Sponsored by the Department of Tourist Development, Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café, and Taylor Guitars, the contest is open to individual songwriters, duos, or trios who are at least 18 years old. Visit 2024 Tennessee Songwriters Sweepstakes Official Rules for the official rules if you plan to enter. Online entries open Dec. 14.

The contest, which was established in 2019, has featured talent from right here in Sevierville. East Tennessee singer/songwriter Elijah Wise began his rise to stardom last year, performing at a Songwriters Week qualifying round held at The Pines in downtown Sevierville – the very same venue where Dolly Parton had her first paid performance. Wise’s performance in Sevierville helped him cement a spot in the showcase round at Old Red Gatlinburg. The Pines Downtown, formerly The Pines Theater, was a popular Sevierville entertainment spot in the 1940s-50s. Legends who took the stage there include Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell, and June Carter Cash. The venue will once again host a qualifying round for the contest on Jan. 28, 2024.

Eligible songwriters will be given the opportunity to play an original song at a qualifying round, with rounds hosted by 70 venues throughout the state. A panel of judges at each of the venues located will select two songwriters to advance. Songwriters will be rated for their lyric originality, instrumental sound, stage presence, and connection to the audience. 140 songwriters will move forward to TN Songwriters Week Showcase events in the seven cities (20 songwriters per venue), including nearby venues The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville and Old Red Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg.

Winners from each of the seven showcase venues will perform at the finale at The Bluebird Café on March 24, 2024, and receive a prize package including a two- night hotel stay at a hotel located near The Bluebird Café, a songwriting workshop with The Bluebird Café team, membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International, which will include mentoring sessions and a workshop, a $100 gift card, and a branded commemorative guitar from Taylor Guitars.