AMANDA ROBINETTE NAMED KINGSPORT TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK FINALIST
PRESENTED BY TENNESSEE TOURISM AND VISIT KINGSPORT
FINALISTS WIN PERFORMANCE AT THE ICONIC BLUEBIRD CAFE
Finalist Amanda Robinette at The Reserve. Photos for media use courtesy @HunterBerryPhotography
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 24, 2026 – Amanda Robinette, one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists, stunned the audience, fellow songwriters and impressed judges with her original song “Lucky Girl” on stage at The Reserve in Kingsport, The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Robinette competed against 16 other songwriters to win the Northeast Tennessee showcase. Six other showcase events are scheduled this week, including at Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge, Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, Barrelhouse Ballroom in Chattanooga, Franklin Theatre in Franklin and Temple Theatre in Portland and The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville. The showcase events highlight seven distinct musical regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee across a diverse range of genres.
Hailing from Blountville, Tennessee, Amanda Robinette is an East Tennessee State University (ETSU) graduate and a staple of the local live music scene. While she is a frequent performer at weddings, wine bars, and private events, her true passion lies in the craft of songwriting. Amanda’s ultimate dream is to release her original music and share her unique stories with the world.
Robinette advanced from The Jackson Theatre in Jonesborough, one of several qualifying rounds in Northeast Tennessee, which also included Model City Taphouse in Kingsport, Tennessee Hills Distillery and Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Boones Creek Museum and Opry in Johnson City and Doe Valley Farm in Mountain City. Nearly 60 qualifying rounds took place across the state, including in cafes, listening rooms, lounges, breweries, distilleries, museums, hotels, historic theatres and bookshops – from small towns to cities.
The showcase, presented by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Visit Kingsport, spotlights emerging songwriters that craft stories and give music its soul. “Tennessee Songwriters Week is about creating meaningful stages for original music while celebrating the communities behind it,” said Lara Potter, Vice President, Visit Kingsport. “We’re proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to showcase emerging talent, support our local venues and highlight the rich musical heritage that continues to shape Kingsport and Northeast Tennessee.”
Radio Bristol host Kris Truelson with Birthplace of Country Music Museum hosted the event. Judges included Grammy-winning bluegrass bassist Barry Bales, songwriter and owner of Hat Creek Recording Company Bobby Starnes and songwriter and former Tennessee Songwriters Week finalist Beth Snapp. Judges considered quality of the song (original lyrics/melody and clear narrative) and performance (ability to understand lyrics and connection with the audience). Former finalists Beth Snapp, Chancellor Lawson, Jessie Rogers (Echoing Sunset) and Claire Childress (Claire Chill) performed as special guests.
Music and songwriting run deep in the roots of Northeast Tennessee, including country, bluegrass, rock, jazz, metal and more. Kingsport continues to build on its musical heritage by hosting live performances, festivals and songwriter showcases that draw visitors eager to experience authentic Appalachian sound. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol was the setting for some of the earliest country records including those of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. The Down Home in Johnson City, which marks its 50th anniversary, provides an intimate stage for songwriters, a venue led by co-owner and Country Music Hall of Famer and esteemed musician Ed Snodderly.
Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s musical stories, history and attractions. Since its inception in 2019, the program will celebrate more than 6,000 songwriters who have shared their original music on Tennessee stages.
Tennessee Sounds Perfect
Hear it here. The home of seven genres of music – blues, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, country, gospel and soul. Discover why Tennessee Sounds Perfect.
- Tennessee’s Seven Music Genres
- Small Town Music Sites
- Ultimate Concert Venues
- Tennessee Music Festivals
- Plan your Tennessee Musical Road Trip
