The 2026 Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest brought another unforgettable showcase of original music to Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival, celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling of independent songwriters from across the country.
After an inspiring live finals competition on Saturday, Wildflower! is proud to announce this year’s winners:
First Place Grand Prize + People’s Choice Award
Stephanie Sammons | Dallas, Texas
Second Place Runner-Up
Reed Waddle | Atlanta, Georgia
A longtime Wildflower! tradition since its founding in 1998, the award-winning Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest honors exceptional songwriting across a wide range of genres including Americana, Blues, Celtic, Country, Folk, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Bluegrass, Rap, and more.
Named in honor of the late Al Johnson, a beloved songwriter and champion of original music, the contest has helped spotlight remarkable talent for nearly three decades while creating meaningful connections among artists, audiences, and industry professionals.
This year’s finalists delivered an extraordinary afternoon of live performances, sharing deeply personal lyrics, memorable melodies, and the kind of authentic artistry that makes singer-songwriter music so compelling.
Stephanie Sammons captured both the judges’ top honor and the audience vote, earning the $1,000 First Place Grand Prize, a $500 People’s Choice Award, and a one-year premium membership to Broadjam.
STEPHANIE SAMMONS ACCOLADES
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2026 Kerrville New Folk Finalist
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Wildflower Festival 2026 – Al Johnson Top 10 Performing Songwriter Finalist, Winner & People’s Choice Award
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2026 Songwriter Serenade Semifinalist
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2025 Telluride Troubadour Finalist (Planet Bluegrass)
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2025 Kerrville New Folk Finalist
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Best Promising Singer-Songwriter 2024 – Dallas Observer
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2024 Kerrville New Folk Finalist
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2024 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Honorable Mention
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2024 Rocky Mountain Folk Festival Songwriters Contest Finalist Red Lodge MT
Find out more about Stephanie Sammons on her website.
2024 RELEASE
Time and Evolution
On Time and Evolution, Stephanie Sammons traces the slow, inevitable movement of life: the way love changes shape, the ways grief softens into memory, and how hope reappears in unexpected places. Rooted in folk and Americana traditions, this collection balances intimate storytelling with melodic clarity. Acoustic guitars, warm harmonies, subtle pedal steel, and gentle percussion create a plainspoken backdrop for lyrics that listen closely to the small, decisive moments that steer a life.
Reed Waddle earned Second Place Runner-Up, receiving a $500 prize package along with a one-year premium Broadjam membership.
Wildflower! extends sincere congratulations to this year’s winners and heartfelt thanks to all finalists who shared their music as part of this cherished festival tradition.
From nationally touring artists on major stages to emerging songwriters performing original work, Wildflower! continues to celebrate the full spectrum of live music experiences that make the festival so special.
