HOOKED! Songwriting Contest
Searching for America’s next hit song

About

The HOOKED! Songwriting Contest presented by Prince Ivan and The Nest brings together

ten amazing songwriters

with celebrity judges

and a live audience

in one entertaining and interactive American Idol-style show.

HOOKED! is searching for America’s next hit song. Hit songs come in every style, genre and variety. HOOKED! is all about that diversity, so whether you write country, pop, gospel, folk, hip hop or anything else; whether you’re young or a little more seasoned; whether you’re looking for your big break or just looking to make a little extra cash – this contest is for you.

Details

All genres and all ages (12 & up) are welcome to submit songs.
Submissions open on March 1, 2025.
Submissions close on August 9, 2025.
Top Ten finalists will be selected, notified and announced on September 5, 2025.
Top Ten and special guests get to connect and share music in a Top 10 Songwriter’s Roundtable on October 3, 2025 at 7:00pm at The Nest.
Free songwriting workshop with industry pros on October 4, 2025 at 9:00am at Pepsi Legends Theater
The Top Ten will get to take the Pepsi Legends Theater stage on October 4, 2025 at 3:00pm in front of the celebrity judges and a live audience for the chance to be a HOOKED! champion!
Profits from the show to benefit a local charity TBA.

Prizes

2025 Prize Package TBA!
- Last year’s prize package was…
  - 1st Place = $1000 cash prize + 6 Month Membership to Inside Pitch Club, the new way to pitch your songs
  - 2nd Place = $500 cash prize
  - 3rd Place = $300 cash prize

Why You Should Enter!

Perform on a professional stage in the live music capital of the world, Branson, MO.
Get your music heard by a live audience AND industry professionals.
Network with industry professionals.
Connect with other songwriters.
Grow your fanbase.
Learn industry tips through a special workshop.
Get performing experience.
The chance to win cash prizes.
Get press, social media and traditional media coverage.
Create friendships and connections to move your career forward.
Become part of the HOOKED! community.
Previous HOOKED! winners get to perform in the following year’s show and participate as submissions judges.
And so much more!