BMI Foundation Announces 2025 John Lennon Award Recipients
New York, NY - July 22, 2025 - BMI Foundation, Inc. has announced the recipients of the 2025 BMI Foundation John Lennon Awards. Singer/songwriter Dafna was awarded the first prize in the esteemed competition, with Chloe Southern and Julia Kirkwood receiving second and third place, respectively, out of over 650 applications. Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono in conjunction with the BMI Foundation, the John Lennon Awards honor preeminent songwriter John Lennon’s memory with three annual prizes totaling $20,000 for the best original songs by young songwriters in contemporary musical genres including alternative, pop, rock, indie, electronica, R&B, and experimental.
“We’re so excited to be able to honor these excellent young songwriters with the John Lennon Award this year,” shared program director Timothy Pattison, Senior Director, Creative, BMI. “Choosing three standouts from such an incredible pool of applicants was a difficult task, but we’re glad to have the opportunity to champion these talents early in their careers and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”
This year’s judges for the program included Rich Christina (Warner Chappell), Ian Holder (Capital Records), Talia Kraines (Spotify), Haley Evans (Mega House), and Jamie Kinelski (Universal Music Publishing Group), led by program director Timothy Pattison, Senior Director, Creative, at BMI.
“Thank you so much to the BMI Foundation for awarding me the John Lennon Award for my song ‘CLINGWRAP’,” shared Dafna, the recipient of the first place award. “That was a very exciting phone call to receive, and now I’m just even more motivated to keep writing, producing, and making music!”
Dafna, born in Boulder, Colorado, is a singer-songwriter, producer, and software engineer based in Los Angeles. She captivates audiences with her blend of indie-pop infused with hypnotic folk and minimalist electronic elements. Showcasing her mastery of multiple instruments as well as all aspects of production, Dafna's music resonates with introspective lyrics and innovative arrangements. Drawing inspiration from LA's vibrant music scene and her technical expertise, she creates a unique sound that defies genres, promising to leave a lasting impression on listeners worldwide. Listen to Dafna’s award-winning song “CLINGWRAP” here.
Chloe Southern is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter whose music blends the raw honesty and lyricism of folk and the grit and urgency of indie rock. “The more I feel like I shouldn’t say something, or the more alone I feel in an experience, the more I know I need to write about it." Born in Boulder, Colorado and raised on The Beatles and the Rocky Mountains, she now lives in Brooklyn, NY. She hopes when you listen to her music you feel a little more understood and a little less alone. You can leave her a voicemail at 8-668-THE-CURE, and listen to her award-winning song "Blueprints" here.
Being human is both a blessing and a curse; at just 19, Julia Kirkwood knows how to communicate that through her lyrics about the human experience. Rooted in indie pop and alternative rock, her music blends emotion with edge—sometimes angsty, sometimes sweet, but always real. She isn’t afraid to explore the challenges young people face—whether it’s relationships, personal growth, or emotional unrest. Julia tells stories of dreams and memories, highlighting the little moments that exist between life’s big milestones. Listen to Julia’s award-winning song “Honey” here.
About the BMI Foundation, Inc.
The BMI Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985 to encourage the creation, performance, and study of American music. The Foundation’s programs include competitive scholarships for songwriters and composers, operating grants for nonprofit arts presenters, and support for innovative music education initiatives in schools and communities across the country. For more information about the work of the Foundation, please visit our website at www.bmifoundation.org. For exclusive news and content, follow @bmifoundation on Instagram and like BMI Foundation on Facebook.
