Song Contest Terms and Conditions

Last Updated January 2025

How To Enter

An entry fee of (e.g. $25, $30, $35) payable digitally to American Songwriter is required with each song entry. By entering, you agree that this entry fee is necessary to cover the processing and administration of the contest. You may enter as many songs as you’d like into any available category. Each entry requires a fee. All songs entered must be original compositions with all song authors credited. Only valid streaming URL links will be accepted (e.g., YouTube, Soundcloud, Spotify). Please double-check URL links before entering. American Songwriter is not responsible for issuing refunds based on broken, private or otherwise invalid links. We are not accepting MP3 files. You may enter a variety of recording styles, including demos, worktapes and finished masters. We require the song to be clearly audible in the recording. This is a song contest, based on the musical elements present in the composition, not a singing contest. Songs will be evaluated based on lyrics, melody, likability, overall composition, and various other musical considerations. Songs WILL NOT be evaluated on recording quality, vocal prowess, or other similar values. We simply require that the recording clearly presents the song in its fullest light. You may enter online only via americansongwriter.com. Refunds WILL NOT be issued under any circumstances. No feedback will be provided on the songs entered into the contest.

Eligibility

The Contest is open to any songwriter, artist, musician, and/or band from anywhere in the world. The following parties are not eligible: (i) Employees, independent contractors, and/or affiliates of American Songwriter, or any of their immediate family members, (ii) contributors to the Contest (including judges and other contributors as we may determine on a case-by-case basis) and (iii) employees of Sponsors. By submitting, you are representing that you (and all associated co-writers on your submission) are not employed by or affiliated with American Songwriter, or any of its affiliates, you are not a contributor in any way to the Contest, and you are not employed by or affiliated with any of the contest sponsors and you have not been at any time during the previous two years. You represent and warrant that (a) all registration information you submit is truthful and accurate; (b) you will maintain the accuracy of such information; and (c) your entry to the Contest does not violate any applicable law or regulation. If you are under 18 years of age, however, you must have permission and clearance to enter the Contest from your parent or legal guardian. Entry of the Contest is void where prohibited. All contest winners are notified by email address or phone number. If the chosen winners do not respond to American Songwriter’s notifications within seven (7) days, American Songwriter reserves the right to contact runner-ups for the receipt of the prizes. International winners must pay any and all customs fees for delivery of prizes.

Judging Process & Winners Announcements

This Contest is a talent and skill-based business event. All entries are judged based on the merit of the overall songs (lyric & melody). All entries will be first screened by multiple professional songwriters contracted by American Songwriter, in conjunction with employees of American Songwriter. All contest entrants shall stay informed of the selection process via AmericanSongwriter.com site updates and via email. Finalists will be selected from all songs entered and will be turned over to a group of top music industry professionals and accomplished songwriting peers who then narrow the finalists down to the Winners. The Winners will be notified via email and/or phone and all results will be posted on americansongwriter.com and announced via email. If the chosen winners do not respond to American Songwriter’s notifications within seven (7) days, American Songwriter reserves the right to contact runner-ups for the receipt of prizes. International winners must pay any and all customs fees for delivery of prizes. Entrants who are not official Winners will not receive individual notifications but will be notified via email.

Content

We do NOT claim ownership in the materials you submit in conjunction with the Contest. Such materials include written text, files, images, photos, video, songs, lyrics, poetry, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, remarks, suggestions, ideas, graphics, tags, hashtags, genres, splits, ownership splits, identifiable numbers, identifiable codes, songwriter name, personal identifiable information, copyright registration information, affiliated companies or individuals, rights holder, administrator, publisher, or any other materials (collectively, “Content”) that you display, upload, transfer, publish, or post to americansongwriter.com, whether public or private. By submitting any Content through the Contest, whether public or private, you hereby grant to us a limited, non-exclusive license to use, stream, transmit, beam, store, publicly display, translate, reproduce, and distribute such Content, in any format, whether known or unknown, including the limited right to use your likeness, persona, logo, trademark, and right(s) of publicity ONLY for purposes of the Contest.

By entering the Contest, you represent and warrant that your entry is an original work and that the content does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, trademarks, contract rights or any other rights of any person or business. You further agree to indemnify and hold American Songwriter, contest judges and screeners, and all contest sponsors, their subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of any breach of your representations and warranties set forth above and/or if any part of the entry causes American Songwriter to be liable to another.

By making an entry into the Contest, the entrant acknowledges and agrees that American Songwriter may obtain many entries under this Contest and that such entries may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to others submitted under this Contest and/or created or developed by American Songwriter on its own or by those working on American Songwriter’s behalf, and/or other promotions staged and/or led by American Songwriter, and waive any and all claims entrant may have had, may have, and/or may have in the future, that any similar entry, and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by American Songwriter (or its designees) may be similar to entrant’s entry. Entrant acknowledges and agrees that American Songwriter does not have now, nor shall it have in the future, any duty or liability, direct or indirect, vicarious, contributory, or otherwise, with respect to the infringement or protection of any copyright in and to entrant’s entry.

Promotions

American Songwriter offers limited-time special promotions in conjunction with our contests. By entering a contest during an active promotion period, you agree to all regular contest terms and conditions, as well as the following promotion terms:

Eligibility and Entry

If you submit your song to an eligible contest during a promotion period, your entry is automatically included in the promotion—no additional steps are required. Please note that promotional entries will not be itemized on your receipt, but rest assured that they are tracked internally.

How Promotions Differ from Regular Contests

Promotions are special, short-term opportunities to win additional prizes beyond those offered in the standard contest. By submitting your song during a promotional period, your entry will be considered for both the promotional prizes and the regular contest prizes.

Judging

All entries submitted during a promotion period are reviewed and evaluated by multiple professional songwriters who are contracted by American Songwriter. These industry experts use their experience and knowledge to fairly assess all eligible submissions.

Right to Modify

American Songwriter reserves the right to change promotion deadlines, entry fees, prize packages, or any other contest details at any time and for any reason.

Sounds Like Summer. All Song Contest and Lyric Contest entries received between June 9 – June 23 2025 will be eligible for this promotion. Entrants must be 21+ in order to win the prizes in this promotion.

One overall winner will win a cabin for 2 on the Boots on the Water Cruise, a Feature Article on American Songwriter, an American Songwriter Platinum Annual Membership for one year, one Collab Social Post on American Songwriter’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and will be eligible for all regular contest prizes. Two runner up winners, one for Song Contest and one for Lyric Contest, will win a Feature Article on American Songwriter, an American Songwriter Platinum Annual Membership for one year, and will be eligible for all regular contest prizes.

Contest Special Promotion Schedule

American Songwriter reserves the right to add, remove and/or change the promotion schedule at any point in the contest.

Promotion: March Forward Promotion
Deadline: 3/17/2025-3/31/2025

Promotion: Spring Breakup Promotion
Deadline: 4/16/2025-4/30/2025

Promotion: May Flowers Promotion
Deadline: 5/5/2025-5/19/2025

Promotion: Sounds Like Summer Promotion
Deadline: 6/9/2025-6/23/2025
Note: Entrants must be 21+ in order to win the prizes in this promotion.

Promotion: Highway Hits Promotion
Deadline: 7/16/2025-7/30/2025

Promotion: Heart Toppers Promotion
Deadline: 8/4/2025-8/18/2025

Promotion: Home Sweet Home Promotion
Deadline: 9/17/2025-10/1/2025

Promotion: Songs That Sync Promotion
Deadline: 10/20/2025-11/5/2025

Promotion: Songsgiving Promotion
Deadline: 11/19/2025-11/28/2025

Promotion: It’s A Wonderful Write Promotion
Deadline: 12/15/2025-12/29/2025

Other Rules & Regulations

By entering the contest through americansongwriter.com, you expressly agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy listed on the American Songwriter website, the contractual terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent that the terms of this Contest conflict with any other agreement, the terms of this Contest shall take priority. American Songwriter reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the rules herein outlined with no obligation to return any entry fee. We expressly disclaim any warranty and we cannot guarantee and do not promise any specific results. In no event shall we be liable to you or any third party for any indirect, consequential, exemplary, incidental, statutory, special or punitive damages, including lost profit damages arising from your entry into the Contest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, our liability to you for any cause whatsoever and regardless of the form of the action, will at all times be limited to the amount paid, if any, by you. By entering you also understand that your email address will be shared with contest sponsors.

Conflict Resolution

The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement promptly by negotiation between persons who have authority to settle the controversy. Any party may give the other party written notice of any dispute not resolved in the normal course of business. If not resolved, any dispute, claim or controversy (i.e., contractual, tort, and/or statutory) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, shall be determined EXCLUSIVELY by arbitration in Nashville, Tennessee before one arbitrator. The arbitration shall be administered by either AAA or JAMS. This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, exclusive of conflict or choice of law rules. Void where prohibited.

Prize Deliveries

Prize delivery of all prizes will be coordinated via email. Video consultation calls with selected mentors will take place in 2025. If any prize is not fulfilled within 180 days of the official winner announcement, it is the responsibility of the winner to notify American Songwriter in writing. If the winner fails to notify American Songwriter of any outstanding prizes within 180 days, American Songwriter can no longer guarantee prize fulfillment.

Pay Periods

The 2025 Song Contest will introduce tiered pricing similar to a concert event. The earlier you enter, the more you save on entry fees. The ‘Opener’ Pay Period will be $25 per entry. The ‘Feature’ Pay Period will be $30 per entry. The ‘Encore’ Pay Period will be $35 per entry. Deadlines dates for each pay period will be announced on americansongwriter.com and via email in early 2025. 

Deadline

The 2025 Song Contest deadline is December 8, 2025, at 11:59:59 (CST)

American Songwriter reserves the right to extend the deadline and change the entry fee at any point in the contest. 

Category Descriptions

Each category you select counts as a separate entry.

Americana
Americana music is a genre that encompasses various styles of American roots music. It draws influence from folk, country, blues, rock, and other traditional American genres. Americana music often features acoustic instruments, heartfelt lyrics, and a focus on storytelling. Brandi Carlile, The Avett Brothers, Margo Price, Ruston Kelly, Brett Dennen, Griffin William Sherry

Blues
Blues music typically features a 12-bar or 8-bar musical structure and expresses deep emotions through its soulful vocals, expressive instrumentation (such as guitar and harmonica), and lyrical themes of hardship, sorrow, and resilience. It’s known for its distinct chord progressions, call-and-response patterns, and its influence on various genres including rock, jazz, R&B, and soul. B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Etta James, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Children’s Music
Children’s music is specifically tailored to entertain and educate young audiences, often featuring catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and playful themes designed to engage and stimulate young minds. The Wiggles, Imagination Movers

Christian
Christian music refers to music that is created and performed with a focus on Christian faith and themes. It encompasses a wide range of musical styles and genres and often incorporates lyrics that reflect praise, worship, devotion, and messages of faith, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings and Christian beliefs. Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant

Comedy/Novelty
Comedy/Novelty songs are humorous, unique and original, sounding different from everything else being played in the media. ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Steve Martin, Rachel Bloom, Flight of the Conchords

Country
Country Music is characterized by its storytelling lyrics, often centered around themes of love, heartbreak, rural life, and working-class struggles. It typically features acoustic and electric guitars, fiddles, steel guitars, and banjos as prominent instruments. Dolly Parton, George Strait, Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll

EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
EDM is a genre of music characterized by its use of electronic technology to create rhythmic and danceable soundscapes. It incorporates a wide range of styles, from house and techno to dubstep and trance, and is known for its pulsating beats, synthesized melodies, and energetic atmosphere that captivates audiences in clubs and festivals worldwide.
Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, Diplo, ODESZA

Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Folk/Singer-Songwriter music is typically characterized by the use of acoustic guitars, simple melodies, and heartfelt vocals. The focus is on the songwriting itself, with an emphasis on poetic and thoughtful lyrics. Artists in this genre often accompany themselves on guitar or piano, creating an intimate and stripped-down sound. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Madison Cunningham, Tiny Habits

Golden (50+)
Golden is a category specifically for songwriters 50 years of age or older in any style of music.

Hip-Hop/Rap
Hip-hop/rap music is characterized by rhythmic beats, spoken rhymes, and expressive lyrical flow. The beats are created using drum machines, samples, and electronic instruments. Rapping involves delivering rhythmic and rhyming verses, often with intricate wordplay and storytelling. Kendrick Lamar, Future, 50 Cent, Eminem, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, J. Cole, Landon Cube

Indie
Indie music is characterized by its emphasis on artistic freedom, experimentation, and a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach. Indie music often encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, including indie rock, indie pop, folk, alternative, and more. Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Foster The People, Florence + the Machine, Phoebe Bridgers, The Band CAMINO, Samia

Instrumental
Instrumental music is a genre characterized by the absence of vocal elements, relying solely on musical instruments to convey artistic expression and emotion. Whether it’s classical compositions, jazz improvisations, or contemporary electronic instrumentals, this genre showcases the power of melody, harmony, and rhythm without the need for verbal communication.

Jazz
Jazz music is characterized by its spontaneous and improvisational nature, often featuring intricate melodies, complex harmonies, and rhythmic syncopation. It encompasses a wide spectrum of sounds, from the soulful and smooth tones of a saxophone in a ballad to the lively and unpredictable rhythms of a swinging big band.
Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Alfa Mist, Samara Joy

Latin Music
Latin music is a diverse and vibrant genre that encompasses a wide range of styles originating from Latin American countries and the Iberian Peninsula. It features rhythmic richness, lively instrumentation, and a fusion of influences, including but not limited to salsa, bachata, reggaeton, merengue, and traditional forms like flamenco.
Shakira, Bad Bunny, Gloria Estefan, Juanes

Musical Theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance.
Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, George Gershwin

Music Video
A music video is a video that integrates a song or an album with imagery that is produced for promotional or musical artistic purposes. This category will evaluate all song and video production elements. 

Pop
Pop music is a genre that is characterized by its mass appeal, catchy melodies, and accessibility. It typically emphasizes memorable hooks, polished production, and relatable lyrics. Pop music often incorporates elements from various genres, including dance, electronic, R&B, rock, and hip-hop, to create a commercially appealing sound. Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, Julia Michaels

R&B/Soul
R&B/Soul music is characterized by its smooth, emotive vocals, often showcasing impressive vocal ranges and nuanced expressions. The genre typically incorporates lush arrangements, prominent use of rhythm and blues progressions, and a strong connection to gospel and blues roots.
Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Daniel Caesar, Ella Mai

Rock
Rock music is a genre characterized by its energetic, amplified sound driven by electric guitars, bass, and drums. It draws inspiration from various musical styles, incorporating powerful guitar riffs, dynamic rhythms, and emotive vocals. Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, U2, Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Machine Gun Kelly, Mötley Crüe

Teen
Accepting all genres and styles of music by artists who are 18 years or younger as of December 31, 2025.

World Music
World music is a genre that encompasses a vast array of traditional and contemporary musical styles from cultures around the globe. It often integrates indigenous instruments, cultural influences, and diverse rhythms, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the musical expressions of various communities worldwide.

Terms & Conditions – American Songwriter Social Media Promotion

How to Enter:
 To participate in the contest, entrants must:

1. Follow @americansongwriter on Instagram and TikTok
2. Use the official contest hashtag [#ASThreeWordChallenge] in their post or video
3. Tag @americansongwriter in the post or caption
4. Submit entries via Instagram and/or TikTok (both platforms are accepted)

Eligibility:

• Open internationally, all ages. If you are under 18 years of age, however, you must have permission and clearance to enter the Contest from your parent or legal guardian.
• No purchase necessary to enter or win.
• Entries must be submitted within the contest period Starting June 24th at Noon CT, ending on June 27th at Midnight CT.
• Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry must meet the requirements above.
• All songs entered must be original compositions with all song authors credited.
• This is a song contest, based on the musical elements present in the composition, not a singing contest.
• Songs will be evaluated based on lyrics, melody, likability, overall composition, and various other musical considerations.
• Songs WILL NOT be evaluated on recording quality, vocal prowess, or other similar values.
• No feedback will be provided on the songs entered into the contest.
• Verse/Chorus are accepted, entries do not have to be a complete song.

General Terms:

• We do NOT claim ownership in the materials you submit in conjunction with the Contest. (Such materials include written text, files, images, photos, video, songs, lyrics, poetry, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, remarks, suggestions, ideas, graphics, tags, hashtags, genres, splits, ownership splits, identifiable numbers, identifiable codes, songwriter name, personal identifiable information, copyright registration information, affiliated companies or individuals, rights holder, administrator, publisher, or any other materials (collectively, “Content”) that you display, upload, transfer, publish, or post to americansongwriter.com, whether public or private.)
• By submitting any Content through the Contest, whether public or private, you hereby grant to us a limited, non-exclusive license to use, stream, transmit, beam, store, publicly display, translate, reproduce, and distribute such Content, in any format, whether known or unknown, including the limited right to use your likeness, persona, logo, trademark, and right(s) of publicity ONLY for purposes of the Contest.
• By entering, participants grant American Songwriter the right to repost, share, and feature submitted content on social media, website, or promotional materials.
• This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram or TikTok.
• Winners will be contacted via DM and/or email (if provided).
• Prizes are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
• Winners must claim prize within two weeks
• The Contest is open to any songwriter, artist, musician, and/or band from anywhere in the world.
• The following parties are not eligible: (i) Employees, independent contractors, and/or affiliates of American Songwriter, or any of their immediate family members, (ii) contributors to the Contest (including judges and other contributors as we may determine on a case-by-case basis) and (iii) employees of Sponsors.
• By submitting, you are representing that you (and all associated co-writers on your submission) are not employed by or affiliated with American Songwriter, or any of its affiliates, you are not a contributor in any way to the Contest, and you are not employed by or affiliated with any of the contest sponsors and you have not been at any time during the previous two years.
• This Contest and these Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Nashville, Tennessee.
• You represent and warrant that (a) all registration information you submit is truthful and accurate; (b) you will maintain the accuracy of such information; and (c) your entry to the Contest does not violate any applicable law or regulation.

Contact:
For questions or issues regarding the contest, please email [email protected].