USA Songwriting Competition winners announced and reopens for 2026

John Moreland: “I never win at anything…It’s nice to be heard and seen.” Photo: Christopher Francis

Critically acclaimed Tulsa songwriter John Moreland tops the 30th annual edition as entries open for this year’s international song contest

The USA Songwriting Competition has announced its latest overall winner – and opened submissions for its 2026 edition – with singer-songwriter John Moreland taking top honours for his song Visitor. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Moreland was named Overall Grand Prize winner of the 30th Annual competition, adding another milestone to a career already marked by critical acclaim and growing mainstream recognition.

“I never win at anything so this is really nice,” said Moreland. “It’s nice to be heard and seen. I thank the USA Songwriting Competition judges for hearing me.” The singer-songwriter earned his first Billboard Hot 100 entry last year at No 83 through his featured appearance on Zach Bryan’s Memphis, The Blues, and has previously opened for artists including Jason Isbell, Dawes and Patty Griffin.

Second prize was awarded to Justus Montgomery, Landon Wall, Ethan Anderson and Gary Frost from Nashville for their song Makeup, while Eli Golden and Matt Anthony from New York took third place with The 1.

Among the category winners, Fyütch & Aura V claimed Best Children’s Music – and have since become Grammy nominees in the same category – while Michael and Cheryl Berardi won Best Novelty/Comedy. Veteran songwriter Michael Berardi has previously had songs recorded by Alabama, Gregg Allman, Billy Preston and Ronnie Spector, among many others.

Helle Hansen and Frans Bak received Best Lyrics for Softer Than You Know, following an honourable mention for Hansen in the previous year – another example of how persistence and development can pay off within the competition.

Four past winners have received Grammy nominations this year: Fyütch & Aura V, Ron Korb, Flor Bromley and Joanie Leeds – continuing the competition’s track record of identifying artists who go on to wider industry recognition. Across its history, the competition has helped launch careers including Andrew Jannakos, Priscilla Renea and American Authors – all of whom have gone on to major label success, chart placements and global audiences.

Entries for the 31st Annual USA Songwriting Competition are now open. For full details and submissions, visit songwriting.net

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