The 22nd Annual International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA)—one of the most respected global competitions for unplugged artists—is about to close its doors for entries. Musicians have until November 7 to submit their work and stake their claim for recognition, radio airplay, and a hefty prize package worth over $11,000.
Far from your average songwriting contest, IAMA celebrates the art of stripped-back sound—those pure, human moments that happen when wood and wire meet emotion. Categories range from Folk and Americana/Roots to Bluegrass, Country, and even an “Open” slot for anything that defies labels.
“It’s very nice to have an award and to be recognized for doing something that I love,” said last year’s top winner, blues-folk heavyweight Charlie Parr (pictured), whose gravelly voice and fingerpicked grit earned him the 2024 Grand Prize.
Watch Charlie Parr perform “1890” live:
The IAMA has a habit of discovering future stars before the rest of the world catches up. Meghan Trainor was a young songwriter when she won over the judges more than a decade ago. Fast forward: “All About That Bass” hits No. 1 for eight weeks, she bags a GRAMMY for Best New Artist, and suddenly the girl who once entered an acoustic contest is a household name.
Other alumni include Zane Williams, whose winning song was later recorded by Jason Michael Carroll, landing on the Billboard Country Charts; Jeff Gutt, who became an X Factor USA runner-up; and Charlie Dore, known for her timeless hit “Pilot of the Airwaves.” Even legends like Bertie Higgins (“Key Largo”) and The Bellamy Brothers have claimed category wins.
Relive Meghan Trainor’s breakout moment:
Last year’s winners roster reads like a crash course in acoustic diversity:
- Jerron Paxton took home Best Male Artist for his old-soul blues tune “Things Done Changed.”
- Ann Savoy charmed her way to Best Female Artist with “Cajun Love Song.”
- Bluegrass heroes The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys nabbed Best Bluegrass Award for “Lonely Pine.”
- Folk duo Weary Ramblers clinched Best Group with “Hidden Road.”
Beyond bragging rights, IAMA winners gain genuine industry traction. The overall Grand Prize includes radio promotion to 250+ stations across North America—an opportunity that’s launched several past winners into Billboard territory. Sponsors like PreSonus, Sirius XM, SSL, Ditto Music, and Acoustic Café give the competition major credibility in both the recording and broadcast worlds.
The deadline is November 7, enter your work here.
