Introduction to the Emerging Songwriter Warrior Award
As part of the 10th anniversary year and the celebration of the Warrior Award, Songwriter of North America (Sona) presents the Emerging Songwriter Warrior Award. This new honor is awarded by YouTube Songwriters and distinguishes the outstanding aspiring songwriter who shapes the future of music. The prize is given to a Sona member who illustrates originality, craft, and commitment to creative integrity.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
To be considered for the award, songwriters must be Sona members. The nominations are now open until August 22, 2025. The finalists and the winners are decided by the Sona membership. This provides an opportunity for the songwriting community to recognize and celebrate the talents of their peers.
The Award Ceremony
The recipient of the Emerging Songwriter Warrior Award will be announced on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California, live at the fifth annual Warrior Awards. Five finalists will be recognized, and the evening will be hosted by Bonnie McKee and Shane Stevens, with appearances by McKee, Stevens, Morgan Wade, and Desmond Child.
Partnership with YouTube Songwriters
The Emerging Songwriter Warrior Award is a result of the partnership between Sona and YouTube Songwriters. "In cooperation with YouTube Songwriters, we created this award as a tribute to the aspiring voices in the community for songwriters of songwriters. It is a celebration of the extraordinary talent of the future of our industry," said Michelle Lewois, Sona Co-Founder and CEO of the Sona and the Sona Foundation. Jenna Rubenstein, head of songwriter relationships for YouTube Music, added, "YouTube Music and Sona share a common mission to support songwriters in every phase of their career, and this new award embodies this uniform goal so beautifully."
Other Awardees
In addition to the Emerging Songwriter Warrior Award, this year’s Warrior Award winners will also be announced. The winners include Grammy winner Chappell Roan, five-time Grammy award-winning songwriter producer Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, co-founder and lawyer of Sona, Dina Lapolt, Primary Wave Music founder/CEO Larry Mestel, and the collective of female music producers, DJs, and audio engineers, We Make Beats, founder Tiffany Miranda.
How to Nominate
To nominate yourself or a songwriter for the Emerging Songwriter Warrior Award, click on the nomination link. This is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the talents of aspiring songwriters and support the future of the music industry.
