Baker Boy, Ninajirachi, MAY-A Among Top 50 Finalists of Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Comp

The Top 50 finalists of the Vanda & Young global songwriting competition have been revealed.

The standout roster of songwriting talent from across the globe showcases a rich diversity of styles and stories, reinforcing the competition’s reputation as a vital platform for the craft.

Finalists include Baker Boy, Hellcat Speedracer, Ninajirachi, Ball Park Music’s Sam Cromack, Carla Wehbe, MAY-A, CLEWS, Ruel, Seb Szabo, and many more. You can see the full list below.

The overall winner of the 2025 competition will receive a career-changing $50,000. Runners-up don’t walk away empty-handed – there is $10,000 (courtesy of Banki Haddock Fiora) up for grabs for for second place, $5,000 (via Volume Foundation) for third place, and $5,000 (via AMPAL) for the emerging Australasian songwriter, Plus, ten emerging global songwriters will pocket $1,000 each.

These awards are designed to give songwriters the resources and industry exposure needed to elevate their careers, with all decisions based solely on the strength of the songs.

Past winners include King Stingray, Budjerah, Charley, Genesis Owusu, MAY-A, Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, Ruel, Matt Corby, Sarah Aarons, Amy Shark, Gang of Youths, Mallrat, and Gretta Ray.

WILSN (aka Shannon Busch) won first prize at the most recent competition, for her song “Give You Love”, performed by Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo.

Named in honour of legendary Australian songwriters Harry Vanda and George Young, the 2025 competition broke records with over 4,000 songs submitted from 52 countries.

Entry fees directly support Noro Music Therapy, a charity transforming lives through music. Since the competition began in 2009, it has raised more than $2.5 million for Noro – a new high that underlines the music community’s ongoing generosity.

This year also saw the competition’s largest and most international judging panel to date, with more than 70 experts – including A&Rs, songwriters, artists, managers, and representatives from labels, publishers and music media – participating in the anonymous judging process. Their combined perspectives helped ensure that the finalists reflect the breadth and depth of contemporary songwriting in today’s global landscape.

“We are thrilled by the quality and originality of the entries received this year,” said Milly Petriella, 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.

“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 2025 Top 50 Finalists (A-Z)

ASHWARYA – “JUNOON”

Bailey Pickles + Jeremy Gregory – “Close To Me”

Baker Boy – “FREAK OUT” (ft. 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” (ft. 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” (ft. 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” (ft. 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” (ft. AViVA)

Y.O.G.A. – “Down In Boots” (ft. Blake O’Connor, Kaylee Bell)