NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 17, 2024) – CM United proudly announces Arielle Nichole as the Songwriter of the Year in their 21st annual songwriting competition. Nichole, whose song "Rest" clinched first place in the fourth quarter, excelled among a group of remarkable songwriters to earn this esteemed title.
This annual competition hosted by CM United consistently highlights and supports the burgeoning talent within the Christian music community. This year's competition brought together a wide array of talent, with winners across all quarters contributing to a rich tapestry of musical expression.
Annual Contest Winners:
| ? | 1st Place Winners: |
| ? | 1st Qtr: Amanda Nolan – "Broken Pieces" |
| ? | 2nd Qtr: Adura – "Wait on You" |
| ? | 3rd Qtr: Clayton Thomas – "Wholly Loved" |
| ? | 4th Qtr: Arielle Nichole – "Rest" |
| ? | 2nd Place Winners: |
| ? | 1st Qtr: Katie Flemming – "Who I’m Meant To Be" |
| ? | 2nd Qtr: Stacy Riddle – "If You Only Knew" |
| ? | 3rd Qtr: Curtis Ray Kokenos – "He Already Knows" |
| ? | 4th Qtr: Darin Shipley – "Irrevocable" |
| ? | 3rd Place Winners: |
| ? | 1st Qtr: Clayton Thomas – "God of the Redeemed" |
| ? | 2nd Qtr: Beloved – "Where Your Spirit Goes" |
| ? | 3rd Qtr: Kate Hurley – "The Whole World is Waiting" |
| ? | 4th Qtr: Jamie Meyer – "Rolling Waters" |
Nichole's grand prize package includes comprehensive radio promotion, Spotify playlist placements, a specialized press release, and a development deal to further her career in music.
The competition’s integrity and high standards were upheld by a panel of judges including Cale Kight, Clay Crosse, John Katina, and Paul Wright, all distinguished figures in the music industry.
Additionally, CM United's various contests have served as a pivotal platform for many artists who have entered, not only in songwriting but also in talent showcases. Notable participants include Jordan St. Cyr, now a major label artist; Mark Alan Schoolmeesters, a songwriter for prominent Christian artists like Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture; Shay Mooney from the successful country duo Dan + Shay; and Dustin Smith, a well-known songwriter and Integrity artist.
Moreover, Sam Hart, along with his wife Christin, who were our 17th Annual Songwriters of the Year, have continued their ascent in the music industry. Since moving to Nashville, Sam has expanded his career by signing with Curb/Word Publishing as a songwriter and has also become a producer working with several major artists.
Cale Kight, another alumnus of our songwriting contests, has achieved notable success, including several top Billboard hits as an artist and songwriter. He is actively collaborating with notable Nashville songwriters and contributes his expertise as a current judge for our contests. These stories illustrate the transformative opportunities provided by CM United's diverse range of contests, fostering growth and achievement in the music industry.
Entries for the 22nd Annual, 2nd Quarter Songwriting Contest are now open, inviting a new wave of songwriters to share their talents and possibly join the ranks of these successful musicians.
Connect with Arielle Nichole:
https://www.ariellenichole.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ariellenicholemusic/
https://www.instagram.com/ariellenichole.music/
https://www.tiktok.com/@arielle.nichole.music
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15500640
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5e1aOCPht0BK2DkuOEcruz
https://music.apple.com/us/album/just-be-my-child/1602945413
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIX08PSX9qpQbQK3Ix9_EEg
Connect with CM United:
https://christiansongwriting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christiansongwritingdotcom
https://www.facebook.com/ChristianSongwritingContest
https://www.instagram.com/christiansongwriting
https://twitter.com/ccmni
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