Nashville Songwriter Awards Shine At The Ryman With Tributes & Top Honors

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Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Randy Owen of ALABAMA (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree), Lisa Kristofferson and Kelly Owen. Photo: Jason Davis

The eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards lit up the Ryman Auditorium last night (Sept. 23) with an evening of celebration and reflection honoring the gift of songwriting. Presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and City National Bank, the event recognized 42 individuals for their exceptional contributions to the craft.

The night opened with a heartfelt tribute to NSAI founding member Kris Kristofferson as Lukas Nelson performed “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” in honor of the songwriting legend and namesake of NSAI’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Later, Kris’ widow, Lisa Kristofferson, presented this year’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award to Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen and the late Jeff Cook—known collectively as the iconic country group ALABAMA.

Trisha Yearwood celebrates onstage with Brenda Lee, the 2025 NSAI President’s Keystone Award Recipient. Photo: Jason Davis

Their honor was celebrated with a medley of ALABAMA hits performed by Gordon Mote, a heartfelt rendition of “There’s No Way” from Lorrie Morgan and Jason Aldean’s performance of “My Home’s in Alabama.” Gentry was unable to attend due to illness, but Owen took the stage to share humorous industry stories and reflect on the joy of songwriting.

Brenda Lee received the 2025 President’s Keystone Award, with Trisha Yearwood honoring her through a performance of “Sweet Nothin’s.” Lee expressed her gratitude to the industry for supporting her career since she began performing at age nine.

The Legendary Song Award, introduced last year to spotlight songs chosen by NSAI’s professional songwriting membership as the most influential works from defined timeframes, went to Dolly Parton’s timeless “I Will Always Love You” for the 1968-1984 era. Caylee Hammack delivered a stunning tribute performance of the classic.

Ashley Gorley claimed Songwriter of the Year for a record-breaking ninth time, celebrated with Tyler Hubbard performing “Park” and Dylan Scott delivering “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Josh Phillips, NSAI 2025 Songwriter of the Year with Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board President). Photo: Jason Davis

Matthew West was named 2025 Songwriter-Artist of the Year for the second time, with Anne Wilson joining the celebration to perform their co-written hit “My Jesus.”

Throughout the evening, 37 songwriters were honored with the peer-voted 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written awards. The song receiving the highest number of votes—and earning Song of the Year—was “Dirt Cheap,” written solely by Josh Phillips. Phillips shared his gratitude for the song’s success, noting how it has propelled his career forward.

Nearly all 10 Songs honorees performed their winning titles, including Ella Langley surprising the audience with co-writer Aaron Raitiere for a hilarious version of “You Look Like You Love Me.” Ian Munsick also performed “Espresso” to honor writers Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, Sabrina Carpenter and Steph Jones.

The Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to the Ryman Auditorium for its ninth annual ceremony on Sept. 22, 2026.

Tyler Hubbard and Ashley Gorley (NSAI 2025 Songwriter of the Year) backstage at The Ryman. Photo: Jason Davis

Pictured (L-R): Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director, Matthew West (NSAI 2025 Songwriter of the Year), Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board President). Photo: Jason Davis

LB Cantrell
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