Last Updated May 2024

How To Enter

An entry fee of $35 payable digitally to American Songwriter is required with each entry. By entering, you agree that this entry fee is necessary to cover the processing and administration of the contest. You may enter as many songs as you’d like. Each entry requires a $35 fee. All songs entered must be original compositions with all song authors credited. Only valid streaming URL links will be accepted (e.g., YouTube, Soundcloud, Spotify). Please double-check URL links before entering. American Songwriter is not responsible for issuing refunds based on broken, private or otherwise invalid links. We are not accepting MP3 files. You may enter a variety of recording styles, including demos, worktapes and finished masters. We require the song to be clearly audible in the recording. Songs will be evaluated based on performance, lyrics, melody, likability, overall composition, and various other musical considerations. We require that the recording clearly presents the song in its fullest light. You may enter online only via americansongwriter.com. Refunds WILL NOT be issued under any circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE: No feedback will be provided on the songs entered into the contest.

Eligibility

The Contest is open to any songwriter, artist, musician, and/or band from anywhere in the world. The following parties are not eligible: (i) Employees, independent contractors, and/or affiliates of American Songwriter, or any of their immediate family members, (ii) contributors to the Contest (including judges and other contributors as we may determine on a case-by-case basis) and (iii) employees of Sponsors. By submitting, you are representing that you (and all associated co-writers on your submission) are not employed by or affiliated with American Songwriter, or any of its affiliates, you are not a contributor in any way to the Contest, and you are not employed by or affiliated with any of the contest sponsors and you have not been at any time during the previous two years. You represent and warrant that (a) all registration information you submit is truthful and accurate; (b) you will maintain the accuracy of such information; and (c) your entry to the Contest does not violate any applicable law or regulation. If you are under 18 years of age, however, you must have permission and clearance to enter the Contest from your parent or legal guardian. Entry of the Contest is void where prohibited. All contest winners are notified by email address or phone number. If the chosen winners do not respond to American Songwriter’s notifications within seven (7) days, American Songwriter reserves the right to contact runner-ups for the receipt of the prizes. International winners must pay any and all customs fees for delivery of physical prizes.

Judging Process & Winners Announcements

This Contest is a talent and skill-based business event. All entries are judged based on the merit of the overall songs (performance, lyric, melody & originality). All entries will be first screened by professional artists & songwriters contracted by American Songwriter, in conjunction with employees of American Songwriter. All contest entrants shall stay informed of the selection process via AmericanSongwriter.com site updates and via email. Finalists will be selected from all songs entered and will be turned over to a group of top music industry professionals who then narrow the semi-finalists down to the finalists. The three (3) finalists will be notified via email and/or phone and all results will be posted on americansongwriter.com and announced via email. If the chosen winners do not respond to American Songwriter’s notifications within seven (7) days, American Songwriter reserves the right to contact runner-ups for the receipt of prizes. International winners must pay any and all customs fees for delivery of physical prizes. Entrants who are not official Winners will not receive individual notifications but will be notified via email.

Content

We do NOT claim ownership in the materials you submit in conjunction with the Contest. Such materials include written text, files, images, photos, video, songs, lyrics, poetry, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, remarks, suggestions, ideas, graphics, tags, hashtags, genres, splits, ownership splits, identifiable numbers, identifiable codes, songwriter name, personal identifiable information, copyright registration information, affiliated companies or individuals, rights holder, administrator, publisher, or any other materials (collectively, “Content”) that you display, upload, transfer, publish, or post to americansongwriter.com, whether public or private. By submitting any Content through the Contest, whether public or private, you hereby grant to us a limited, non-exclusive license to use, stream, transmit, beam, store, publicly display, translate, reproduce, and distribute such Content, in any format, whether known or unknown, including the limited right to use your likeness, persona, logo, trademark, and right(s) of publicity ONLY for purposes of the Contest.

By entering the Contest, you represent and warrant that your entry is an original work and that the content does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, trademarks, contract rights or any other rights of any person or business. You further agree to indemnify and hold American Songwriter, contest judges and screeners, and all contest sponsors, their subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of any breach of your representations and warranties set forth above and/or if any part of the entry causes American Songwriter to be liable to another.

By making an entry into the Contest, the entrant acknowledges and agrees that American Songwriter may obtain many entries under this Contest and that such entries may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to others submitted under this Contest and/or created or developed by American Songwriter on its own or by those working on American Songwriter’s behalf, and/or other promotions staged and/or led by American Songwriter, and waive any and all claims entrant may have had, may have, and/or may have in the future, that any similar entry, and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by American Songwriter (or its designees) may be similar to entrant’s entry. Entrant acknowledges and agrees that American Songwriter does not have now, nor shall it have in the future, any duty or liability, direct or indirect, vicarious, contributory, or otherwise, with respect to the infringement or protection of any copyright in and to entrant’s entry.

Contest Special Promotions

American Songwriter offers limited-time special promotions in conjunction with our contests. By entering a contest during an active promotion period, you agree to all regular contest terms and conditions, as well as the following promotion terms:

Eligibility and Entry

If you submit your song to an eligible contest during a promotion period, your entry is automatically included in the promotion—no additional steps are required. Please note that promotional entries will not be itemized on your receipt, but rest assured that they are tracked internally.

How Promotions Differ from Regular Contests

Promotions are special, short-term opportunities to win additional prizes beyond those offered in the standard contest. By submitting your song during a promotional period, your entry will be considered for both the promotional prizes and the regular contest prizes.

Judging

All entries submitted during a promotion period are reviewed and evaluated by multiple professional songwriters who are contracted by American Songwriter. These industry experts use their experience and knowledge to fairly assess all eligible submissions.

Right to Modify

American Songwriter reserves the right to change promotion deadlines, entry fees, prize packages, or any other contest details at any time and for any reason.

2026 Road Ready Talent Contest Special Promotion Schedule

Promotion: Next On Deck Promotion

Deadline: 1/5/2026-1/19/2026

Note: Entrants must be 21+ in order to win the grand prize in this promotion.

Promotion: SXSW VIP Experience Promotion

Deadline: 2/16/2026-3/2/2026

Promotion: March Promotion TBA

Deadline: 3/9/2026-3/23/2026

Promotion: TBA Launch Promotion

Deadline: 4/8/2026-4/20/2026

Promotion: Spring Breakup Promotion

Deadline: 4/22/2026-5/6/2026

Promotion: TBA Cover Songs Promotion

Deadline: 6/17/2026-6/24/2026

Promotion: Highway Hits Promotion

Deadline: 7/22/2026-8/5/2026

Promotion: Songsgiving Promotion

Deadline: 11/23/2026-12/2/2026

Next On Deck Promotion Terms & Conditions

1. Sixthman Contest/Auction Terms and Conditions must be agreed to before a cabin, or any

other prize giveaway/purchase will be honored by Sixthman, LTD (“Sixthman”). It is requested

that Contest/Auctions end no later than 30 days prior to sailing.

2. Sixthman Will Provide: One (1) Ocean View cabin for two (2) on Boots on the Water Cruise

sailing February 13,

-18, 2026 (the “Cruise”); admission to all onboard concerts (all shows are

general admission/non-ticketed); all onboard meals at open seating dining areas; entrance to the

ship hot spots like the casino and disco; use of ship pools and hot tubs; use of ship health and

fitness center; children’s facilities (excluding babysitting); prepaid port taxes and ticketing fees.

Total approximate retail value of prize: $4,004.00. The Contest/Auction winner will be issued an

IRS Form 1099 by the Contest/Auction Sponsor (if applicable) for the fair market value of the prize

inclusive of sales or other transaction taxes (or in the case of auctions for the excess of the fair

market value over any price paid by the winner if applicable).

3. Sixthman Will NOT Provide: Airfare, hotel accommodations, travel insurance, any tax

payments based on prize value, ground transportation, any expenses incurred while in port, any

meet and greets with artists or other VIP events onboard (unless open to the public), VIP seating

or check in, backstage or all access passes. Sixthman does not cover any of the following costs

on board: gambling, spa and beauty services, the purchase of alcoholic or carbonated (soda)

beverages, the purchase of upgraded paid dining options, shore excursions and babysitting

services.

4. Promoters may not advertise this prize as “all inclusive” or as a “VIP Experience” due to the

exclusions listed above. The aforementioned costs will be the responsibility of the passenger(s).

In addition, promoters may not promise “meet and greets” or priority seating of any kind. Please

contact Elise Joyce at Sixthman if there is any question regarding talking/presentation

points.

5. Contest/Auction winner’s FULL LEGAL NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, MAILING ADDRESS and

PHONE NUMBER must be submitted to Sixthman within 3 – 4 weeks after the close of

Contest/Auction. Failure to do so may result in an inability to book the passenger in time for the

cruise, resale or reassignment of cabin donation.

6. Upon receiving Contest/Auction winner information, Sixthman will make effort to contact the

Contest/Auction winner by phone and email. Upon claiming the prize, Sixthman will send the

Contest/Auction winner a Passenger Prize Confirmation, asking for a signature, which will confirm

that they understand and accept the Terms and Conditions associated with their prize. Failure to

return the signed document may result in resale or reassignment of cabin.

7. Contest/Auction winners must be 21 years of age or older.

8. The sponsoring organization may not award this cabin as a prize for resale or re-auction unless

specifically approved in writing by Jeff Cuellar at Sixthman.

866156-29. No cash equivalent and all prizes are non-transferable, and no substitution will be made except

as provided herein in Sixthman’s sole discretion. Cabins are nontransferable from cruise to

cruise, or person to person. Cabins are not redeemable for cash or other prizes with the following

exception: In the event that a currently booked Cruise passenger wins this prize, they will have

the opportunity to award this prize to another person, chose another Sixthman cruise or receive

a refund of monies paid (minus taxes and fees). This exception will ONLY be made for currently

booked guests of the Cruise and will not, under any circumstances, be afforded to new guests or

a guest of other Sixthman cruises who win this prize. In the unlikely event that the cruise is

postponed or canceled, the Contest/Auction winner will be provided a future credit to use on the

rescheduled event or on a future Sixthman event.

10. Any monies paid in connection with this prize are nonrefundable. Should the sponsoring

organization be unable to award this prize no refunds will be issued for monies paid toward either

the cabin or taxes and fees. The sponsoring organization will have 10 business days from the

end of this promotion to award the prize to another Contest/Auction winner or find a representative

to sail. All inclusions/exclusions will still apply.

11. By participating in the Contest/Auction, participants agree to be bound by these Terms &

Conditions and the decisions or interpretation of Sixthman regarding the Terms & Conditions,

which shall be final in all respects. All federal, state, and local taxes, insurance, registration,

delivery, shipment and fees are the sole responsibility of Contest/Auction winner. By receipt of

any prize, Contest/Auction winner and any guest of Contest/Auction winner agrees to release and

hold harmless Sixthman, and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents,

suppliers, distributors, advertising/promotion agencies (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from

and against any claim or cause of action, including but not limited to, personal injury, death or

damage to or loss of property, arising out of participation in the Contest/Auction or receipt or use

or misuse of any prize. By participating in this Contest/Auction, each participant agrees to accept

and be bound by all terms and conditions of Sixthman’s Ticketing Agreement, including all terms

and conditions imposed by the Cruise line. A copy of the Ticketing Agreement may be found at

https://www.bootsonthewatercruise.com

12. Except where prohibited, participation in the Contest/Auction constitutes Contest/Auction

winner’s consent to Sixthman’s and its agents’ use of Contest/Auction winner’s name, likeness,

photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media,

worldwide, without further payment or consideration.

13. AS THE CONTEST/AUCTION SPONSOR, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RELAYING

THE PRIZE DETAILS TO THE CONTEST/AUCTION WINNER IN A TIMELY AND CORRECT

MANNER AS WELL AS DISTRIBUTING THE NECESSARY TAX FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH

THIS PRIZE. Sixthman is not responsible for, nor will they honor, any incorrect or inaccurate

information given, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or

programming associated with or utilized in the Contest/Auction.

Winner will be chosen in 3-4 weeks after the giveaway ends.

Other Rules & Regulations

By entering the contest through americansongwriter.com, you expressly agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy listed on the American Songwriter website, the contractual terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent that the terms of this Contest conflict with any other agreement, the terms of this Contest shall take priority. American Songwriter reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the rules herein outlined with no obligation to return any entry fee. We expressly disclaim any warranty and we cannot guarantee and do not promise any specific results. In no event shall we be liable to you or any third party for any indirect, consequential, exemplary, incidental, statutory, special or punitive damages, including lost profit damages arising from your entry into the Contest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, our liability to you for any cause whatsoever and regardless of the form of the action, will at all times be limited to the amount paid, if any, by you. By entering you also understand that your email address will be shared with contest sponsors.

Conflict Resolution

The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement promptly by negotiation between persons who have authority to settle the controversy. Any party may give the other party written notice of any dispute not resolved in the normal course of business. If not resolved, any dispute, claim or controversy (i.e., contractual, tort, and/or statutory) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, shall be determined EXCLUSIVELY by arbitration in Nashville, Tennessee before one arbitrator. The arbitration shall be administered by either AAA or JAMS. This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, exclusive of conflict or choice of law rules. Void where prohibited.

Prize Deliveries

Prize delivery of all prizes will be coordinated via email. Video consultation calls with selected mentors will take place in 2025. If any prize is not fulfilled within 180 days of the official winner announcement, it is the responsibility of the winner to notify American Songwriter in writing. If the winner fails to notify American Songwriter of any outstanding prizes within 180 days, American Songwriter can no longer guarantee prize fulfillment.

Participation Requirements and Substitution

a. Participation Generally:
At any stage of the contest, American Songwriter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to substitute any participant who is unable to fulfill required participation obligations (including, but not limited to, interviews, promotional activities, rehearsals, or live events) with the next highest-ranked eligible entry, as determined by American Songwriter.
b. Live Finale Participation Requirement:
Artists selected as finalists for the live finale event (“Top 3 Finalists”) are expected to participate in the designated live finale event (“Live Finale”) in person as a condition of their finalist status and eligibility for finalist-specific prizes and benefits.
c. Inability to Participate:
If a Top 3 Finalist cannot participate in the Live Finale after being formally notified and confirmed by American Songwriter, for any reason (including but not limited to illness, scheduling conflicts, travel restrictions, or personal emergencies), American Songwriter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to designate an alternate finalist in their place.
d. Notification and Timing:
American Songwriter will notify affected participants as soon as practicable after determining that a substitution is necessary, typically within forty-eight (48) to seventy-two (72) hours, where feasible. Any alternate participant selected will be subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to the originally selected participant.
e. Forfeiture of Finalist Benefits:
Participants who are unable to participate in the Live Finale forfeit all finalist-specific prizes, benefits, and opportunities associated with the Live Finale, unless American Songwriter determines otherwise in its sole discretion.