Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition Unveils 2025 Top 50 Finalists

The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition has revealed its Top 50 finalists for this year’s competition, with a diverse selection of artists chosen from across the globe.

The finalists are announced after the competition received over 4,000 song entries from across 52 countries, which were whittled down by more than 70 global judges. In addition to the vast number of submissions, over $2.5 million has been raised for Noro Music Therapy for the first time since 2009.

The 2025 shortlist showcases an array of genres and storytelling, with emerging and established songwriters receiving spots on the shortlist.

Shortlisted artists include Baker Boy, Ninajirachi, Y.O.G.A., Tori Darke, Ruel, MAY-A, PJ Harding, Carla Wehbe, Charley, Jude York, ASHWARYA, and many others. You can see the full shortlist below.

Named in honour of the iconic Australian songwriters Harry Vanda and George Young, the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition is all about putting the spotlight on great new music and raising money for the Noro Music Therapy charity.

The overall winner of the 2025 competition will receive a life-changing $50,000. A total prize pool of $80,000 will be shared among 15 songs. You can see the breakdown of winners’ prizes below.

“We are thrilled by the quality and originality of the entries received this year,” commented Milly Petriella OAM, the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition Director and Founder.

“From uplifting pop anthems and soul-stirring ballads to edgy indie tracks and inventive sonic experiments, this year’s finalists capture the global landscape of songwriting in today’s musical climate.

Petriella added, “Our expanded international judging panel has been blown away by the calibre of entries. Several judges have already asked to be introduced to the writers behind their favourite songs, which really speaks to just how special this year’s submissions are – it’s a record-breaking year on every front.”

The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition 2025 Top 50 Finalists (in alphabetical order):

ASHWARYA – JUNOON

Bailey Pickles + Jeremy Gregory – Close To Me

Baker Boy – FREAK OUT [feat. Briggs, Haiku Hands]

Bri Clark – The Wrong Room

Bri Clark – Can't See It Till You See It

Carla Wehbe – Broke Your Heart

Carla Wehbe – Astro

Charley – Man On The Moon

Che-Leigh Jaffer – Oh, The Humanity!

CLEWS – When You're Around

Cora – (boy)cott

CYRUS – At The End Of The Day

Daisy Pring – Treading Water

Danielle Lamb – Break My Fall [KEZA]

Edith – Hear from You

Elishia – As Good as it Gets

Elizabeth M. Drummond – I Need No One, I Need Love

Essi – Nostalgic

Hellcat Speedracer – Stay Blessed feat. Legzdina

Hollie Isabella – all i can say

Hudson Rose – Changed On Me

Hudson Rose – Dancing On The Tables

ISHAN – My Mouth (la la la)

Jordan Laser – 100 Days of Solitude

Jude York – Almost Me Almost You

Louis Schoorl – Zombie [Lewis Fitzgerald]

Louis Schoorl – Somewhere that love grows [Izzy Bizu]

Marlhy – paint dry (I'M FINE)

Mathilde Anne – Cigarettes and anxious sex

MAY-A – (I’m here for the) GIRLS

Mike Rivett – 7 Triplets

Moira & Claire – no hesitation

Nathan Hawes – Small Change [Don West]

Ned Houston – Self Defence

Ninajirachi – iPod Touch

Oliver Cronin – Closure

PEPTALK – Solar System (feat. Under the Influence)

PJ Harding – Cascadia

Ruel – The Suburbs

Samuel Cromack – Like Love [Ball Park Music]

Seb Szabo – Tangerine (All I Want)

Seb Szabo + Joan & The Giants – Figure It Out

Sergiio – Supabad [feat. Blush'ko]

Stilla – No Man's Land

Tig – Ferris Wheel

Timothy James Bowen – Thief

Tori Darke – My Boots Made Me Do It

Whakaio Taahi – Scared of Myself [Alexander Stewart]

Y.O.G.A. – Rodeo [feat. AViVA]

Y.O.G.A. – Down In Boots [feat. Blake O'Connor, Kaylee Bell]

The Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition Prizes

First Prize: $50,000

Thanks to APRA AMCOS, Alberts, and Sony Music Publishing

Second Prize: $10,000

Thanks to Banki Haddock Fiora

Third Prize: $5,000

Thanks to Volume Foundation

Emerging Australasian Songwriter: $5,000

Thanks to AMPAL (Australasian Music Publishers’ Association Ltd)

Emerging Global Songwriters: 10 x $1,000

Thanks to Merrick Property Group, Complete Law Pty Ltd, GLOW Music, and other anonymous donors

Bonus Gear Prizes

Thanks to Australis (Gibson Guitars) and Neumann Berlin

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