Contest FAQs

What is the Modern Sound Worship Song Contest?

It’s a nationwide contest to discover, celebrate, and elevate original worship songs written by emerging Christian songwriters. Presented by Modern Sound and sponsored by Cantinas Arts Foundation, the contest gives one standout artist the opportunity to have their song professionally produced, filmed, and promoted—plus recognition and prizes for both the Grand Prize Winner and the Fan Favorite.

Who can enter?

The contest is open to U.S.-based solo artists, worship leaders, and songwriters who are 18 years or older. You must have written the song yourself and retain all rights to it. No co-writes, duos, or group submissions are allowed.

Does it cost anything to enter?

Nope. Entry is completely free for 2025.

What kind of song should I submit?

Submit an original, unreleased, faith-centered worship song. Your lyrics should be theologically sound and appropriate for Christian audiences. No covers, public domain songs, or previously released music will be accepted.

How do I submit my song?

Go to http://modernsound.co/worship2025 and fill out the submission form between October 3 and October 31, 2025. You’ll need to upload:

  • A video performance of your song (solo only – phone recordings are fine!)

  • Full lyrics

  • Your name

  • A short artist bio or personal statement

  • One artist photo

What happens after I submit?

  • Fan Favorite Voting (Oct 3 – Oct 31) As submissions come in, the Modern Sound team will share select entries online to build buzz and gather public support. The artist with the most votes will win the Fan Favorite Prize.

  • Finalist Selection (Nov 3) The Modern Sound team will choose the Top 10 entries based on artistic merit and originality. From there, a Judging Panel will evaluate and narrow the field to a Top 5.

  • Executive Review (Nov 3 – Nov 9) The Top 5 finalists will be reviewed by a group of leading executives and decision-makers in the Christian music industry. They’ll cast votes and help select the Grand Prize Winner, with the final decision made by Modern Sound.

  • Winners Announced (Nov 11) Two winners will be revealed across Modern Sound and Cantinas channels:

    • Grand Prize Winner (selected by industry executives)

    • Fan Favorite Winner (determined by public vote)

What do the winners receive?

  • Grand Prize Winner:

    • $1,000 Cash Prize

    • Professional Song Production (arrangement, tracking, mixing, mastering)

    • Music Video (Shot at the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music in Nashville, TN)

    • Travel costs covered (flight, hotel, per diem for Nashville sessions)

    • Two tickets to the 2026 Dove Awards, interview opportunity with Cantinas Arts Foundation, and a tour of the the Christian & Gospel Music Museum

  • Fan Favorite Winner:

    • $100 Amazon Gift Card

    • Recognition across Modern Sound & Cantinas social platforms

    • Two general admission tickets to the 2026 Dove Awards, and a tour of the the Christian & Gospel Music Museum

Does my song need to be professionally recorded or produced?

No. Your video can be a simple phone recording. We’re looking for powerful songs and heartfelt performances—not production polish.

Will my submission be shared publicly?

Yes, entries will be featured on Modern Sound’s website and some entries will be featured on our social media channels as part of the Fan Favorite voting round. While you retain ALL rights to your music, by entering, you do grant Modern Sound and Cantinas Arts Foundation a non-exclusive, royalty-free rights to use your submission for contest promotion and marketing purposes.

When will production happen for the winning song?

Recording and filming for the Grand Prize Winner is currently scheduled for October 8, 2025. Travel and scheduling will be coordinated with the winning artist and alternative production time will be coordinated if that date does not work.