Contest Terms & Conditions

Modern Sound Worship Song Contest 2025
Last Updated: August 28, 2025

1. Eligibility

  • Contest is open to solo artists, songwriters, and worship leaders ages 18 and up, residing in the United States.

  • Entrants must submit original worship songs that are solo-written and solo-performed by the entrant. Co-writes, duets, or group submissions are not eligible.

  • Songs must be original and not previously released on digital streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).

  • Entrants must own and control all rights to the submitted song.

2. Entry Guidelines

  • Duplicate submissions will be disqualified.

  • Entry is free for the 2025 contest year.

  • All submissions must include:

    • A live video of the original song performed solely by the entrant (a simple phone recording is acceptable).”

    • Full song lyrics

    • Confirmation that the song is written solely by the entrant

    • Artist bio or statement of inspiration

    • Artist photo

    • Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM CT on October 31, 2025. Late entries will not be considered.

3. Judging & Selection Process

  • From eligible entries, Top 5 submissions will be selected by Modern Sound to move forward as Top 5 Finalists.

  • Fan Favorite Winner will be determined by public vote hosted on the Modern Sound website.

  • Top 5 Finalists will be reviewed by a panel of music industry professionals selected by Modern Sound and Cantinas Arts Foundation.

  • The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen based on the input of the judges panel and the final decision made by Modern Sound. The Grand Prize is not determined by fan votes.

  • Modern Sound reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet all requirements or violate any contest rules.

4. Prize Details

  • Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:

    • $1,000 cash prize (via check or digital payment within 90 days of winner announcement)

    • Professional song production including arrangement, recording, mixing, and mastering

    • A studio-based music video (final creative execution and location at the discretion of Modern Sound)

    • Travel costs for winner to attend recording session in Nashville (includes flight, hotel, and per diem)

    • Two tickets to the 2026 Dove Awards (artist plus guest; event attendance not guaranteed if circumstances change)

    • On-site interview with Cantinas Arts Foundation during GMA Week (exact format and schedule to be coordinated)

    • Two tickets to the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music

  • Fan Favorite Winner Will Receive:

    • $100 Amazon Gift Card (delivered digitally)

    • Two General Admission tickets to the 2026 Dove Awards

    • Two tickets to the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music

    • Social media recognition from Modern Sound and Cantinas Arts Foundation

  • Note:

    • No cash alternatives are available outside the listed cash prize.

    • Prizes are non-transferable and may not be exchanged or substituted.

    • Final details of production, marketing, and deliverables are subject to reasonable changes based on budget, vendor availability, or scheduling conflicts. Every effort will be made to deliver a high-quality experience consistent with what is outlined.

5. Rights & Usage

By submitting an entry, participants grant Modern Sound and Cantinas Arts Foundation a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable license to use:

  • The original submitted video

  • Final recorded song and instrumental versions

  • Artist name, image, and bio for use in promotional materials, including but not limited to websites, social media, newsletters, press, or recap content.

Modern Sound and Cantinas will not claim ownership of the song, and the artist retains all songwriting rights. However, permission is granted for continued use of all associated materials to promote the contest, Modern Sound, and Cantinas-related initiatives.

6. Disclaimers

  • Modern Sound and Cantinas Arts Foundation are not responsible for technical errors, incomplete entries, or voting platform issues.

  • All decisions made by Modern Sound regarding eligibility, judging, and prize fulfillment are final.

  • The Contest may be canceled or modified at any time if unforeseen circumstances arise (natural disasters, technical failures, legal issues, etc.).

7. Legal Terms

  • Entry into the contest constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

  • Participants agree to hold harmless Modern Sound, Cantinas Arts Foundation, and their partners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, or damages related to participation in the contest or prize fulfillment.

  • These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.