The heart of country music beats loud once again as the 2025 Nashville Songwriter Awards prepare to light up the Ryman Auditorium on September 23. Hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and presented in partnership with City National Bank, the eighth annual celebration will honor the storytellers behind the songs.
A star-studded lineup—including Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Old Dominion, Lukas Nelson, and two-time Grammy nominee Jessie Jo Dillon—will take the stage to perform and pay tribute to songwriting excellence.
Alabama is set to receive the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, while the iconic Brenda Lee will be honored with the NSAI President’s Keystone Award. The evening will also include recognition for Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and the prestigious “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards, which are peer-voted by NSAI’s professional songwriter members.
Also returning is the Legendary Song Award, which spotlights a timeless track from 1968–1984, selected by the NSAI board and voted on by members.
Tickets go on sale July 18 via the Ryman’s website. With its deep roots and legendary performers, this year’s Nashville Songwriter Awards promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the songs that shape lives.
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