Vanda & Young Global Song Comp Announces 2025 Winners

The 2025 winners of the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition have been revealed.

The prestigious competition has returned this year to celebrate some of the world's best songwriting talent, with over 4,000 entries from 52 countries.

An anonymous judging panel of 70+ global industry experts spanning songwriting, publishing, A&R, artist management, labels, and music media awarded a total prize pool of A$80,000 across 14 songs.

First prize went to Ruel (AUS) for "The Suburbs", alongside Mark Landon (M-Phazes) (AUS/USA), Elias Danielson (USA), Chelsea Lena (USA) and Fran Hall (USA), and produced by M-Phazes and Elias Danielson.

“It's a huge honour to be involved with V&Y and to be able to contribute to the ongoing work of Noro Music Therapy. Being a part of this fundraising means a great deal, and on top of that, being chosen for this prize by such a respected panel of industry professionals is a massive privilege. Thank you so much!” Ruel said.

Second prize went to Ninajirachi (AUS) for "iPod Touch", co-written and co-produced by Darcy Baylis (USA); third prize went to Louis Schoorl (AUS/UK) for "Zombie", performed and co-written by Lewis Fitzgerald (UK) and co-written and co-produced by Danny Shah (SCT/UK).

The Emerging Australasian Songwriter Award went to Jude York (AUS) for "Almost Me, Almost You", co-written with Sarah Aarons (AUS/USA) and produced by Giorgio Tuinfort (NLD).

The Emerging Global Songwriter Awards went to the following:

Charley – "Man on the Moon"
Songwriters: Claire Howell (AUS), Ned Houston (AUS), Harry Charles (NZ)

Oliver Cronin – "Closure"
Songwriters: Oliver Cronin (AUS), Jake Jepson (AUS), Rory Noble (NZ)

Mathilde Anne – "Cigarettes and Anxious Sex"
Songwriters: Mathilde Lambert (AUS), Charlie Pitman(AUS/UK), Ethan Reginato (AUS)

Carla Wehbe – "Broke Your Heart"
Songwriters: Carla Wehbe (AUS), Tom Eggert (AUS)

Marlhy – "paint dry (I'M FINE)"
Songwriters: Marlhy Murphy (USA), Kella Armitage (USA), Michael Kamerman (USA)

CYRUS – "At the End of the Day"
Songwriter: Cyrus Villanueva (AUS)

Bri Clark – "The Wrong Room"
Songwriters: Bri Clark (AUS), Tia Sillers (USA), Aaron Chafin (USA)

Hollie Isabella – "all i can say"
Songwriter: Hollie Isabella (AUS)

Elishia – "As Good As It Gets"
Songwriters: Elishia Semaan (AUS), Mikaela Dean (AUS), Nigel Van Hemmye (USA)

Tig – "Ferris Wheel"
Songwriter: Natasha Lieschke (AUS)