Kingsport, Tenn. – Four local songwriters won the Kingsport Qualifying Round for the 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week competition and will advance to the showcase rounds next month. The qualifying event, hosted by Visit Kingsport at Model City Tap House, was held on Tuesday, January 28.
18 songwriters took the stage to perform their original song for a panel of judges with hopes of walking away with a ticket to the next round of the competition. The songwriters were judged on their song quality, performance and lyrical originality.
Trevor Meade, a Kingsport native performed his original song, Long Road, which earned him a spot in the top four. Joining him was Adam Brown (Kingsport, Tenn.) with his song, Always, Adam Bolt (Abingdon, VA) with his song, Day of the Trade and John Fluce (Mount Carmel, Tenn.) with his song, Faith.
The audience and those watching live on Facebook were also treated to special performances from the judges; 2022 Showcase Finalist and member of Donnie and the Dry Heavers, Chancellor Lawson, chart-topping writer and producer, Bobby Starnes and Samantha Gray, local blues and R&B singer/songwriter.
The winners of the Kingsport qualifying round advance to a showcase event to be held February 26 at the Paramount Bristol. Seven showcase finalists from across the state will earn prizes, including performing at the historic Bluebird Cafe, a one-year-membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a branded commemorative guitar.
A state statute designated the last full week of February each year as Tennessee Songwriters Week, which is traditionally a slow month for tourism and travel. Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, support songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.
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