Singer bodie and his collaborators, Sajan Nauriyal and Wes Strunk, have made International Songwriting Competition history: They’re the first Christian artists to win the Grand Prize in its 23-year run.
With their 2024 song, “whisper and the wind,” the trio impressed an esteemed panel of judges above 14,000 submissions from 112 countries.
The win comes with $25,000 in cash and more than $40,000 in additional prizes. Past ISC winners include Vance Joy, Tones and I, Illenium, Goyte and more.
“We are thrilled and deeply honored to award the Grand Prize to a Christian artist for the first time in our history. This moment not only celebrates extraordinary songwriting but also recognizes the profound impact that faith-inspired music can have on hearts and minds around the world,” said Candace Avery, ISC founder and firector. “bodie, Sajan, and Wes have proven that they are world-class songwriters who approach spirituality in a way that’s incredibly accessible, breaking down barriers between religious and secular audiences.”
bodie is no stranger to the limelight: In 2022, bodie was the runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice.” He was then signed to the Provident Label Group in April 2024 and released his debut EP, “Happy to Be Here,” last September. “whisper in the wind,” a track from that EP, reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart.
His most recent track, “SAY SO,” was released on April 25. His “HAPPIER TO BE HERE” EP was also issued on March 7.
In addition to the Grand Prize winner, First, Second, and Third Place winners were chosen in 24 categories ranging from Pop/Top 40 and Rock to Jazz, Country, World Music, and much more. These winners are also recognized for their exceptional songwriting talent and craftsmanship and are honored for their artistic achievements. A full list of winners and Honorable Mentions is available at www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.
Celebrity judges included: Paul Stanley (KISS),Tom Waits, Joe Hahn (Linkin Park), Elle King, Seph Schleuter, James Adam Shelley (American Authors), Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Topic, Lonnie Liston Smith, Sidewalk Prophets, Armin Van Buuren, Steve Lillywhite, Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Nancy Wilson (Heart), Glen Ballard, NEEDTOBREATHE, Ian Felice (The Felice Brothers), Tom Hambridge, Danilo Perez, Jack DeJohnette, Tracy Nelson, Above & Beyond, Stanley Jordan, Tim Rice-Oxley (Keane), James McNally, Jordan St. Cyr, Gordon Goodwin, Ashwin Batish, Carter Burwell, Nicholas Gunn, and Sommore.
(Pauseandplay.com is a media partner of the ISC.)