Samantha Cugini has won American Songwriter’s Red, Write & Blue Lyric Contest promotion for her song “Nobody Said Goodbye”. She wrote it after finding a photograph of her late father during his Air Force service, using it to imagine a period of his life before she was born. The song reflects on service, family separation and the sacrifices made by military personnel and their loved ones.

Cugini said the song’s patriotism is rooted in personal stories rather than politics, recognising both those who serve and the families waiting at home. She has written songs since childhood, with songwriting becoming especially important after losing both parents. Performing as Sammi Lee, she released her independent album, *The Leaving Kind*, on 17 July 2026; its songs explore grief, healing, growth and moving forward. Her cited influences include Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Lauryn Hill, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Swift and Paul Simon.