Emerging talent finalists in Whitefish Songwriter Festival contest

Ten songwriters from across the country, including six from Montana, have been selected as finalists in the inaugural “It’s All About the Song” songwriting contest, a new initiative created by the nonprofit Whitefish Songwriter Festival to discover emerging talent and give aspiring songwriters meaningful exposure to working professionals in today’s music industry.

“We created ‘It’s All About the Song’ because talented songwriters need more than encouragement — they need opportunities to be heard,” said Cari Klepper, Whitefish Songwriter Festival producer and organizer.  

The competition earned the endorsement and partnership of Nashville-based Quartz Hill Music Group, bringing additional music industry expertise.  

“Having Quartz Hill Music Group believe in the initiative and partner with us is tremendous validation of what we’re trying to build in Whitefish: meaningful access to people, experiences and opportunities," Klepper said.  

The contest attracted more than 100 entries in two divisions — under 18 and 18 and over. Following multiple rounds of judging, five finalists and three alternates were selected in each division. 

The 10 finalists have been invited to Whitefish to perform their original songs live on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center during the Whitefish Songwriter Festival. 

One grand prize winner from each division will receive $1,000 and an invitation to perform at the 2027 Whitefish Songwriter Festival, along with additional opportunities. 

The contest is part of an expansion of the festival’s educational mission designed to connect aspiring musicians and young people directly with accomplished songwriters, producers, artists and music industry leaders. 

On Sept. 17 and 18, the festival and North Valley Music School will present an intensive songwriting workshop led by Montana-born songwriter, producer and artist Ethan Thompson, whose co-writes and productions have generated more than 715 million streams, Billboard No. 1 success and multiple Gold-certified records. 

During festival weekend, the “Making Music Today!” industry roundtable will bring together acclaimed producer and songwriter Nathan Chapman, music publishing executive BJ Hill and A&R executive Preston Rodie, with industry veteran Jules Wortman moderating. The panel will explore songwriting, publishing, artist development, technology and what it takes to build a career in today’s rapidly changing music business. 

The festival’s educational programming will then move into Whitefish schools on Sept. 21 and 22, where rising country artists Lakelin Lemmings and Spencer Hatcher, part of the Quartz Hill Music Group label family, are scheduled to meet with students and share firsthand experiences about songwriting, performing and pursuing careers in music.  

“Professional guest artists can provide students with a unique glimpse into the art of songwriting,” said Mark McCrady, music educator at Whitefish Middle School. “Students get to hear firsthand what it takes to write songs, perform, develop as an artist and pursue music professionally. Experiences like these can help unlock a child’s potential and inspire them to pursue music beyond the classroom.” 

Together, the contest, workshop, industry panel and school outreach reflect the festival’s growing ambition to use the relationships it has built within the music industry to open doors for aspiring songwriters and youth.  

2026 finalists under 18:  

Elizabeth Grace Hammond — San Antonio, Texas — “Strike That Match”
Kaelyn Marie Saenz — Kalispell, Montana — “70 X 7”
Liam Robert Gingras — Polson, Montana — “I Don’t Want to Lose Myself”
Annabelle Christine — Kalispell, Montana — “Clean Robes”
Kodi & Madison Holmes — Kalispell, Montana — “Straight into The Blue” 

Alternates:

Dylan Wilson — Newtown Square, Pennsylvania — “Vigilant”
Lydia Ruth Kirkbride — Worley, Idaho — “Easy”
Sophie Elizabeth Wolf — Palmyra, Pennsylvania — “My Giant” 

2026 finalists, 18 and over:  

Anna E. Wescoat — Quincy, Florida — “Music Man”
Andrew Hoyt — Chicago, Illinois — “Kind of Paradise”
Timothy James Baucom — Bozeman, Montana — “Somewhere Warm”
Tim K. Torgerson — Whitefish, Montana — “Getting’ in Touch”
Nathan Johnson — Fort Collins, Colorado — “Leaving” 

Alternates:
Jim Hoehn — Brookfield, Wisconsin — “Dead Man’s Burrito”
London Baileigh — San Antonio, Texas — “Dancehall Ghost”
Robin Regina Baker — Midway, Utah — “Tequila in Bed”