2026 SONGWRITER COMPETITION
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 WINNER ANDREW DOLAN!!!!
We are excited to announce the dates for our 2026 Songwriter Competition
SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO SIGN UP!
Prelim week #1 - October 19
Prelim week #2 - October 26
Prelim week #3 - November 2
Prelim week #4 - November 9
FINALE NIGHT - November 16
Here is a quick run down on rules, guidelines, and important facts that you should know. This event will take place on five straight Mondays. During those preliminary dates, 12 slots will be available for sign-up, along with five slots on a waitlist per night just in case one of those 12 can’t make it. From those 12 songwriters, 3 or 4 will advance to the Finale on Nov. 16th in which they will compete against those who moved on as well.
The ultimate winner, along with the first runner-up and second runner-up will be chosen on Nov. 16th. $1,000 in cash prizes to be rewarded to top 3. Winner will receive a custom hand made guitar from Tatum Guitars here in Lubbock. Winner will also receive a recorded song and music video courtesy of Mount Vernon Studios here in Lubbock. (Music Video can be subbed for another song). Winner will also receive a $500 merch package from Johnny Velvet Tees. Winner will also receive a booking at The Blue Light Live, Hotel Turkey, and Magnolia Motor Lounge. One free online course in music publishing courtesy of South Plains College (need not be a student to accept this prize).
As far as songwriting rules go:
Each songwriter will be allowed two songs (Songs shouldn’t be longer than five minutes in length)
Each song must be an original. No covers.
This is a solo competition. No duos. You must play your own instrument
Songwriters must provide copies of their lyrics for the judges prior to performance. If you do not bring advance copies, paper will be available.
Each songwriter must make their own arrangements with regards to instruments. (Bring a guitar, etc.)
If and when you advance to the Finale, you will not need to perform again in the competition until the Finale
For more information about the Singer/Songwriter nights email us at jerryserranomusic@gmail.com or dsix@thebluelightlive.com
Previous Blue Light Singer-Songwriter Competition winners include: Kenneth O’Meara, Casey Berry, Daniel Markham, Zac Wilkerson, Danny Cadra, Amanda Goebel, Erick Willis, Jacob Furr, Jerry Serrano, Zoe Carter, Starfire on the Mountain, Will Felty, Juliet McConkey, Isaac Hoskins, Dylan Phares, Travis Roberts, Ray Fairley, Jonny Hughes, and most recently Andrew Dolan..
Additionally, we’d love to go ahead and get everyone familiar with our intentions of creating a listening room atmosphere for these specific dates. This is ultimately a songwriter competition which values the craft of lyrics, storytelling, vocals, mood, emotion, and feeling. That essentially means giving the one performing our absolute attention and observation.
We will keep this page updated with how many open slots are currently available. Spots will be filling up fast, so don’t put off signing up.
One excellent way to start preparing is to show up at Blue Light’s Singer-Songwriters Mondays for the next few weeks. It’s a cool, calm, and relaxed atmosphere in which you’ll be able to share your songs with other songwriters, musicians, and music appreciators in the area.
To sign up for the competition simply scroll down on this page and fill out the form
Week 1 Monday, October 19:
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Week 2 Monday, October 26:
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Week 3 Monday, November 2nd:
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Week 3 Monday, November 9th:
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Week 5 Monday, November 16th: FINALE NIGHT
“I"d like to write some songs that are so good that nobody understands them. Not even myself”. --- Townes Van Zandt