Country Songwriter Chris Nelson Wins American Songwriter’s 2025 Heart Toppers Contest with “How Forever Sounds”

Chris Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran turned Nashville songwriter, was named winner of the 2025 Annual American Songwriter Magazine Heart Toppers Lyric Contest with his heartfelt ballad “How Forever Sounds.” The win, complete with prizes and a feature spread, underscores Nelson’s momentum in a town known for its storytellers.

The winning track is a masterclass in country lyricism: vivid, grounded, and emotionally raw. Lines like “Baby, your love’s how forever sounds” weave everyday dreams—shotgun houses, hand me down rings—into a universal love story with radio ready polish. “It’s about real love, the kind built brick by brick, vow by vow,” Nelson says. “No castles, just promises that hold up.”

Nelson’s path to Nashville is as gripping as his songs. Enlisting at 17, he traded music for military service before loss and love pulled him back to his love of music. The death of his father inspired ”Moonshine Memories”, a tribute that struck a chord with listeners. His track "No Flag Higher", honoring fallen soldiers, is very personal to Nelson and has amassed nearly 2 million streams. “That song’s my heart on paper,” Nelson reflects. His wife’s encouragement refueled his leap into songwriting full time. “She saw my stories as something the world needed to hear,” he says.

Nelson’s new single “Behind That Badge”, a tribute to law enforcement, is out now on all streaming platforms. Next up, rising country artist Megan Knight (tour credits: Jelly Roll, Ella Langley, Zach Top) will release “Let It Ring,” a honky-tonk banger Nelson co-wrote with Justin Morgan. Through InkStringer LLC—his platform for artists and publishers—he offers Master Unreleased Cuts and pitches songs via Nashville’s Inside Pitch Club. Visit Chris Nelson Music for more.

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