2026 Wide Open Country Song Contest

Entries are closed

Thank you to everyone who entered.

We received an incredible response, and every entry is now in review. Results will be announced in stages beginning this fall, starting with our semifinalists.

ENTRIES NOW CLOSED

What is the Wide Open Country Song Contest?

  • It's All About Country - Wide Open Country's signature competition for original country songs, built to surface standout artists, songwriters, and voices across the current country music scene.

2026 SONG CONTEST PRIZES

Grand Prize Winner (1)

  • $5,000 in cash USD
  • Dream Co-Write with Valerie June
  • A&R Mentorship with Scott Graves
  • Song Mixed and Mastered by Music Producer
  • Editorial Coverage
  • Premium Guitar

1st Place Category Winners (5)

  • $1,000 in cash USD
  • A&R Mentorship with Scott Graves
  • Editorial Coverage

2nd Place Category Winners (5)

  • $500 in cash USD
  • A&R Mentorship with Scott Graves
  • Editorial Coverage

Meet the 2026 judges

Be Heard By #1 Artists, Songwriters, Industry Execs & More!

Philip Bowen is an Appalachian-rooted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, West Virginia raised, fiddle player since age four, whose energetic performances earned over 1.5 million fans online.

North Carolina native Carter Faith is a Nashville-based artist with millions of streams, CMT Next Women of Country honoree, touring with Keith Urban, Cherry Valley.

Hannah McFarland signed with Warner Chappell and Capitol, debuted "Hey Highway," earned Pandora Artists to Watch, released Broken Hearts EP and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

Piedmont-raised Ashland Craft rose to national acclaim after The Voice, hit CMT's Next Women of Country, signed with Leo33, debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, and released acclaimed albums.

Three-time SCMA winner Shantaia is a Nashville-based artist known for powerhouse vocals, major tours, top Canadian festivals, and 2024 Universal Music Canada single release hit.

Lee Dannay is VIP of A&R at Thirty Tigers, developing John Mayer and Brandi Carlile, now working with Corinne Bailey Rae and Bruce Hornsby artists.

Kohli joined Warner Music Nashville A&R in 2017, working with Dan + Shay and Ingrid Andress, after roles in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.

Scott Graves is an A&R veteran with Warner, Sony, and Virgin, known for signing Josh Ritter, Brendan Benson, Langhorne Slim, Lenka, and more.

Learn more about the 2026 Judges


AVAILABLE categories

Looking For Hit Songs Across The Country Music Spectrum

Alt-country (or alternative country) is a subgenre of country music that blends traditional country elements with influences from punk, rock, folk, and indie music. Example artists include Jason Isbell, Wilco, Lucinda Williams<br>

Bluegrass is a genre of American roots music that blends elements of traditional country, Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish music. Example artists include Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck.<br>

Hip-Hop Country, also known as Country Rap, is a fusion genre that blends elements of country music with hip-hop and rap. Example artists include Cowboy Troy, Struggle Jennings, Colt Ford.

Modern country, also known as contemporary country, refers to the current mainstream form of country music that blends traditional country sounds with influences from pop, rock, and other popular music genres. Example artists include Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen.

Traditional country music refers to the early and foundational style of country music that developed in the Southern United States in the early 20th century. Example artists include Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn.

FAQ

When is the deadline?

The deadline for the 2026 Wide Open Country Song Contest is July 27, 2026.

Do I retain ownership of my song?

Wide Open Country takes no rights to the songs entered.

Is the contest international?

Yes, we accept entries from anywhere in the world.

ENTRIES NOW CLOSED

Click here to see all contest terms & conditions