{"id":6551,"date":"2017-01-05T16:28:12","date_gmt":"2017-01-05T16:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/10.1.1.164\/?page_id=200"},"modified":"2026-05-26T13:29:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T18:29:45","slug":"songwriter-contest","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/songwriter-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Header&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SingerAwards_Day2_002-scaled-e1766088431633.jpg&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;27vw||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset7&#8243; box_shadow_horizontal=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical=&#8221;-140px&#8221; box_shadow_color=&#8221;#FCF8F3&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; z_index=&#8221;11&#8243; width=&#8221;90%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;60px|60px|60px|60px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;60px|30px|60px|30px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;40px|20px|40px|20px|true|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;b0bf5418-994a-43d1-aef8-7d7c6764119d&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;80px&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;1.2em&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;72px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;32px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Video&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#fcf8f3&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_4,1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;55px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"589\">The 2026 <strong data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"91\">Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest<\/strong>, 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\u2014featuring 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"898\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Past finalists include\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"898\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/History-of-Contest-Winners-As-of-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a> to view a history of contest winners.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Broadjam-Logo.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Broadjam-Logo&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/broadjam.com\/index.php&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;33%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=&#8221;2523&#8243; orientation=&#8221;portrait&#8221; show_pagination=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;92%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Finalist-Graphic.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Songwriter Contest Finals&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Finalist Graphic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>2026 Finalist<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=&#8221;12005,12009,12007,12006,12008,12003,12001,12004,12002,12000&#8243; posts_number=&#8221;10&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; min_height=&#8221;1000px&#8221; height=&#8221;1000px&#8221; max_height=&#8221;1000px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;60.8px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||3px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||8px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;62c07917-228d-4fe0-9120-e44b2c6fb18e&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; header_3_font_size_tablet=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_3_font_size_phone=&#8221;14px&#8221; header_3_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>How to Enter<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;2e1ca0a8-a515-4ca3-8814-65eea4b82393&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.9em&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; text_font_size_tablet=&#8221;15px&#8221; text_font_size_phone=&#8221;13px&#8221; text_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complete the online application through Broadjam (please read contest rules below before applying)<\/li>\n<li>$30 entry fee<\/li>\n<li>Two songs are required per entry fee<\/li>\n<li>Application for 2027 will open on January 1.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.broadjam.com\/contests\/2026\/01\/01\/wildflower-music-arts-festival-presents-al-johnson-performing-songwriter-contest?srsltid=AfmBOoqLue5-N_6y3Le4xXFwfCaCmBoaQlNGRyasqsA28sBQBw6marId&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Apply Here&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; button_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; button_use_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;60.8px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||3px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||12px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Contest Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;845px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;62c07917-228d-4fe0-9120-e44b2c6fb18e&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; header_3_font_size_tablet=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_3_font_size_phone=&#8221;14px&#8221; header_3_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Prize Package(s) Include<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;2e1ca0a8-a515-4ca3-8814-65eea4b82393&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.9em&#8221; text_font_size_tablet=&#8221;15px&#8221; text_font_size_phone=&#8221;13px&#8221; text_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First Place\/Grand Prize &#8211; $1,000<\/li>\n<li>Second Place Runner Up &#8211; $500<\/li>\n<li>People\u2019s Choice Award &#8211; $500<\/li>\n<li>One-year premium membership to Broadjam (valued at $200) to each of the top 3 finalists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;62c07917-228d-4fe0-9120-e44b2c6fb18e&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; header_3_font_size_tablet=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_3_font_size_phone=&#8221;14px&#8221; header_3_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Contest Rules<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;2e1ca0a8-a515-4ca3-8814-65eea4b82393&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.9em&#8221; min_height=&#8221;410px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; text_font_size_tablet=&#8221;15px&#8221; text_font_size_phone=&#8221;13px&#8221; text_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Participants must be at least 18 years old<\/li>\n<li>Contestants are required to enter two original songs. (Entries containing only one song, or more than two songs, will be disqualified).<\/li>\n<li>Recordings submitted must be representative of the artist\u2019s live performance and include only one instrument, one voice (the songwriter\u2019s vocal), and no backup harmonies. Instrumental-only songs are NOT accepted.<\/li>\n<li>Co-written songs are accepted; however, only one of the writers may apply and perform the song on the recording.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>Songs that have been previously recorded and released under contract on a label are NOT eligible.<\/li>\n<li>Each song must NOT exceed five (5) minutes.<\/li>\n<li>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\u2019s vocal), and no backup harmonies.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;62c07917-228d-4fe0-9120-e44b2c6fb18e&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; header_3_font_size_tablet=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_3_font_size_phone=&#8221;14px&#8221; header_3_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Top Ten Finalists Receive<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;2e1ca0a8-a515-4ca3-8814-65eea4b82393&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.9em&#8221; min_height=&#8221;344px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||24px|||&#8221; text_font_size_tablet=&#8221;15px&#8221; text_font_size_phone=&#8221;13px&#8221; text_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>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\u2019s vocal), and no backup harmonies.<\/li>\n<li>Lodging for May 15 and 16, 2026 and green room hospitality<\/li>\n<li>Wildflower! festival passes for you and a guest<\/li>\n<li>Additional set at Wildflower! festival on the CityLine Stage.<\/li>\n<li>If selected as a winner, a chance to play in the Singer-Songwriter Song Swap on Saturday, May 16.<\/li>\n<li>Opportunity of a lifetime to spend a weekend, sharing songs with some of the best performing songwriters in the nation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;62c07917-228d-4fe0-9120-e44b2c6fb18e&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Yusei Magic||||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; min_height=&#8221;47px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; header_3_font_size_tablet=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_3_font_size_phone=&#8221;14px&#8221; header_3_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Fair Screening Process<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;2e1ca0a8-a515-4ca3-8814-65eea4b82393&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.9em&#8221; text_font_size_tablet=&#8221;15px&#8221; text_font_size_phone=&#8221;13px&#8221; text_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>The contest is a performing songwriting contest. The entries will be judged based on the quality of the songs (50%) and the artist\u2019s presentation\/performance of the songs (50%).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Al Johnson Performing Songwriter ContestThe 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\u2014featuring networking with leading songwriters from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5654,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2523\" src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Picture-of-Al-246x306.jpg\" alt=\"Al Johnson\" width=\"200\" height=\"249\"><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The award-winning Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest encourages the growth of the art of independent performing singer songwriters. Genres include Acoustic, Americana, Blues, Celtic, Country, Folk, Rock, Indie,&nbsp; and Pop. Some of our past finalists include Ruthie Foster, Beth Wood, Rj Cowdery, Drew Kennedy, Tom Faulkner and many more. 10 finalists are selected through a blind screening process and are invited to perform at the finals on the Singer Songwriter Stage in the Eisemann Center.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cIn keeping with our philosophy, the songs selected reflect the artistic integrity of the artist. They represent a great diversity of musical genres and will provide our Wildflower! audiences an opportunity to join us in recognizing excellence in songwriting.\u201d<\/em> ~ Al Johnson<\/p>\n<p><!--2016 Finalists End--><\/p>\n\n<!-- wp:spacer -->\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"className\":\"is-style-wide\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Contest Rules <\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Entrants Will Be Competing For one of three prizes: <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>First Place Grand Prize - $1000<br>Second Place - $500<br>Michael Terry People's Choice AWard - $500 <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>An invitation to perform on the Singer Songwriter Stage and an additional set on the Courtyard Stage<\/li><li>Lodging for 2 nights<\/li><li>Festival passes for you and a guest<\/li><li>Green Room hospitality during performance time<\/li><li>Opportunity of a lifetime to spend a weekend sharing songs with some of the best performing songwriters in the Songwriting Contest Showcase at <strong>Wildflower!<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Rules:<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li><strong>Maximum One (1) entry per person. One entry = two songs<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Participants must be at least 18 years old.<\/li><li>A maximum of 300 entries will be accepted on a first submitted basis.<\/li><li>A total of ten finalists will be selected and invited to perform on the Singer Songwriter Stage  in the contest finals. <\/li><li>All finalists must provide their own transportation to <strong>Wildflower!<\/strong> (Located in Richardson, TX).<\/li><li>Recordings submitted must be representative of the artist\u2019s live performance and include only one instrument, the songwriter\u2019s vocal and no backup harmonies.<\/li><li>Produced recordings or instrumental only songs are NOT accepted.<\/li><li>Co-written songs are accepted; however, only <strong>one<\/strong> of the writers may submit an application and perform the song on the recording.<\/li><li>Artist\u2019s name, biographical information, or credits can <strong>NOT <\/strong>be included on the recordings\/mp3 metadata, (title, artist, track number, and other identifying information).<\/li><li>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.<\/li><li>Songs that have been previously recorded and released under contract on a label are <strong>NOT ELIGIBLE.<\/strong><\/li><li>Songs must have been written within the last two (2) years (after December 2018).<\/li><li>Each song must <strong>NOT<\/strong> exceed five (5) minutes.<\/li><li>Finalist live performances at <strong>Wildflower!<\/strong> are limited to one (1) songwriter\/vocalist who must perform the songs submitted in the contest. During the performance the vocalist can provide instrumentation or have a single accompanist (with no backup harmony or effects).<\/li><li>Each finalist must attend the contest finals at <strong>Wildflower!<\/strong>  and be available to play a set in the Songwriting Contest Showcase as one of the winners.<\/li><li>Prior to the contest, finalists may not appear on any stage at the Festival with any artist(s) booked for the Booked artists may not accompany a finalist during the contest.<\/li><li>The finalists will be given an opportunity to perform an additional set on the Courtyard stage during the Festival.<\/li><li>All previous finalists and winners are invited to submit with the exception of the 2018 winners and the 2019 finalists and winners<em>. <\/em><\/li><li>Finalists must attend a pre-festival meeting. to learn the order of final performances at the Festival.<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4> Fair Screening Process: <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>All entries are subjected to a blind and independent screening by several experienced music promoters, songwriters and educators familiar with original songwriting and performing techniques.<\/li><li>The 10 finalists are selected based on the rankings and scores compiled from the results of the independent screeners.<\/li><li>The contest is a performing songwriting contest. The entries will be judged based on the quality of the songs (50%) and the artist\u2019s presentation of the songs (50%).<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>2019 Finalist<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[5321,5281,5284],\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Ashton-Edminster-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5321\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/timeline\/ashton-edminster\/ashton-edminster-2\/#main\" class=\"wp-image-5321\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><strong>First Place<\/strong><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicbyashton.com\/\">Ashton Edminster<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Alicia-Stockman-e1556738740372-947x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5281\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/alicia-stockman\/\" class=\"wp-image-5281\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><strong>Second Place <\/strong> <br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/aliciastockman.com\/\">Alicia Stockman<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Chris-Chism.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5284\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/chris-chism\/\" class=\"wp-image-5284\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><strong>Michael Terry People's Choice Award <\/strong><br\/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.chrischism.com\/\">Chris Chism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[\"5282\",\"5286\",\"5287\",\"5288\",\"5289\",\"5291\",\"5292\"],\"columns\":7,\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-7 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Amanda-Latz-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5282\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/amanda-latz\/\" class=\"wp-image-5282\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thevoiceofaez.com\">Amanda Latz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/James-Lee-Baker-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5286\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/james-lee-baker\/\" class=\"wp-image-5286\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jamesleebaker.com\/\">James Lee Baker<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Jessica-Carson-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5287\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/jessica-carson\/\" class=\"wp-image-5287\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.clandestineamigo.com\/\">Jessica Carson<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Lyndy-Butler-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5288\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/lyndy-butler\/\" class=\"wp-image-5288\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyndybutler.com\/\">Lyndy Butler<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Savannah-King-1024x910.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5289\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/savannah-king\/\" class=\"wp-image-5289\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savannahkingmusic.com\/\">Savannah King<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Scott-Martin2-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5291\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/scott-martin2\/\" class=\"wp-image-5291\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.scottmartinsongs.com\/Bio\/\">Scott Martin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Spencer-Hamilton-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"5292\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/spencer-hamilton\/\" class=\"wp-image-5292\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/LocalManDiesMusic\">Spencer Hamilton<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5><a href=\"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Past-SSW-Contest-Winners-2019.pdf\">Click here to view a history of the Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest Winners.<\/a> <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"iawp_total_views":5487,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6551","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6551","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6551"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6551\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12463,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6551\/revisions\/12463"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5654"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6551"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}