Tear-Jerking Talent Alert: 46 Faith-Filled Songwriters Just Got Life-Changing News

Quick Smiles:

• 46 incredibly talented Christian songwriters have been named finalists in a major 2025 faith-based music contest
• Inspiring entries range from worship anthems to deeply personal testimonies of God’s love and grace
• Top 15 songs and category winners will be revealed soon, celebrating faith through music

Music has an amazing power to lift our spirits, strengthen our faith, and remind us we’re never alone. And right now, 46 incredibly gifted songwriters are celebrating a milestone that could change their lives forever.

The official finalists for the 2025 Christian Song Contest have just been announced, and the list is brimming with heartfelt talent!

From deeply moving worship ballads to uplifting anthems of hope, these songwriters poured their hearts into creating music that glorifies God and touches souls. Each finalist represents countless hours of prayer, creativity, and dedication to sharing the Gospel through song.

Among the finalists are inspiring titles like “God Came” by Charles Brion Gates, “Beautifully Broken” by George Koehl and Rachel Connolly, and “Walking on Water” by Danny Alcorn. The diversity of voices and styles showcases the beautiful tapestry of Christian music today.

Other standout entries include “Holy Place” by Faith Child, “Victory” by Danny Alcorn, and the poignant “What A Waste (Judas’ Song)” by Michael Young, Brooke George, and Javier Batista.

The full list of finalists includes powerful collaborations and solo efforts alike. Songs like “Bones” by Emmaline Pennell (PENNELL), Gabriel Wilson, and Miles Pennell, and “From The Ground Up” by Ashley Smith, AJ Pruis, and Paul Duncan demonstrate the strength of creative partnerships rooted in faith.

Worship-focused tracks such as “Lavish” by Trey Hill (Revive Worship) and Kimber Terry, and “Taste & See” by Joseph Spencer promise to lead congregations into deeper encounters with God’s presence.

Personal testimony shines through in songs like “Loved By The Great I Am” by Chris McQuistion, Kevin Winebarger, and Jonathan Jackson, and “Your Story’s Not Over Yet” by Jessica Cate (Layla Capri), Bailey Hager, and Chris Clayton.

The finalists represent both emerging artists and established names in Christian music. Each songwriter now awaits the announcement of the Top 15 Songs and Overall Winner, along with Category Winners.

In the coming weeks, these talented finalists will learn which songs rise to the very top—but every single one of them has already achieved something remarkable by making it this far.

Their music reminds us that faith isn’t just something we believe—it’s something we sing, something we celebrate, something that brings us together in joy and worship.

Other beautiful finalists include “Halfway to Hallelujah” by Derek VanBoxel, “In My Bed” by Heath Jackson, “Jesus” by Vihan Damaris and Seth Mosley, and “Neighbor” by Alex O’Briend (Meeting of the Mimes).

Songs like “Blessing In Disguise” by Angela Morano and “Come Back to Me” by Meredith Joy Keller and Joshua Cockerham speak to God’s faithfulness in every season of life.

The contest continues to grow, with the 2026 Christian Song Contest already accepting entries for next year’s competition. This ongoing celebration of faith-filled music is creating opportunities for songwriters to share their gifts with the world.

Whether you’re a worship leader looking for fresh material, a music lover seeking inspiration, or simply someone who finds joy in Christ-centered creativity, this list of finalists offers something beautiful for everyone.

Congratulations to all 46 finalists! Your dedication to glorifying God through music is already making a difference in countless lives.

Complete List of 2025 Christian Song Contest Finalists (alphabetically by song title):

“A Mighty Thanks” by Robert Grove (Josh Grove)
“At Your Feet” by Jessie Villa (Consider The Lilies)
“Beautifully Broken” by George Koehl and Rachel Connolly
“Blessing In Disguise” by Angela Morano
“Bones” by Emmaline Pennell (PENNELL), Gabriel Wilson, and Miles Pennell
“Come Back to Me” by Meredith Joy Keller and Joshua Cockerham
“Dig Down Deep” by Michael Young, Brooke George, Jennifer Bryant, and Marina Crouse
“Every Word I Say” by Krystal Adcock
“From The Ground Up” by Ashley Smith, AJ Pruis, and Paul Duncan
“God Came” by Charles Brion Gates
“God’s Hands” by Yvonne Pambakian (James Bakian)
“Halfway to Hallelujah” by Derek VanBoxel
“He Loves You” by Ethan Koch (Psalms of David)
“Holy Place” by Faith Child
“I Know (I Don’t Know)” by Isaiah Carrell (Isaiah William), and Gable Price
“I Speak to God” by Attila Janos Kun
“In My Bed” by Heath Jackson
“In the Middle of It All” by George Furlott
“Jericho” by Zane Walls
“Jesus” by Vihan Damaris and Seth Mosley
“John 11:35” by Austin Webb
“Lavish” by Trey Hill (Revive Worship) and Kimber Terry
“Let The Sun Shine Bright” by Norm Mcdonald, Liz Tay, and Joseph Wandass IV
“Lilies (Song of Songs)” by Lara Overy (daughter) and Madison Overy
“Living for a Reason” by Mackenna Strohmeier (Mackenna Swann), Les Downs, Dan Knittel, and Cole Nesson
“Love The Child In Me” by Darren Piper (Optikz)
“Loved By The Great I Am” by Chris McQuistion, Kevin Winebarger, and Jonathan Jackson
“Luke” by Joel Broughton (Tahan Music Co.) and Kristen Broughton
“Mama I Made It” by Dwight Holmes (Just Juun)
“Mercy” by Aaron McClain
“Neighbor” by Alex O’Briend (Meeting of the Mimes)
“Pieces in Your Peace” by Shaylee O’Neill (Shaylee Simeone) Savannah Locke, and Jillian Edwards
“Prodigal” by Jared Buabeng (Jakob)
“St. Anthony” by Mateo Rodriguez (MATEO)
“Start Singing (Hallelujah)” by Katie Sutherland (Katie Rey), Maggie Youngs and Max Allard
“Sweeter” by Aaron McClain
“Taste & See” by Joseph Spencer
“Together Alone” by Salvador Baca (Shelltown Paradise)
“Victory” by Danny Alcorn
“Walk On” by Jonathan Tankersley (Church Friends)
“Walking on Water” by Danny Alcorn
“What A Waste (Judas’ Song)” by Michael Young, Brooke George, and Javier Batista
“You Go Before Me” by Andrew Bryan Fernandes
“Your Story’s Not Over Yet” by Jessica Cate (Layla Capri), Bailey Hager, and Chris Clayton
“Yours” by Jessie Villa (Consider The Lillies)

Stay tuned for the announcement of the Top 15 Songs and Overall Winner—these talented artists are already winners in our hearts!