Road ReadyThe Public's Pick
Three artists came through thousands of entries and a judging panel. All three take the stage October 20 at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville. Who walks out the winner is partly up to you, one vote per day per email address, until voting closes October 20 at 12PM CT.
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Pick your artist
Click an artist below, then click Vote Now.
02
Confirm by email
We send a code to your inbox. It can take a minute, and it sometimes lands in spam. Enter it and your vote is in.
03
Come back tomorrow
One vote per day per email address, every day voting is open.
Cast your vote
Your code can take up to a minute to arrive, and it sometimes lands in spam.
Vote counts update live and are shown on each artist. The online vote is 40 percent of the final result. On-premise votes at the finale are 40 percent and American Songwriter staff votes are 20 percent.
Hear them first
The Como Brothers
At 15 years old, Andrew and Matt Como began performing alongside their father and Uncle Lawrence in a Beatles tribute band. That early immersion in the Fab Four's catalog inspired them to become songwriters known as The Como Brothers. Their brand new album, Whisper In The Wind, is out September 28.
Photo by Tatiana Como
Pug Johnson
Raised on the bars and backroads of Beaumont, Texas, Pug Johnson writes traditional country songs rooted in lived experience, heartbreak, and humor. His third album arrives October 23.
Photo by Ingrid Fortenberry
Tabitha Meeks
Tabitha Meeks makes high-energy retro pop built on bright piano and positive lyrics. Her music has appeared in more than 40 TV and film placements, including Netflix and CBS, and her debut album arrived in February 2026. She is currently on tour.
Photo by Nate Stultz
Be in the room
The vote is one part.
The night is the rest.
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026 / Doors 6PM, show 7PM
- 3rd and Lindsley / 818 3rd Ave. S, Nashville / All ages
- $15 general admission / $25 pit table, seats four
Questions
Who can vote?
Anyone, one vote per day per email address, for as long as voting is open. Voting is subject to the official rules.
Why do I have to enter a code?
The code confirms a real inbox is behind the vote. Votes are subject to review, and any using fake email addresses to deceive or manipulate the count are disqualified. That review is why these numbers mean something.
Are the counts live?
Yes. What you see updates as votes come in, and the published counts are adjusted if votes are removed in review.
Does the public vote decide the winner?
It is 40 percent of it. Online votes here are a deciding factor in choosing the overall winner.
On-premise votes cast at the finale account for another 40 percent, and American Songwriter staff votes account for the remaining 20 percent. The winner is announced live at 3rd and Lindsley on October 20.
Can an artist offer something in exchange for my vote?
No. Contestants may not offer, provide, or promote any prize, compensation, reward, or anything else of value tied to voting. That includes merchandise, services, discounts and experiences. Any attempt to incentivize voting can result in disqualification, vote nullification, or removal from the contest at American Songwriter's sole discretion.
If you have been offered something for a vote, tell us.
When does voting close?
Tuesday, October 20 at 12PM CT, the day of the finale.
Can I come to the finale?
Yes. 3rd and Lindsley, Nashville, October 20, all ages. Tickets are above.
Full official rules: Road Ready official rules
