Play It Strange has announced the winner of its 2026 National Songwriting Competition, following a record-breaking year with more than 500 original song entries that has seen the competition reach its biggest ever level of participation.

First place has been awarded to Monique Magdadaro, a Year 13 student of Hobsonville Point Secondary School for her original song, you you you. Monique’s music teacher, Jeni Little, says; “I am so happy for her – she is such an incredible student in every respect.”

The winning song made a particularly strong impression on judge Gin Wigmore who was so moved by the track that she has offered to work with Monique as a mentor, and explore a future co-writing opportunity.

Second place went to Jemila Vanderput, a Year 12 student at St Andrew’s College with a song called paint in the sink.

Cameron Beattie from Long Bay College took third place with his song (It Was Never) You and I. Now a Year 13 student, Cameron has recorded six songs through Play It Strange, and won the charitable trust’s 2026 Peace Project competition this year. 

The National Songwriting Competition is Play It Strange’s biggest competition, and this year’s entries were judged by an extraordinary line-up of some of Aotearoa’s most celebrated artists, songwriters and music industry figures, including Cassie Henderson, Shaan Singh of Drax Project, EDY On The Beat, Riiki Reid, Kaylee Bell, Academy Award-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, Jennie Skulander of Devilskin, Gin Wigmore, Melodownz and Play It Strange founder Mike Chunn.

As the 2026 National Songwriting Competition winner, Monique will receive a prize package designed to help take their songwriting and artist journey to the next level. All finalists will receive a day in a professional recording studio to record their original song, giving the young songwriters the opportunity to bring their music to life with industry-standard support and expertise.