Showcase 25' Wraps with Fall Writer’s Round

Belmont Showcase wrapped up its stretch of events for the semester with the Fall Writer’s Showcase on Saturday night in the Johnson Large Theater.

Sponsored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the showcase adopts a more intimate approach to production, featuring songwriting from eight contestants, which is twice the standard number.

The first round included performances from Isaac Hallal, Kristen Noble, Noah Clifton and Elisheva, with Milla, Lindsay Liebro, Denton and Kyra Cannon appearing in the second round.

“Everyone did such a great job. I’m super thankful we can celebrate the art and craft of songwriting here tonight,” said Showcase ambassador and emcee Carter Guse.

The judges named Clifton and Liebro as the winners for their respective rounds, earning favor with their clever lyrics and connection with the audience. Neither winner is a songwriting major.

Liebro performed the songs “Pretty Boy,” which released a week before the show and an unreleased fan favorite, “Astrology.” She is proud to highlight a different side of Belmont’s talent, coming from the College of Music and Performing Arts.

“I’m feeling like I’m representing my major. This is such a win for commercial voice,” she said.

Though he studies music business, Clifton doesn’t feel distanced from songwriting opportunities. Instead, it’s something fostered within his academic community.

“I was surprised to win,” he said. “But I know a ton of people who aren’t songwriting majors who write music and create music. Songwriting is encouraged beyond the major itself.”

Clifton performed “Tell Me Why” with an endearing real-life story to introduce it and “Stay A

While Longer,” which marked his first solo release back in September.

Showcase events will kick off again in the spring with the Country Showcase, slotted for January 31, 2026, in the Fisher Center. Applications to audition for the R&B showcase are also available until November 17.

This article was written by Ria Skyer