Tennessee – 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 earned the opportunity to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event on March 30 with music industry professionals. They also received a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville, a $100 gift card for travel, and a one-year membership to the 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 has been writing and performing for over 20 years. Thousands have enjoyed his smooth vocal quality and imaginative lyrics, including in his winning song, “Strong Magic.” He 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 raw, emotional lyrics and describes her style as “confessional.” Johnson advanced to The Bijou from the qualifying round held at The Laurel Theater.
Bristol finalist Claire Childress is a songwriter from southwestern Virginia who often writes from personal experiences. Her sound blends blues, indie rock, and alternative folk. She advanced from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Gatlinburg finalists Kristina & Jordan, a duo consisting of Kristina Stair and Jordan Foster, won with their song “We’ve Been Here Before.” Stair, from Sevier County, studied music at Walters State, while Foster, originally from Kentucky, has lived in East Tennessee for years. They met in Gatlinburg last year and recently began writing and singing together.
Chattanooga finalist Caleb Lovely moved audiences with his emotional song “Triggers.” Raised in an abusive childhood, he overcame adversity to turn his experiences into powerful music. Lovely advanced from Barrelhouse Ballroom.
Portland finalist Jon Wayne Hatfield, a 23-year-old from Ohio, gained recognition after performing his song “Tell Me Ray” on “American Idol” in 2023. He has been living in Nashville for three years and performed his song “Jealous of Jesus” at the showcase. Hatfield advanced from One19 Craft Kitchen & Brewery in Dickson.
Franklin finalists DEK of Hearts, a country trio composed of Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey, bring a mix of pop, R&B, gospel, and classic country influences. They met while studying at Trevecca Nazarene University and have since performed together, even opening for Grammy Award winner Rhonda Vincent. The trio advanced from Harken Hall in Madison.
Each of the seven finalists will perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event on March 30.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development leads the annual Tennessee Songwriters Week, which supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation, and celebrates the state’s rich musical heritage. Nearly 50 qualifying rounds took place across the state in January and February, leading to the seven showcase events.
Since its inception in 2019, more than 5,000 songwriters have performed 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, and local music venues to ensure songwriters can share their original work with audiences.