Calling all Texas songwriters – this is your moment.
The Texas Country Music Association has officially opened submissions for the 2026 TCMA Songwriter Contest, and if you’ve been sitting on a killer song, a heartbreaker, a honky-tonker, a gospel gem, or something that sounds like it came straight outta Luckenbach… now’s the time to send it in.
This year’s contest includes two categories:
Country and Christian Country, and the stakes are big! Winners in each category earn a performance slot on the main stage at the 2026 Texas Country Music Awards on November 8, 2026, live from Billy Bob’s Texas in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. That’s right: the world’s largest honky tonk.
Not only that, all Top 10 finalists in each category will be recognized during the awards festivities. It’s a massive platform for songwriters hoping to get their words and melodies heard by the people who matter in Texas country music.
Entries are reviewed as they’re received, so the earlier you submit, the better your shot at getting ears on your work quickly. All songs must be original, and each submission will be judged on:
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Creativity
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Lyrics
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Melody
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Arrangement
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Originality
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Overall technique
Basically, they’re looking for the full package.
Head to: www.texascountrymusicassociation.org/2026songwriter
Everything you need is right there: rules, entry details, deadlines, and submission forms.
Good luck, songwriters. We’ll see you at Billy Bob’s.
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