7 SONGWRITERS NAMED TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK 2025 FINALISTS

FINALISTS WIN PERFORMANCE AT THE ICONIC BLUEBIRD CAFE

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 4, 2025 – Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists stunned audiences, and impressed esteemed judges and fellow songwriters with their original songs on stage at showcases across the state, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Songwriter showcases included Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Paramount Bristol in Bristol, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Temple Theatre in Portland and The Franklin Theatre in Franklin.

Each of the seven finalists across the state earn the opportunity to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event March 30 with music industry professionals, a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, two-night stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). Tennessee Songwriters Week celebrates the craft that put Tennessee on the map: songwriting, in all genres of music.

Memphis Finalist

Rodrick Duran is a talented singer-songwriter who has been writing and performing throughout Memphis and the United States for over 20 years. Thousands have enjoyed his smooth vocal quality and imaginative lyrics, including in his winning song, “Strong Magic”. He’s excited to travel across the world to Italy for a series of performances this summer. Duran advanced to Lafayette’s Music Room from South Main Sounds in Memphis.

Knoxville Finalist

Sarrenna Johnson performed her winning song, “Audacity,” on guitar. She showcases her raw, emotional lyrics for the audience. Johnson recently began sharing what she describes as “her confessional lyrical stylings”. Johnson advanced to The Bijou from the qualifying round held at The Laurel Theater. She’s very excited to get to play on the Bluebird stage.

Bristol Finalist

Claire Childress is a songwriter from southwestern Virginia and resides in a small town right outside of Tennessee. She often writes songs from personal experiences. Her sound falls under different genre categories, such as blues, indie rock, and alternative folk. She’d competed in qualifying rounds during Tennessee Songwriters Week in years past and was excited to advance to a showcase for the first time and be the Northeast Tennessee finalist. Childress advanced from Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Gatlinburg Finalist

Winning duo Kristina & Jordan is made up of Kristina Stair and Jordan Foster. Stair is a singer-songwriter, born and raised in Sevier County and studied music at Walters State. Foster is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from southeastern Kentucky, but has called East Tennessee home for many years. The two met last year in Gatlinburg and have recently begun occasionally writing and singing together. They won the competition with their song “We’ve Been Here Before”.

Chattanooga Finalist

Caleb Lovely is a multi-talented artist you will want to watch. He brought the crowd to tears with his emotional song “Triggers”. He is a breath of fresh country air that will magnify how you experience music. Having been raised in an abusive childhood, Lovely was doomed to fail. But against all odds, he turned his past trials and triumphs into songs that will forever move you - physically and emotionally. Lovely advanced from Barrelhouse Ballroom.

Portland Finalist

Jon Wayne Hatfield is a 23-year-old small-town kid from the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio. Jon appeared on “American Idol” in February 2023 with a song he wrote called “Tell Me Ray” about his grandfather. He has been living in Nashville, Tennessee for the last 3 years and is pursuing his artist and writing career. Hatfield wowed the crowd with his original song “Jealous of Jesus”. Hatfield advanced from One19 Craft Kitchen & Brewery in Dickson.

Franklin Finalist

DEK of Hearts is a Nashville-based country trio known for rich harmonies, heartfelt songwriting and diverse musical influences. Comprised of Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey, the group met while studying at Trevecca Nazarene University, bonding over their shared love of music. After college, they had the incredible opportunity to open for Grammy Award winner and Grand Ole Opry member Rhonda Vincent. Each member brings a unique musical background that shapes their signature sound. Dylan John, an acoustic guitarist and songwriter, blends pop and R&B influences, infusing their music with energy and emotion. Emily Clapp, a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, draws from R&B, gospel, funk, and pop, delivering soul-stirring performances. Kollin Bailey, a multi-instrumentalist on mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar, and keys, has a deep love for classic country and bluegrass, adding a timeless authenticity. Together, they craft a dynamic fusion of genres that is both engaging and deeply personal. The trio advanced from Harken Hall in Madison, which hosted a qualifying round for the first time.

Finale at The Bluebird Cafe

Each of the seven finalists across the state earn the opportunity to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event March 30 with music industry professionals, a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night hotel stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the seventh annual Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state's musical stories, history, attractions and venues. Nearly 50 qualifying rounds were held at venues, cafés, listening rooms, museums and unique performance stages in late January and early February. Songwriters advanced from qualifying rounds to the seven showcases. Since its inception in 2019, more than 5,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on Tennessee stages during the annual celebration each February.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow the journey of these songwriters and join the fun by following @tnvacation on social media and tag #tnsongwritersweek and #tnsoundsperfect.

Photos & Video

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Video: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Future Stars are Discovered
Video: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Music History is Written

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Media Contact:

Jill Kilgore

Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov

Lisa Valentine

Lisa.Valentine@tn.gov