The American Songwriter Lyric Contest

Jim Lauderdale is a legendary American country, bluegrass, and Americana singer-songwriter who has won two Grammys and released 35 full-length albums.

Emilly Weisband is a Grammy winning singer-songwriter established across all genres penning pop songs, country songs, and Christian songs like “Thy Will” (Hilary Scott and the Scott Family).

Rick Nowels is an American songwriter, producer, multi instrumentalist, Grammy winner, and 2020 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.

Curb Records recording artist and country singer/songwriter Hannah Ellis has written songs recorded by artists like Carly Pearce and is one of the “CMT LISTEN UP” artists to watch for 2023.

Following in his father’s footsteps, the recent Jonas Group Entertainment signee has written songs for Steven Tyler, Tim McGraw, and many more.

Jay’s songs have been recorded by classic singers like George Strait and Alan Jackson as well as today’s hottest country stars like Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee’s first hit as a songwriter was “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys,” recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1976, and four years later recorded by Willie Nelson.

Pierce co/wrote “We Can Always Come Back To This” which aired on the series ‘This Is Us’, then went on to #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Pierce has done tours and dates supporting Neil Young & others.

Pope has been a lot of things to a lot of people: leader of seminal pop-punk band Hey Monday, Season 3 winner of The Voice, Platinum-selling, and GRAMMY-nominated country singer/songwriter.

Declan McKenna is an English singer-songwriter who initially gained recognition for winning the Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition.

McRae’s debut album Are You Happy Now? was released in March 2022 to critical acclaim. She has toured nationally and internationally in support of artists such as Amos Lee and MUNA.

After releasing a successful independent EP at age 20, Marc signed a record deal with Island Records. Marc’s song “Home” was successful at radio and catapulted him onto the national touring stage.

Mae Muller is an English singer-songwriter who first received mainstream recognition after releasing the single “Better Days” in 2021. The song charted in the top 40 in both the UK and USA.

Paul McDonald is an American singer-songwriter residing in Nashville who placed 8th on the tenth season of American Idol.