The final round of the 2026 Mississippi Songwriter of the Year competition takes place tonight in Kosciusko.
Fifteen finalists from across Mississippi will perform their original songs live at The Guitar Academy, competing for the title of Mississippi Songwriter of the Year and a $2,000 prize to be used toward the professional recording and production of their song at a reputable studio.
There will be a cash bar and food will be available for purchase when doors open at 5 p.m. The live show begins at 6:30 p.m., and an after party will be hosted at The Jefferson Street Social directly following the competition.
Finalists represent communities across the state, including Kosciusko, Natchez, Lorman, Florence, Ridgeland, Brandon, Philadelphia, Louisville, Collinsville, Jackson, and Carthage.
The winner will be announced following the performances.
Mississippi Songwriter of the Year 2026 Finalists:
*In alphabetical order by last name*
- Krystal Adcock (Mize) – “Heaven’s Hunting Ground”
- Gabriel Bass (Natchez) – “Kudzu”
- Hannah Belle (Lorman) – “High Heels to Fill”
- Roy Brown (Florence) – “H.O.L.Y.”
- Randy Bo Daughtry (Florence) – “Second-Hand Man”
- Arthur Jacob (Ridgeland) – “Whose Nightmare am I Living”
- Lauren Lindsay (Kosciusko) – “The One I’ll Love”
- Angela Pittman (Brandon) – “Life in the South”
- Marilyn Powell (Philadelphia) – “Livin’ in the Word”
- Jodie Ross (Louisville) – “I Was Yours”
- Preston Sanders (Collinsville) – “Every Part Has a Song”
- Bobby Sharp (Philadelphia) – “Love and Birds”
- Lee Buford Threadgill (Jackson) – “Goldmine”
- Jeff Tolleson (Carthage) – “Moonshine”
- Mike Wootan (Carthage) – “Four Lane Junkie”
