CONTEST DETAILS & ELIGIBILITY

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ELIGIBILITY

• The GRFF Songwriter Contest is open to songwriters of all ages!

• For the purposes of the competition, a song must have both lyrics and music. All submitted songs must be original and have been written or co-written by the entrant(s).

• Song Submissions to be submitted via Youtube links to the song(s). These links can be made private for the judges or public for all to see. Just be sure to add "GRFF Songwriter Contest Submission" somewhere in the song title!

• Song submissions must be LIVE recordings of you performing the song, no pre-recorded/produced tracks, music videos, or spotify links. We want to see your stage presence!

• Past grand prize winners of the GRFF Songwriter Contest are not eligible to enter the contest the following calendar year. All other previous entrants and finalists are eligible.

• Artists must be within a 300 mile radius of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

• Artist must pay the $10 contest entry fee to be considered an eligible contestant for the 2026 GRFF Songwriter Contest. The Paypal link is located next to the Contest Submission Link.

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JUDGING (FOR BOTH ONLINE SUBMISSIONS & DAY-OF-EVENT)

Our judges will use a consistent set of standards to make impartial decisions as to the merits of the song(s) and performance. We will strive to make sure that the judging is fair and follows our mission of supporting and encouraging songwriters.

The judging and scoring, for both the online submissions as well as the finals, will be based on the following:

1. Song structure and composition

   • The song has a clear theme or cohesive idea​

   • The song has clearly identifiable sections, verses, melody and chorus

   • The song is between 2 to 5 minutes in length

2. Lyrics

   • The lyrics evoke an emotional response from the listener​

   • The lyrics are singable and memorable

   • The lyrics have an identifiable rhyme scheme or pattern (should it serve the song)

   • KEEP IN MIND - this is a family friendly event - lyrics should be written and performed with the audience in mind.

3. Music & Melody

   • The music and melody adds to the emotional impact of the song​

   • The music keeps the listener interested and engaged

   • The music and lyrics fit together in a cohesive way

4. Originality

   • Must be an original song.

   • Songs and performances should express themes in a new or fresh way.​

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FINALS

• The top five (5) finalists from the online submissions will advance to the GRFF Songwriter Contest Finals.

• The Finals are held at the Songwriter Contest Showcase during the Great River Folk Festival on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

• From the Showcase performance, judges will select an overall winner, as well as two (2) honorable mentions.

• The Grand Prize songwriter has the opportunity to play a full set of music the same day as the competition and will receive ten (10) hours of recording time courtesy of Sound Strations Audio Productions, Inc.

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