was naturally a bit more competitive, I probably would have been able to be a full time musician years ago.”

Cornwall plans to continue to pursue his music career in the months and years ahead, with lots of songs in the bank and a third record on the way.

Second Place: “Pretty Please” by PENG PENG

Musical Theater

First Place: “Fly Away” by Dan Redfeld

Dan Redfeld, Christina Harding, and John Koladziej teamed up to create Jo: The Little Women Musical, in which “Fly Away” closes out the show’s first act. In working on the song, Redfeld said he likened his own experience leaving home for college to that of the Louisa May Alcott’s characters’ own experiences coming-of-age.

“The content dictated the form—starting small and building to an optimistic crescendo—and it shaped the tone,” Redfeld said. “… It’s a universal feeling, brilliantly captured by Louisa May Alcott in her book.”

Sonically, Redfeld said he tried to incorporate “the sense of wind gathering and gusting,” which “lend an inspirational quality to the song.”

The recognition of their work has left the trip “absolutely thrilled.”

“It’s incredibly important for artists like us to have access to opportunities like this, a place where we can be seen and heard,” Redfeld said. “Winning this award has given us the encouragement to continue moving forward creatively.”

For fans wanting to experience more of Jo: The Little Women Musical, the album is currently available on all streaming platforms. Since staging a one-night-only concert earlier this year, the team behind the musical has begun the process to mount a full theatrical production.

“We are thrilled, as this has truly been a labor of love,” Redfeld said. “The American Songwriter award has been exhilarating, and we are so grateful!”

Second Place: “Grow (Acoustic)” by Pippa Cleary

Pop

First Place: “CHARTREUSE” by Ashes to Amber

While Kane Acosta “didn’t really have a game plan” for “CHARTREUSE,” the contest-winning song he wrote and released under the name Ashes to Amber, something great emerged regardless.

“The lyrics are just about being sad and in love, and happy and in love,” he said. “Honestly, I was just stoked on the vocal pocket. The first lyric doesn’t even make sense, but it’s so sick and feels so good to me… It kind of sounds like you’re drinking on a boat type thing.”

Though Acosta doesn’t consider validation “a driving factor” in his career, he said that he still finds his big win “really cool,” adding, 

“To be rewarded for doing something new that is out of my normal bag is great.”

In the future, Acosta plans to “keep writing more pop songs and keep songwriting for others.” A new album and a couple of music videos are also in the works for the singer, who’s currently on his fourth headlining tour in the U.S. 

“I’ve been playing Chartreuse every night. It’s been a fan fave, which is cool,” Acosta said of his winning song. “Being in Baltimore and having 100 people singing ‘CHARTREUSE’ is like a movie.”

Second Place: “Liar” by Bobby Uncle

R&B/Soul

First Place: “Lips of a Lover” by Max Boyle

Max Boyle and his co-writer Colton Parker teamed up to write “Lips of a Lover” “from the perspective of taking care of your partner when they’re having a rough go at it… and we made it a little spiiicy.”

“Whatever has them stressed out—work, life, whatever—it’s just saying, ‘Hey, I got you. I can tell you’re worn down and stressed out. Just come home, let me be your safe haven and get your mind off it for a little bit,’” Boyle explained.

Boyle noted that winning for his track “means a lot” to him, and further stated that “being recognized by my peers in the industry is amazing.”

“In a career where it’s just so many no’s and closed doors, its awesome to have those moments of reassurance that I’m on the right path,” he said.

Looking ahead, Boyle said he has “a whole catalog of unreleased music” that he’s eager to put out. The contemporary pop/soul artist, who hails from Ohio and is currently based in Nashville, plans to begin releasing the songs as singles in the months ahead. It’s a process that Boyle said he’s “so excited about.”

Second Place: “Somehow, Someway” by Chad Price

Rock

First Place: “Poison Ivy” by Andie Mackenzie

For Andie Mackenzie, “Poison Ivy” is “a cautionary tale about what can happen when you ignore your intuition and get pulled into something that feels more like fantasy than reality.”

“I wrote it while imagining myself standing at a fork in the road: one path was trusting that quiet inner voice, and the other was doubting it,” Mackenzie said. “The song became me exploring what could have happened if I chose wrong.”

Winning the contest, Mackenzie said, is a reminder “that even the most personal songs can still reach people.”

“The reason I started writing in the first place was because I felt so deeply connected to music as a listener,” she said. “Knowing that one of my own songs could create that feeling for someone else feels incredibly full circle.”

Recently, Mackenzie released “Supposed To,” the first single off of her forthcoming EP. The EP will be put out under the name ASTRELLA. The artist’s new moniker was inspired by estrella, the Spanish word for star, and how cosmic music feels, she explained on Instagram.

“I’m excited because this next body of work feels more introspective and more true to who I am,” she said.

Second Place: “Hang on (Never Take These Hands of Mine)” by Jake Wildhorn

Teen

First Place: “I Do” by Tony Deng

“I Do,” Tony Deng said, is about “that specific feeling when something is slowly slipping away, yet you can’t help but want to hold onto it.”

“I’ve always used songwriting as a sort of diary—capturing moments with melody instead of just words,” the teen said. “When I wrote this, I found myself circling back to the small, lingering details of a relationship: things said in passing or moments I didn’t fully appreciate until they were gone.”

“I wasn’t trying to tell a linear story; I wanted to capture a cycle of thought,” he continued. “The repetition of ‘I do / still do’ comes from that realization that some feelings don’t just vanish because a situation changes or time passes. They stick around much longer than you’d expect.”

Given the “intensely personal” nature of songwriting, Deng said that winning the contest “feels like a confirmation.”

“You never truly know if the emotions you pour into a track will resonate with anyone else once it’s out in the world,” he said. “Having this song recognized by American Songwriter means a lot because it proves that when I’m honest and vulnerable in my writing, it can still reach people.”

At present, Deng is hard at work on creating new music, and recently transitioned from a home studio to a professional one to level up his craft. Additionally, a forthcoming EP, continued vocal work, and a focus on developing his stage presence has Deng excited about what’s to come.

Second Place: “HEAL ME” by Miles Jeppson

World Music

First Place: “Nostalgia” by Cole & The Thornes

Cole Thorne, who fronts the Montana-based reggae band Cole & the Thornes, sought to “find a way to capture” the feeling of nostalgia through her contest-winning song.

“The song is meant to be a playful but reflective take on how we navigate time and memory,” she said. “It explores the way we look back on different versions of ourselves, the people we’ve outgrown, and the endless thoughts of what could have been or what still could be.”

“At its core, it’s about accepting life as a whole—taking the bad along with the good, learning from it, and realizing every experience shapes who we become,” Thorne added. “Even as we grow and change, some parts of us always stay the same.”

Thorne called her win “an incredible honor,” noting, “It means so much to have a song that came from such a reflective and heartfelt place resonate with people in this way.”

“Going back to the themes of ‘Nostalgia’ and all of the possible paths life can take you on, this feels like a reminder to stay true to my path, trust the journey, and continue to follow the music wherever it leads,” she said.

Cole & the Thornes is just getting started with two new singles due out soon, and multiple live shows on the calendar. Through it all, Thorne said, she is “excited to keep creating, growing, and connecting with people through music.”

Second Place: “Smile” by Kevin Rabemanisa