30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition now open for entries

Muni Long, who won the overall grand prize in 2017, picked up Best R&B Performance – her second Grammy in two years

Fresh from a UK first and Grammy wins, this global contest invites music creators to compete across 15 diverse categories

Now in its 30th year, the world’s leading competition for aspiring and professional music creators is once again open for entries. The USA Songwriting Competition is inviting submissions across 15 categories – including Pop, Rock, R&B, Folk, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Instrumental – for the chance to win a top prize package worth over $50,000 in cash and gear. Winning songs also receive radio airplay, industry exposure and recognition from some of the music world’s most respected names.

Last year’s grand prize was awarded to British songwriter Julian Gardner, alongside co-writers J.O.Y. and Paddy Hunt, for their track Higher Than Love. Hailing from Wales, Gardner became the first UK entrant to take home the top award in the competition’s 29-year history.

“I’ve been on a great musical journey so far, though sometimes tough at times, and this really has put some amazing light on my musical project that really makes it all worth the hard work,” said Gardner. “It means so much to me to be validated like this and win the greatest songwriting competition in the world. I feel so proud and honoured with this amazing news.”

Julian’s win followed an honourable mention in the previous year’s competition with his song Problem, demonstrating how persistence and development can lead to major breakthroughs.

This year’s launch also comes hot on the heels of two past winners receiving Grammy Awards. Muni Long, who won the overall grand prize in 2017, picked up Best R&B Performance – her second Grammy in two years. Meanwhile, Wouter Kellerman, Best Instrumental Winner in 2017, collected his third Grammy for Best New Age Album.

The USA Songwriting Competition has a strong track record of discovering and championing future stars. Previous winners have gone on to sign major label deals, land chart hits, and have their songs placed in film and TV.

Entries for the 2025 competition are now open. For more details and to submit your song, visit: songwriting.net

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