Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest

The 2025 award-winning Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest encourages the growth of the art of independent performing songwriters in the genres of Americana, Blues, Celtic, Country, Folk, Rock, Pop, Rap, Jazz, Bluegrass, etc. For over 20 years the contest has created an experience for finalists that provides networking opportunities amongst some of the top songwriters in the nation, live performances at the festival over the course of the weekend, and the chance to be a part of an historical experience. Previous contest finalists include Ruthie Foster, Beth Wood, Karen Mal, Grace Pettis, Dave Carter, Louise Mosrie, BettySoo, Matt Harlan, Nicolette Good, RJ Cowdery, Drew Kennedy, Matthew Thomas and Tom Faulkner. Judging is based on originality, lyrics, melody, harmonic structure, and other song-craft elements.

How to Enter

Complete the online application through Broadjam (please read contest rules before applying)
$30 entry fee
Two songs are required per entry fee

2025 application available January 1, 2025.

Prize Package(s) Include

First Place/Grand Prize – $1,000
Second Place Runner Up – $500
People’s Choice Award – $500
One-year premium membership to Broadjam (valued at $200) to each of the top 3 finalists

Contest Rules

Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Contestants are required to enter two original songs. (Entries containing only one song, or more than two songs will be disqualified).
Recordings submitted must be representative of the artist’s live performance and include only one instrument, one voice (the songwriter’s vocal) and no backup harmonies. Instrumental-only songs are NOT accepted.
Co-written songs are accepted; however, only one of the writers may submit an application and perform the song on the recording.
A submission of the entry certifies that the songwriter has all rights to the songs and that the songs have not been sold or contractually assigned to another entity.
Songs that have been previously recorded and released under contract on a label are NOT eligible.
Each song must NOT exceed five (5) minutes.
As a finalist, you must perform the two (2) songs submitted in the contest. You may choose to perform solo or invite a single accompanist, however the performance can only include one instrument, one voice (the songwriter’s vocal) and no backup harmonies.
A total of ten finalists will be selected and invited to perform in the finals at Wildflower! on May 17, 2025, an additional set on the CityLine Stage, and if selected as a winner a chance to play a set in the round on May 18, 2025 on the Singer Songwriter Stage.

Top Ten Finalists Receive

Invitation to perform in the live finals on the Singer Songwriter Stage at Wildflower! on May 17, 2025. Finalists must perform the two (2) songs submitted in the contest and the performance may only include one instrument, one voice (the songwriter’s vocal), and no backup harmonies.
Lodging for May 16 and 17, 2025 and green room hospitality
Wildflower! festival passes for you and a guest
Additional set at Wildflower! festival on the Courtyard Stage
If selected as a winner, a chance to play a set in the round on May 18 on the Singer Songwriter Stage.
Opportunity of a lifetime to spend a weekend, sharing songs with some of the best performing songwriters in the nation and if selected as a winner, participation in the Winner’s Showcase with the other selected winners.

Fair Screening Process

All entries are subjected to a blind and independent screening by experienced music promoters, performers, songwriters, educators and those familiar with original songwriting and performing techniques.
The screeners score and rank entries independently and the top ten finalists are selected based on those scores and ranks to compete at the festival.
The contest is a performing songwriting contest. The entries will be judged based on the quality of the songs (50%) and the artist’s presentation/performance of the songs (50%).