Three Local Songwriters Advance from Kingsport Qualifier

Winners to compete in Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase event

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Three local songwriters - Jared Bentley, Landon Camper, and Cameron Payne - won the Kingsport Qualifying Round for the 2026 Tennessee Songwriters Week competition. They will now advance to a showcase event on February 23 in downtown Kingsport, where seven finalists from across Tennessee will compete for prizes including a performance at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe.

Why it matters

Tennessee Songwriters Week is an annual event designated by the state to highlight local musical talent during a traditionally slow tourism month. The qualifying rounds and showcase event provide a platform for emerging songwriters to gain exposure and recognition.

The details

The Kingsport qualifying round, hosted by Visit Kingsport, featured 15 songwriters who were judged on song quality, performance, and lyrical originality. In addition to the three winners, the event also featured performances from 2022 Showcase Finalist Chancellor Lawson and regional favorite Momma Molasses.

  • The Kingsport qualifying round was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase event will take place on February 23, 2026.

The players

Jared Bentley

An Elizabethton native who performed his original song "Most of the Least" and earned a spot in the top three of the Kingsport qualifying round.

Landon Camper

A songwriter from Bristol, Virginia who performed his song "Just as Well" and advanced to the top three in the Kingsport qualifier.

Cameron Payne

A Johnson City-based songwriter who performed his song "Time" and was selected as one of the top three in the Kingsport qualifying round.

Chancellor Lawson

A 2022 Showcase Finalist and member of the band Donnie and the Dry Heavers, who performed at the Kingsport event.

Momma Molasses

A regional favorite musician who also performed at the Kingsport qualifying round.

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What’s next

The seven showcase finalists from across Tennessee will compete for prizes including a performance at Nashville's historic Bluebird Cafe, a one-year membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and a branded commemorative guitar.

The takeaway

The Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying rounds and showcase event provide a valuable platform for emerging local musical talent to gain exposure and recognition, helping to support the state's vibrant songwriting community during a traditionally slow tourism season.