The Texas Country Music Association has officially announced the winners of the 2025 TCMA Songwriter Contest, and we’ve got a new set of names to celebrate!
In the Country category, Curtis Grimes and Bobby Evans took home Songwriter of the Year with their song “What I’m Here For.” Over in Christian Country, the top honor went to Tyson Leamon for “Who I Am.” Both winners will get the chance to perform their award-winning songs live at Billy Bob’s Texas during the 2025 Texas Country Music Awards on November 9th.
Country Songwriter Contest Results
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Winner: Curtis Grimes & Bobby Evans — “What I’m Here For”
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1st Runner-Up: Brandon Hutcheson & Jon Hutcheson — “Damn Dallas”
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2nd Runner-Up: Jonathon Rachal, Donovan Rachal & Taylor Griffin — “If I Fall”
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3rd Runner-Up: Tristan Roberson, Lauren McLamb & Chris Rafetto — “Somewhere in Texas”
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4th Runner-Up: Chaser Crouch — “Daybreak Heartbreak”
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Honorable Mentions: Dave Carroll, Maddox Ross & Danny Wells, Season Ammons, Ty Wilson & Craig Brooks
Christian Country Songwriter Contest Results
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Winner: Tyson Leamon — “Who I Am”
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1st Runner-Up: Matthew Soileau — “I Need Jesus”
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2nd Runner-Up: Aaron Loy — “God Made A Cowboy”
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3rd Runner-Up: Stephen Butler — “Love Her Like Christ”
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4th Runner-Up: Morgan Ashley & Emerson Day — “Ain’t It Just Like Jesus”
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Honorable Mentions: Aaron Loy & Jim Hawkins, Randall Cate, Trey Calloway & Cody Kelley, Troy Vanderhoof & Alexis Alexander Tapp, Rhonda McCullough & Taylor Bonham
According to TCMA President Linda Wilson, this year’s contest brought in a huge response with 446 original songs submitted across both categories. Judges scored entries on creativity, lyrics, melody, arrangement, and overall originality and narrowing it down wasn’t easy.
“Every song was incredible,” Wilson said. “It was very hard to choose winners because there’s so much talent in Texas. Our job as the TCMA is to support these songwriters and help them get the recognition they deserve.”
All winners and honorable mentions will be recognized during the 2025 Texas Country Music Awards at Billy Bob’s Texas on November 9th. Some will perform live, and all the awards will be presented that night.
Tickets are on sale now at billybobstexas.com
For more info on the awards and the TCMA, visit texascountrymusic.org
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