Vanda & Young Global Song Comp  breaks records as Top 50 announced

Vanda & Young Global Song Comp breaks records as Top 50 announced

A$50,000 first prize, A$80,000 total prize pool
4000+ songs entered
Entries received from 52 countries
70+ global judges
Over $2.5M raised for Noro since 2009

This year’s shortlist showcases a rich diversity of styles and stories, reinforcing the competition’s reputation as a vital platform for both emerging and established songwriters.

Named in honour of legendary Australian songwriters Harry Vanda and George Young, the 2025 competition broke records with over 4,000 songs submitted from 52 countries.

Entry fees directly support Noro Music Therapy (Noro), a charity transforming lives through music. Since the competition began in 2009, it has raised more than A$2.5 million for Noro – a new high that underlines the music community’s ongoing generosity.

This year also saw the competition’s largest and most international judging panel to date, with more than 70 experts – including A&Rs, songwriters, artists, managers, and representatives from labels, publishers and music media – participating in the anonymous judging process. Their combined perspectives help ensure that the finalists reflect the breadth and depth of contemporary songwriting in today’s global landscape.

The overall winner of the 2025 competition will receive a career-changing A$50,000, with a total prize pool of A$80,000 to be shared among 15 songs. These awards are designed to give songwriters the resources and industry exposure needed to elevate their careers, with all decisions based solely on the strength of the songs.

“We are thrilled by the quality and originality of the entries received this year,” said Milly Petriella OAM, Director and Founder. “From uplifting pop anthems and soul-stirring ballads to edgy indie tracks and inventive sonic experiments, this year’s finalists capture the global landscape of songwriting in today’s musical climate.

“Our expanded international judging panel has been blown away by the calibre of entries. Several judges have already asked to be introduced to the writers behind their favourite songs, which really speaks to just how special this year’s submissions are – it’s a record-breaking year on every front.”

The 2025 Top 50 Finalists (in alphabetical order):

1. ASHWARYA – JUNOON
2. Bailey Pickles + Jeremy Gregory – Close To Me
3. Baker Boy – FREAK OUT [feat. Briggs, Haiku Hands]
4. Bri Clark – The Wrong Room
5. Bri Clark – Can’t See It Till You See It
6. Carla Wehbe – Broke Your Heart
7. Carla Wehbe – Astro
8. Charley – Man On The Moon
9. Che-Leigh Jaffer – Oh, The Humanity!
10. CLEWS – When You’re Around
11. Cora – (boy)cott
12. CYRUS – At The End Of The Day
13. Daisy Pring – Treading Water
14. Danielle Lamb – Break My Fall [KEZA]
15. Edith – Hear from You
16. Elishia – As Good as it Gets
17. Elizabeth M. Drummond – I Need No One, I Need Love
18. Essi – Nostalgic
19. Hellcat Speedracer – Stay Blessed feat. Legzdina
20. Hollie Isabella – all i can say
21. Hudson Rose – Changed On Me
22. Hudson Rose – Dancing On The Tables
23. ISHAN – My Mouth (la la la)
24. Jordan Laser – 100 Days of Solitude
25. Jude York – Almost Me Almost You
26. Louis Schoorl – Zombie [Lewis Fitzgerald]
27. Louis Schoorl – Somewhere that love grows [Izzy Bizu]
28. Marlhy – paint dry (I’M FINE)
29. Mathilde Anne – Cigarettes and anxious sex
30. MAY-A – (I’m here for the) GIRLS
31. Mike Rivett – 7 Triplets
32. Moira & Claire – no hesitation
33. Nathan Hawes – Small Change [Don West]
34. Ned Houston – Self Defence
35. Ninajirachi – iPod Touch
36. Oliver Cronin – Closure
37. PEPTALK – Solar System (feat. Under the Influence)
38. PJ Harding – Cascadia
39. Ruel – The Suburbs
40. Samuel Cromack – Like Love [Ball Park Music]
41. Seb Szabo – Tangerine (All I Want)
42. Seb Szabo + Joan & The Giants – Figure It Out
43. Sergiio – Supabad [feat. Blush’ko]
44. Stilla – No Man’s Land
45. Tig – Ferris Wheel
46. Timothy James Bowen – Thief
47. Tori Darke – My Boots Made Me Do It
48. Whakaio Taahi – Scared of Myself [Alexander Stewart]
49. Y.O.G.A. – Rodeo [feat. AViVA]
50. Y.O.G.A. – Down In Boots [feat. Blake O’Connor, Kaylee Bell]

GLOBAL JUDGING PANEL