Ready to ignite the stage? The Battle of the Balladeers is back!

Calling all songwriters in North Texas. KHYI 95.3 The Range is coming back to Downtown Plano for year two of Battle of the Balladeers, the search for the North Texas’ best new artist.

The 13-week live music series will take place on Downtown Plano’s McCall Plaza stage at 998 E 15th Street. Preliminary rounds begin Jan. 26; semi-finals begin March 23. The winner will be chosen by a panel of expert judges at the April 19 finale. The shows are all free for the public to attend.

The winner of Battle of the Balladeers will:
• Receive flight and hotel credits for a stay in Nashville where they will meet with veterans in the music industry
• Have their song played on KHYI 95.3 during prime drive-time hours
• Perform at Texas Forever Fest 2026

Qualifications to apply:
• Single artists only; no groups/bands
• Absolutely no profanity
• Must have original songs
• Must be 18 years or older
• Previous contestants (but not previous winners) can apply

If you think you’re the next big thing in country/Americana music, apply at https://khyi.com/bob-subs/ by Jan. 10.

Event dates:

Jan. 26 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
Feb. 2 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
Feb. 9 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
Feb. 16 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
Feb. 23 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
March 2 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
March 9 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round
March 16 from 3-5pm Preliminary Round

March 23 from 3-5pm Semifinals Round
March 30 from 3-5pm Semifinals Round
April 6 from 3-5pm Semifinals Round
April 13 from 3-5pm Semifinals Round

April 19 Time TBD Final Round