Faith-Filled Panel of Acclaimed Christian Artists and Industry Leaders Announced as Judges for InspireMore Song Contest

Quick Smiles:

• Beloved Dove Award winners Stephen Stanley, Rachael Lampa, and Aaron Shust join the judging panel.
• Industry veterans from Capitol CMG, Word, and Sony bring decades of experience to uplift new songwriters.
• Hopeful band HOPEFUL. and executive Karrie Dawley round out a team passionate about discovering music that points people to hope.

Behind every great song is someone who recognizes its heart, and we’re honored to have an incredible panel of artists, songwriters, and industry leaders doing just that for InspireMore’s 2nd Annual Christian Song Contest.

Each judge brings a unique perspective shaped by their own faith, creativity, and experience, united by a passion for discovering songs that inspire, encourage, and point people toward hope.

Enter Now

Meet Stephen Stanley, an acclaimed artist whose distinctive sound blends rock, pop, and atmospheric influences into music that is both deeply personal and sonically expansive.

A Dove Award winner for Rock Album of the Year, Stanley has garnered more than 200 million streams and built a social media audience of over 1.4 million followers.

Meet Rachael Lampa, a Dove Award-winning artist, mom, and child of God, whose powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting have made her one of Christian music’s most enduring voices.

Her latest release, Superpowers, is an anthem written about her 2-year-old son with Down syndrome, which has been widely received and celebrated in the disability community.

Meet Aaron Shust, a Dove Award-winning singer-songwriter whose Scripture-centered worship music has impacted listeners for nearly two decades.

His breakout hit “My Savior My God” earned Dove Awards for New Artist, Songwriter, and Song of the Year in 2007, followed by chart-topping songs including “My Hope Is in You” and “Ever Be.”

Meet HOPEFUL., an Oceanside, California-based indie rock band turning personal battles with anxiety and depression into a powerful message of faith and hope.

With over 15 million streams in 2025, major playlist features, and performances at Rock the Universe and Liberty University, HOPEFUL. is building momentum toward their debut LP, the art of letting go, arriving summer 2026.

Meet Jonathan Sell, a music industry executive and the founder of Origin Creative Group, bringing more than 15 years of experience in artist development, management, and A&R.

During his time with Centricity Music and Capitol CMG/Universal Music Group, he helped guide the careers of acclaimed artists including Lauren Daigle, Seph Schlueter, Mandisa, Rend Collective, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, and Passion Music.

Meet Karrie Dawley, the Head of Creative at Anotherland, where she leads creative strategy across the label and publishing divisions while helping shape the vision for the company’s growing roster of artists and songwriters.

Her career has also included creative and A&R roles at Word Records, EMI/CMG, and Essential Records, where she worked with artists such as Mandisa and Kari Jobe.

Meet Josh Bailey, the co-founder of the new modern music company By Design.

Formerly, Bailey spent six years in leadership at Capitol Christian Music Group, overseeing A&R and supporting artists, as well as 14 years at Word Entertainment developing artists.

Meet Scott Graves, an accomplished music industry executive with extensive experience in A&R and music publishing.

Throughout his career, he has held roles with leading companies including Warner Music, Sony Music, and Virgin, helping discover and develop some of today’s most respected artists.

Ready to share your story through song? Submit your original music for a chance to be heard, celebrated, and recognized by industry-leading judges who believe in the power of meaningful songwriting.

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