By Lookout Staff
September 16, 2026 – A panel of music industry talent and public officials will judge a song competition marking the 100th anniversary of route 66, with the winner taking home a $10,000 prize, tourism officials announced Tuesday.
The contest -- which concluded Sunday -- invited songwriters and musicians over the age of 18 to submit an original song "capturing the spirit of Santa Monica and its ties to the historic road," Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) officials said. The winner will be announced in November.
“We are honored to have an exceptional group of judges selecting a standout songwriter whose work truly captures the spirit of Route 66," said SMTT President and CEO Misti Kerns. "We look forward to sharing the winning piece with the world as a creative celebration of this milestone anniversary.
“We are thrilled to receive so many beautiful compositions from musicians around the world celebrating a century of Route 66,” Kerns said.
The panel organized by SMTT in partnership with world-class performing arts venue BroadStage will seek a song that rekindles the spirit of the perennial hit "Route 66" by Bobby Troup.
The song -- which urges listeners to "Get your kicks on Route 66"-- has been covered by everyone from Nat King Cole (1946) to the Rolling Stones (1964) to Depeche Mode (1987).
"The original Route 66 song by Bobby Troup has traveled through time for 80 years," said Rob Bailis, Artistic and Executive Director at BroadStage. "For songwriters, this is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of one of the most enduring and iconic popular songs of all time and to meet the moment with the kind of song that brings us together in our zeal for adventure.”
Bailis noted that BroadStage sits on the final stretch of Route 66 on Santa Monica Boulevard.
“BroadStage enjoys an address right on The Route, so it is only fitting that we host the world premiere of the new song selected by this incredible panel of award-winning musicians and producers, and by the Mayor and City officials of Santa Monica,” Bailis said.
In addition to Bailis, Kerns and Mayor Caroline Torosis, the panel of judges is composed of artist Perla Batalla; Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California; Alejandro Cohen, Director of Music Content at KCRW; Karen Kennedy, founder and President of 24/Seven Artist Development; Robert Kraft, producer and former president of Fox Music, and Alycia Mack, owner and Western US & Canada Agent at International Music Network.
Entries will be evaluated based on adherence to the theme, creativity and musical proficiency. Visit santamonica.com/route66 for the full contest details.