SONGWRITER COMPETITION

Do you have what it takes to make it on the Main Stage? We’re giving one songwriter a chance to make that dream come true!

Here is everything you need to know about competing our Songwriter Competition:

ELIGIBILITY:

• Open to all songwriters, local & non-local

• All music genres are welcome

• Each artist must submit one original song (no covers)

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND FEE:

• Entry fee: $60 per submission

• Fee includes one 2 day festival pass for the songwriter

• Deadline to enter: 8/24/2025

JUDGING CRITERIA & BREAKDOWN:

The winner will be determined based on the key pillars of success in the music industry — Creating great music, selling tickets, and building a loyal fan base!

• Judges' Score – 50%

  • Judges to include a panel of music industry professionals

  • Things judges look for:

    • Songwriting quality (lyrics, structure, originality)

    • Melody and composition

    • Performance and delivery

• Songwriter Ticket Sales – 25%

  • Artists who entered will receive a custom ticket link or code

  • Any tickets sold through the artist’s link/code will earn more points

  • Ticket sales must be purchased by the competition deadline to count

• Crowd Voting – 25%

  • Audience votes for their favorite act via an online voting platform.

  • Voting is limited to one vote per person

2025 DESTIN SONGWRITER CHAMPION:

• The winner will be announced on 10/1/2025 and will be invited play the main stage at the Destin Songwriter Festival on 10/11/2025