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SINGER-SONGWRITER WINNER
Midnight Train
by
Paul Robinson
Paul told the UKSC: "This song is about the wealthy and powerful people perhaps not really understanding the struggles and every day life of 'normal folk'. I wrote and produced this song at home using Apple Logic 10. I play guitar, piano and play live in a duo and band. I have a passion for songwriting and would love one of my songs to get somewhere, either with me fronting it or another artist - it's the writing I'm passionate about".
SINGER SONGWRITER FINALISTS
  • Anne McConigley (Biddie) - Missing You
  • Ashley Green - Waves
  • Billy Holley - Too Late To Miss Me
  • Cormac Thompson, Henry Maybury - Defenceless
  • Edward and Alex Alexogiannopoulos - See You in the Morning
  • Gina Ross & Martin Sutton - Fractured
  • Natalie Fooks - Under The Poppies
  • Nicolas Albertz - Vices
  • Nyah Grace - Back of the Cab
  • Nyah Grace - Only Mine
  • Paul Robinson - Midnight Train
POP WINNER
Outside
by
Zella Benko
Zella is a 13-year-old singer-songwriter who wrote this song entirely on her own last year at the age of 12. She arrived at a local studio in her home town of Sydney (her first time in a studio) with this song fully written and a clear creative vision for its sound. The last time the UKSC had a winning song from a 12 year old writer (Natalie Chua) she was quickly signed by Simon Cowell after winning and went on to receive a Platinum Album, so it will be interesting to see what happens to Zella Benko... we will be watching and we wish her all the best in the future. 
POP FINALISTS
  • Christina Millen - Fan Club
  • Cormac Thompson, Henry Maybury - Defenceless
  • Denzel Gumede - I want you (but I don't need you)
  • Denzel Gumede - One night text
  • Karen Marie Litchfield - High Circles
  • Nancy David and Steve Manning - Include Me Out
  • Neil Pattni (Liri Dais) - Through the Night
  • Nicole Shortland - Pretty
  • Ryan Martinez, Stacy Hogan - You Didn't Break Me
  • Theo van Kraay - My Eyes Find You
  • Zella Benko - Outside
ACOUSTIC & FOLK WINNER
See You In The Morning
by
Edward & Alex Alexogiannopoulos
Edward told the UKSC: “See You in the Morning is a reflective song we wrote after the 2023 Tempe train crash tragedy in Greece. We imagined a character sitting on a train, thinking about regrets and the things he wishes he’d done differently — unaware of the events that will soon follow. The chorus, “Lucky that I caught the train… just in case I get delayed, I’ll see you in the morning,” was inspired by real messages passengers sent before the crash - everyday phrases that sadly became goodbyes. Musically we wanted it to echo the sound of Greek music from the late fifties and sixties. The hasapiko rhythm, the F Major key and the tremolo bouzouki are all elements that were very common in recordings from that period, and we felt that style suited the reflective mood of the story".
ACOUSTIC / FOLK FINALISTS
  • Betty Belmore - These Fields
  • Chloe Jones - Same Boat
  • Edward and Alex Alexogiannopoulos - See You in the Morning
  • Matthew Blakemore - Absence Of Care (This Is For Me)
  • Rob Ramsey - It Never Turns Out That Way
  • Samantha Elin - On a Lark
  • Sarah-Ruth - Raspberry Jam
  • Scott Cook - There Is a River​
INSTRUMENTAL WINNER
Lullabye For Lucy
by
Katie Hardyman
Lullaby for Lucy was composed as an ode to Katie's daughter. Katies tells us that the rich, energetic orchestration and interplay of instruments are intended to weave a narrative that follows Lucy's journey from the innocence of childhood to the pursuit of a life she dares to dream for herself. Central themes, such as a music box and Katie's own presence, are evoked through the celeste and piano and Lucy's soaring ambition is portrayed by the flute, while the clarinet gives voice to the love, challenges, and the vibrant life she is determined to lead.
 INSTRUMENTAL FINALISTS
  • Jordan E. Spivack - Short Story
  • Katie Hardyman - Riverfront jig
  • Katie Hardyman - Lullabye For Lucy
  • Leyla Romanova - Fairy Tale
  • Miroslav Zahradnik - Metamorphoses 2025
  • Tony Tersmette - Blowing Leaves
  • Tony Tersmette - Mish Mosh
  • Tony Tersmette - Sticky Tape
  • Vivienne Olive - Bush Gin Rag
AC WINNER
Fearless Is Beautiful
by
Ryan Martinez and Stacy Hogan
Ryan Martinez says that he graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in History "and an unofficial minor in music business studies through UCLA's famed extension school". He writes in a wide range of styles including AC and Americana and different pop styles from Indie pop to "Max Martin inspired pure pop". In 2007 he was chosen from over 30,000 entries as a finalist in the American Idol Songwriting contest. He writes alone and also collaborates with co-writers and has cuts on Warner Brothers and Universal. This winning AC song was written with co-writer Stacey Hogan.
ADULT CONTEMPORARY FINALISTS
  • Anthony William Gibbs - I Don’t Wanna Lose You
  • Cameron Richardson - Cathedral
  • Carl Eaton - Only For You
  • Edward and Alex Alexogiannopoulos - See You in the Morning
  • Frank Radice - Say Goodbye
  • Glenn Valles - The Only One
  • Hogan and Martinez - Fearless Is Beautiful
  • James Brose - The Way You Feel
  • Josh Moir - Wanna Love You
  • Josie Layton - 10 Seconds
  • Karen Litchfield - That's Why I Turned To Gin
  • Matthew Blakemore - Paper Cut
  • Ryan Martinez - Someone Like Me
  • Ryan Martinez/Stacy Hogan/Shaun Lopes - Speed of Light
  • Sonic Keys (Nick Pound) & Aria Cook - Angels
BALLADS & SHOW SONGS WINNER
I Still Believe In Love
by
Chris Broom
Chris Broom is a talented British songwriter and this winning song is from "Rosie" - a Musical he has written based on the true story of a poor English girl who, when she was 7 years old, was sent away to be brought up in a remote Irish convent before following her dream of becoming an actress and singer living in Victorian London’s West End. I Still Believe In Love is a powerful ballad about the failed love affair of the character Gina, sung here by Desmonda Cathabel.
BALLADS & SHOW SONGS FINALISTS
  • Bukar Gadzama / Aaron Whitehead - My Heart's Calling Out
  • Chris Broom - Starlight
  • E.D.Kennaway - Over The Top
  • Elisabeth Roberts / John Schofield - Her Song
  • Jacques M. Gentil - Should Words Fail
  • Max Myers/Laurent Ziliani/Pablo Petti - Yesterday
  • Paul Greenfield - Back To Life
  • Paul Smith - I Believe in Me
  • Samantha Elin - On a Lark
  • Chris Broom - I Still Believe In Love
  • Sonic Keys (Nick Pound) & Aria Cook - Angels
LYRICS ONLY WINNER
Shetland Lass Returns
by
Jackie Hird
​READ LYRIC HERE
Jackie says: "This was originally a poem I was asked to write for a friend. She knew I wrote and wanted something that reflected her feelings of Shetland and its land and could be read at her funeral. The imagery speaks of Shetland and how she sees herself entwined and forever held in its landscape. I turned it into a song recently, trying to create a soft ballad/folk storytelling song. I don’t write music or sing but think this would make a haunting and meaningful tribute".
​​READ LYRIC HERE
LYRICS ONLY FINALISTS
  • Alyson Watson - Afraid to Burn
  • Frank Radice - Say Goodbye
  • Jackie Hird - Shetland Lass Returns
  • Kate Thompson - The Lingering Tears
  • Meta A Lothman - Highway
  • Meta A Lothman - Summer Rain
  • Simon William Calaz - Constancy
  • Ted Elliott - Beside You
  • Ted Elliott (aka Edward Jon Elliott) - I Ain't That Bad
  • Thomas Le Page - Still Here Standing
MAJOR ARTIST WINNER
Kenmare Bay
(For Artist: Celtic Woman)
by
Elisabeth Roberts
MUSIC VIDEO HERE
This traditional Celtic folk style song was entered into the Major Artist category as a song for the Irish female group Celtic Woman (pictured). Celtic Woman has achieved massive global success, selling over 12.5 million albums and performing for more than four million fans worldwide and they are considered the most successful all-female group in Irish history. To maintain an authentic Irish sound the group is backed by a full ensemble playing traditional Celtic instruments and the judges considered this entry an ideal song for this major artist.
MAJOR ARTIST FINALISTS
  • Elisabeth Roberts - Kenmare Bay (female version)
  • Elisabeth Roberts / John Schofield - Waitin’ in Blighty for Me
  • Gene Jacobs & Mick Walsh - Orpheus Descending
  • Karen Marie Litchfield - Hear The Music Feel The Beat
  • Meta A Lothman - Not a Rose
  • MLC Pothast - Doll
  • Paul Edwards - Make You Mine
ROCK / INDIE WINNER
Don't Fall Asleep
by
Theo van Kraay
Theo said that he was in two minds about even submitting this song to the UKSC "because it’s so dark, and was written during a very sad time in my life, and so reminds me of those days. But I guess sometimes we have to be true to ourselves, we all have light and dark in us, don’t we? Hope someone enjoys it." The UKSC judges certainly enjoyed it Theo.
ROCK / INDIE FINALISTS
  • Alexandra Cisarova (Ephemera Veil) - Midnight Morning
  • Brose/Belanger - Let Me In
  • Francis Armstrong - Born at Gunnematta
  • Iain McKinley - Treading Water
  • Joash Scott and Billy Foster - Humble Heart Of Mine
  • State of Mind - What Will This Take
  • Theo van Kraay - Don’t fall asleep
  • Theo van Kraay - I’m Yours Tonight
  • Twilight Stunt Work - You & I
  • Viktor Kovacs - DYTIMI?
COUNTRY WINNER
What Do You See
by
Darrell G Cress
Darrel modestly describes himself as "a singer/songwriter that's better at the writing part" and "I love what I do when I get a chance to do it". His winning song here - What do You See - is a gentle Country Song that won over the judges in this year's contest to become number one in the Country Music Category. Darrel explains that he writes songs that fit into a variety of genres and he says that "the one thing they all have in common is that they are written in a way that will convey a positive message". 
​COUNTRY FINALISTS
  • Anthony William Gibbs - I Don’t Wanna Lose You
  • Bill DiLuigi, Norm McDonald - Stay Beautiful
  • Darrell G Cress AKA Uncle D-Rail - What Do You See
  • Darrell G. Cress AKA Uncle D-Rail - On Your Way Home
  • Eric Blossman - I told him I would wait
  • Eric Blossman - Never On My Own
  • Eric Blossman - Our Song Has Moved On
  • Frank Radice - Say Goodbye
  • John Mc Farlane, Finn Eces, Debra Buesking - The Road
  • Marla Lewis/Chris Roberts - On the Open Road
  • Meta A Lothman - Not a Rose
  • Neil J. Newton - I Think I Know
  • Susanna Colley and Allan Caswell - Steel Toes To Stilettos
CHRISTIAN / FAITH WINNER
Whispers Of Grace
by
Linda Sabili
Whispers of Grace (Bulong ng Biyaya / Susurros de Gracia) is an outstanding and unusual trilingual worship ballad with lyrics in English, Tagalog, and Spanish. Dr. Linda Sabili told the UKSC that "the mission is to uplift the broken-hearted and remind them that God’s gentle presence meets us in real life: at the kitchen sink, in the hospital hallway, and in the quiet moments when we need peace most". The bridge is a call-and-response of peace / payapa / paz, "inviting listeners to breathe in grace and breathe out fear".
CHRISTIAN / FAITH FINALISTS
  • Eric Blossman - Never On My Own
  • Heather Buston - Jesus I Come
  • John D Hastings - You Are My Salvation
  • John Mc Farlane, Finn Eces, Debra Buesking - The Road
  • Linda Sabili - Whispers of Grace
  • Meta A Lothman - Easter Hymn
  • Randall Cohen - Faith Like Jesus
  • Theo van Kraay - Even In The Valley
  • Jacques M Gentil - Only Be Strong
  • Justin Stretch - The Only One
MUSIC VIDEO WINNER
Defenceless
by
Cormac Thompson & Henry Maybury
Cormac says about this song: "This is my first original song that’s been properly produced and mastered. It all started after Henry (the co-writer) came to my school to give a talk about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Just before I got there I found out one of my best friends had died suddenly. We later learned it was a brain haemorrhage, but at the time no one really knew what had happened.
I ended up writing the song really quickly with Henry — the first version was quite dark because of the headspace I was in. Later on I changed some of the lyrics to make the message less bleak, more hopeful. For example, the last line became “Waiting to Rise” instead of “Lost in the Tide.”
MUSIC VIDEO FINALISTS
  • Cormac Thompson, Henry Maybury - Defenceless
  • Lumiegee - Yehba
  • Pasku Frutos & Ruben Sabater - Just A Believer Man
  • Tsunami Section - Let's Go From This World
LOVE SONGS WINNER
You're All I Need
by
Kevin Flournoy
Kevin told the UKSC that with this song his plan was to write about the dream of acquiring a pure and romantic love, but to move away from telling this over a slow tempo ballad and instead to set a joyful, spirited tone over a mid tempo R&B groove. He also decided to take it to another level by bringing in three talented vocalists who all took a turn expressing their thoughts about true love.
LOVE SONGS FINALISTS
  • Glenn Valles - The Only One
  • James Brose - The Way You Feel
  • Josh Moir - Wanna Love You
  • Keith Jones - You are the Only One for Me
  • Kevin Flournoy - You're All I Need
  • Martin Cassini - Could You Be the One?
  • Meta A Lothman - Last Hours
  • Nicky Cayo - It's Not You
  • Scott Cook - Steady for You
  • Stacey McNeill - What It Was
  • Theo van Kraay - My Eyes Find You
OPEN TO ALL GENRES WINNER
Nothing At All
by
John Payten
John told the UKSC that this is a "light but romantic song about being in real love. When no-one needs to impress and not being busy is the perfect time to spend with someone who is so important to be with that there is no need to perform, do stuff or get busy. In other words let's just do Nothing at all".
OPEN TO ALL GENRES FINALISTS
  • David O’Brien - Better Days To Come
  • Fred Mitchell - Scarvagh Suite
  • Gonzalo Fraga - En Un Rincón
  • Jeff Saxon - The Oops I Wrote The Wrong Thing Blues
  • John Payten (aka Jean Python) - Nothing At All
  • Keith Jones - You are the Only One for Me
  • Marla Lewis - I'll Find You
  • Meta A Lothman - Hills of Kentucky
  • Mikhail Morskov - Something Special
  • Samantha Elin - On a Lark
CHRISTMAS SONGS WINNER
This Year For Christmas
by
Tony Olson and Art Michel
 CHRISTMAS SONGS FINALISTS
  • Eric Blossman - Where Peace and Love and Hope Began
  • Karen Marie Litchfield - Stop Me If You Believe
  • Philipp Wiede - Merry Christmas!
  • Ragni Elisabeth Funner - Christmas Eve Tonight
  • Robert S Mathews - Santa Goes to Space
  • Sarah Bird - Christmas Wish
  • Tony Olson, Art Michel - This Year For Christmas
JAZZ / BLUES WINNER
Mesmerised
by
Mick Walsh
Mick told the UKSC that this is a song he originally wrote back in 2012. He has changed it around and there have been several incarnations, including one for a female singer, but he regards this version as the best. He says he wrote it with Harry Connick Jr in mind "and I have been trying to get it to him ever since!".
JAZZ / BLUES FINALISTS
  • Jacques M. Gentil - I See You Yea! (Alto Sax)
  • Jim Howard III - Tenacity
  • Mick Walsh - Mesmerised
  • Tony Tersmette - Blowing Leaves
  • Tony Tersmette - Mish Mosh
RETRO WINNER
On A Lark
by
Samantha Elin
On A Lark by Samantha Elin was a successful past UKSC Lyrics Only entry some years ago. This year Samantha entered the song again, but this time it is a full song with music, and the audio track version features a vocalist brought in especially for the recording. It's pairing of a vintage musical style with lyrics that remind us of an earlier era make it a perfect winner in this year's Retro category.
RETRO FINALISTS
  • Andy Brook - Why Do We Have To Pretend?
  • Edward and Alex Alexogiannopoulos - See You in the Morning
  • Jonathan Curtis - They Mostly Come At Night
  • Samantha Elin - On a Lark
  • Tony Tersmette - Sandbox Sally
  • Will Verhulst - Other Than That He Seems Perfectly Normal​
UNSIGNED  WINNER
Defenceless
by
Cormac Thompson / Henry Maybury
Cormac Thompson is a 16 year old UK singer and songwriter who has been moving away from releasing covers to focusing on writing his own songs. He says: "I'm creating melodic pop and trying out new sounds. I haven't got it all figured out just yet but I'm inspired by piano‑led artists and modern pop storytellers like Tom Odell and Cian Ducrot so I thought I'd start there". Cormac wrote this song with co-writer Henry Maybury and it was also winner in the UKSC Music Video category this year.
​UNSIGNED FINALISTS
  • Cormac Thompson, Henry Maybury - Defenceless
  • Francesca Ortisi and Emanuele Intagliata - Private
  • Glenn Valles - The Only One
  • Iain James Wilson - Deep Blue Eyes
  • Irina Ilenko, Semen Milikhin - Honoring The Dust
  • Jamie Beth Balshen - Don't Change My Mind
  • Long For The Coast - Hold On, Brother
  • Paul Gillion - Gold In Your Veins
  • Paul Gillion - This Time
  • Shurene Bishop Simon and Matt Sampson - He's not your daddy
  • Shurene Bishop Simon and Matt Sampson - Red Flag
  • Skylar Springer, Austin Heller, Jake Neumar - Dry Land
  • Sonic Keys (Nick Pound) & Aria Cook - Angels
  • State of Mind - What Will This Take
  • Susanna Colley - Jodie's Song
NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE WINNER
Liebeslied
by
André Berlin​​
André says that when he started writing Liebeslied (German for Love Song) he wanted to write "something more than just a pop song" and the resulting composition gradually developed into a "kind of operetta crossover with lyrics I wrote later that feel deliberately old-fashioned, poetic, and full of metaphor. I wanted to let the words sound as smooth as possible, which is hard to do in German". André says that "the operetta project was never completed, but “Liebeslied” remains its beating heart".
NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE FINALISTS
  • Agreen Dilshad - Rozhek Det
  • André Berlin - Liebeslied
  • Hae Yong Bae - The days you are gone, I miss you so much.
  • Miguel Angel Gonzalez Galvez - Joder, Que Dolormiguel
  • Okan Gokce - Elpízo Na Se Synantíso
  • HUA - My Bad Habbits
CLASSICAL & CROSSOVER WINNER
Claire
by
Justin Stretch
This is an original piano composition in B Minor written and performed by British pianist and composer Justin Stretch. Justin says: "I wrote this song many years ago but never recorded it. There is something special about the key of B minor, and the piece is so simple yet carries a weight of meaning beyond its simplicity. This song is dedicated to Claire. Wherever you are, I hope that you’re still causing trouble. X"
CLASSICAL & CROSSOVER FINALISTS
  • Justin Stretch - Claire
  • Justin Stretch - Fern-Rose
  • Pasku & Robert Frutos - Echos Of The Abyss
  • Sheryl Collins Roberson and public domain... - Lost You to Beethoven Fur Elise
WINNING LYRICS ONLY ENTRY
The 2025 Lyrics Only winning lyric is below, followed by the writer's notes about the song.
Shetland Lass Returns
by
Jackie Hird​ 
 
​ SHETLAND LASS RETURNS

Verse 1
When the velvet dark of Shetland skies
Drifts gently from my eyes,
Please don’t mourn too long for me--
Let me tell you why.

Verse 2
I’ll be swept along the coastline wild,
Meandering every stone,
Remembering my childhood days
In the land I called my own.

Chorus
Under stars that softly shine,
Auroras pink and green,
In heather fields and peaty streams--
That’s where I’ll always be.
So stretch your arms into the wind,
Feel the whisper of the sea,
Touch the wilds of Shetland’s soul--
That’s where you will find me.

Verse 3
Through deepest Voes and open Glens,
My spirit gently flows,
Back to where my heart belongs,
Where eternal daylight glows.

Verse 4
Where bog cotton leans and dances free,
Its fibres soft and light,
My dreams are caught in every breeze
That drifts into the night.

(Repeat Chorus)
Under stars that softly shine,
Auroras pink and green,
In heather fields and peaty streams--
That’s where I’ll always be.
So stretch your arms into the wind,
Feel the whisper of the sea,
Touch the wilds of Shetland’s soul--
That’s where you’ll find me.

Outro
So when you miss my presence near,
Stand calm and let it be--
In every breath of Shetland’s wilds,
That’s where you’ll feel me.

WRITER'S NOTES
This was originally a poem I was asked to write for a friend. She knew I wrote and wanted something that reflected her feelings of Shetland and its land and could be read at her funeral. The imagery speaks of Shetland and how she sees herself entwined and forever held in its landscape. I turned it into a song recently, trying to create a soft ballad/folk storytelling song. I don’t write music or sing but think this would make a haunting and meaningful tribute.
 
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