A celebration of the most original and exciting young songwriting talent in the country
The top finalists in each of the 8–18 years old categories take to the stage to perform their own original songs alongside the Song Academy band. Award-winning singer-songwriter RuthAnne is our special guest performer, and rising star and radio presenter Tallia Storm comperes and performs on the night. The winners will be announced live.
Two times Grammy nominated songwriter RuthAnne has worked with some of the biggest names in pop with multi-Platinum global No.1’s totalling over 10 Billion streams with artists such as Niall Horan (Slow Hands/Nice to Meet ya), Britney Spears (Work B**tch), Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha (In the Name of Love), JoJo (Too Little Too Late) plus has written with artists as varied as Jennifer Hudson, Tiesto, Maren Morris, Becky Hill, One Direction and Avicii. On top of this Ruth-Anne’s own artist project has seen huge success.
Tallia Storm is a presenter, creator and media personality reaching over 2.5 million followers across her platforms. A former Capital Breakfast Scotland host, Tallia has fronted red carpet coverage, celebrity interviews, live events and digital content for some of the world's biggest entertainment brands, including the GRAMMY Awards, BAFTA Film Awards and Miami Swim Week.
For 17 years Song Academy has been the launchpad for the next generation of songwriters and artists — GAYLE, Matilda Mann, Lexie Carroll, Hetta Falzon and Natalie Shay have all come through our programmes — and this is your chance to hear tomorrow's voices today.
The showcase brings together songwriters, producers, artists and leading players from across the music industry — so as well as an unforgettable night of music, it's a rare chance to be in the room with the people shaping it.
For parents with musical children it's an opportunity to inspire and motivate them to write their own songs & develop their creative talent.
The Young Songwriter 2026 judges include Tom Odell, Toby Gad, RuthAnne, Jin Jin, Eg White, Dan Gillespie Sells, Hannah V, Tallia Storm, Miranda Cooper and Connie Talbot.