by Karen Randle.
Wouter Kellerman, a talented South African flautist and composer won his third Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album with his work "Triveni" alongside collaborators Éru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon.
During his acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you so much, this is amazing; this is a testament that music has the power to unite and heal. A big thanks to all the musicians on the album."
It's worth noting that Wouter’s previous Grammy wins include Best Global Music Performance in 2023 and Best New Age Album in 2015, showcasing his incredible talent and contribution to music.
This achievement highlights the significant impact that the USA Songwriting Competition winners have had in the music industry, with many going on to receive accolades such as Grammy Awards.
Wouter Kellerman won the first prize of 2017 USA Songwriting Competition in the Best Instrumental category.
“It's inspiring to see how Wouter went on to greater heights and his work resonates with so many and how he continues to evolve as a composer/musician. Let's celebrate his achievements and the impact he has on the musician community”, said Scott Ashley, VP of Artist Relations of USA Songwriting Competition and Amazon best selling author.
At the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, Kellerman was nominated alongside other notable artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Ellish and many others.
ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television, and winning Grammy Awards.
Joanie Leeds, First Prize winner of the 2013 USA Songwriting Competition (Children's category) won a Grammy in the 2021 in the "Best Children's Music Album" category.
USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention winner (2017 Competition) and finalist (2018 Competition) Lucy Kalantari of New York, NY won a Grammy Award for Best Children's album at the 2019 Grammys.
Meghan Trainor (USA Songwriting Competition finalist) won Best New Artist in the 2016 Grammy Awards, making her the only winner in the top categories (Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, etc) of the Grammy Awards. Meghan Trainor hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, and debuting #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts. She has a total of 9 songs that have hit the Billboard Hot 100 charts as an artist.
Christopher Tinn (USA Songwriting Competition First Prize winner, Instrumental category in 2014, Finalist in 2010) won two Grammy Awards for his classical crossover album Calling All Dawns in 2011.
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (USA Songwriting Competition 2011 First Prize winner, Children’s music category) have earned two Grammy Awards for their recordings “cELLAbration: a Tribute to Ella Jenkins” in 2004 and for “Bon Appétit!” in 2005. Their CDs “Postcards” and “Banjo Talkin’” were both Grammy Awards nominated in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. They have received a total of 12 Grammy nominations so far.
2013 winner American Authors was signed to Island Records, and hit #1 on the Billboard Charts and went 6X Platinum.
The 2017 top winner Pricilla Renea had her song “Love So Soft” recorded by Kelly Clarkson, it hit #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. Her songs have recorded by other big name artists such as Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Madonna, Selena Gomez and Chris Brown. Several of her songs have hit the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.
In its landmark 30th year, the USA Songwriting Competition is currently accepting entries. For information on the 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net