CM United proudly announces Honey Ribar as the Songwriter of the Year in their 22nd annual songwriting competition. Ribar, whose song “Earthquake (Singing Your Praises)” secured first place in the third quarter, stood out among a talented group of songwriters to receive this top honor.
This long-running annual competition, hosted by CM United via ChristianSongwriting.com, continues to spotlight and support the vibrant talent emerging within the Christian music community. Each year, the contest brings together a diverse pool of songwriters, resulting in a rich blend of artistic and spiritual expression across all categories.
22nd Annual Contest Winners:
? 1st Place Winners:
? 1st Qtr: Ward Tolbert – The Wood From Jesus’ Cross
? 2nd Qtr: Matthew Soileau – One Light
? 3rd Qtr: Honey Ribar – Earthquake (Singing Your Praises)
? 4th Qtr: Jonathan Harvey – This Christmastime
? 2nd Place Winners:
? 1st Qtr: Erisa Rei Kopp – Face Like Flint
? 2nd Qtr: Sutton Porth – Heaven Is Here
? 3rd Qtr: Grant Adams – The Valley
? 4th Qtr: Maria Olgerfelt – Unique
? 3rd Place Winners:
? 1st Qtr: Eli Klimchuk – My Jesus
? 2nd Qtr: Brian Tucker – Calling Me
? 3rd Qtr: Katie Flemming – Just Asking
? 4th Qtr: Cindy Clark – Shout for Joy (Psalm 98)
As the 22nd Annual Songwriter of the Year, Ribar will receive a grand prize package including a comprehensive radio promotion campaign, Spotify playlist placement, a professional press release package, and a career development deal to help advance her music ministry.
Maintaining its high standards and integrity, this year’s competition was judged by a panel of respected music industry professionals: Cale Kight (artist and songwriter), John Katina and James Katina of the renowned Christian group The Katinas, and Chrissy Conway Katina, formerly of the Dove Award-nominated pop trio ZOEgirl.
Over the years, CM United’s contests have served as launching pads for many successful artists. Notable past participants include Jordan St. Cyr, now signed to a major label; Mark Alan Schoolmeesters, a writer for artists like Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture; Shay Mooney, now part of the chart-topping duo Dan + Shay; and Dustin Smith, a well-known songwriter and Integrity Music artist. Other rising names include Band Reeves, a duo made up of brothers Jeramy and Cody Reeves from Palestine, Texas, who recently signed with Centricity Music.
Alumni success continues with Sam Hart, who along with his wife Christin was named the 17th Annual Songwriter of the Year. Since relocating to Nashville, Sam signed with Curb/Word Publishing and has become a producer working alongside top Christian artists. Additionally, Cale Kight, a former contestant and now a judge, has achieved multiple Billboard charting hits and collaborates regularly with top Nashville songwriters.
These ongoing stories reflect the meaningful and lasting opportunities created through CM United’s contests—platforms that not only highlight talent but actively contribute to the growth and impact of Christian songwriters across the nation.
Entries for the 23rd Annual, 2nd Quarter Songwriting Contest are now open at ChristianSongwriting.com, inviting new voices to share their music and step into the legacy of faith-filled songwriting excellence.
Watch the Music Video of the Winning Song: