Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest

The 2026 Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest, an award-winning competition, celebrates and supports the craft of independent performing songwriters across genres including Americana, Blues, Celtic, Country, Folk, Rock, Pop, Rap, Jazz, Bluegrass, and more. Since 1998, the contest has offered finalists a rich and memorable experience—featuring networking with leading songwriters from across the country, live performances throughout the festival weekend, and the opportunity to take part in a longstanding musical tradition.

Past finalists include Grace Pettis, Dave Carter, Louise Mosrie, BettySoo, Matt Harlan, Nicolette Good, RJ Cowdery, Drew Kennedy, Matthew Thomas, Tom Faulkner, Katrina Cain, Erin Ash Sullivan and many more. Entries are evaluated on originality, lyricism, melody, harmonic structure, and overall songwriting craft.

Click here to view a history of contest winners.

Al Johnson

How to Enter

Complete the online application through Broadjam (please read contest rules below before applying)
$30 entry fee
Two songs are required per entry fee
Deadline to apply is March 8, 2026

Apply Here

Contest Rules

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 apply 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 16, 2026, an additional set on the CityLine Stage, and if selected as a winner, a chance to play in the Singer-Songwriter Song Swap.

Top Ten Finalists Receive

An invitation to perform on the Songwriter Stage on May 16, 2026. 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 15 and 16, 2026 and green room hospitality
Wildflower! festival passes for you and a guest
Additional set at Wildflower! festival on the CityLine Stage.
If selected as a winner, a chance to play in the Singer-Songwriter Song Swap on Saturday, May 16.
Opportunity of a lifetime to spend a weekend, sharing songs with some of the best performing songwriters in the nation.

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%).