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2008 American Idol SongWriter

did you enter?
post lyrics and a link to the song/s you entered

details are now up at

http://songwriter.americanidol.com/

Register:
https://songwriter.americanidol.com/Registration.aspx

Enter:
https://songwriter.americanidol.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSecure%2fUploadSongs%2fdefault.aspx

Deadline: Monday March 31st

AI Message Board:
http://www.americanidol.com/myidol/forums/forum/?fid=157


Songwriters Guide is up at
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/songwritersGuide/

1) the songs the star
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/songwritersGuide/TheSongsTheStar.aspx
If you want to get your song heard by over 40 million people, there’s one place you need to do it: American Idol - the most watched television series in America.


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In the beginning, there was 'A Moment Like This', which hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and went Gold for Season One winner Kelly Clarkson. Series Three winner Carrie Underwood even knocked Mariah Carey off the top spot with her first single from the show, 'Inside Your Heaven' – selling 170,000 copies in its first week before going Platinum.


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Last year's winners of American Idol Songwriter, Jeff Peabody and Scott Krippayne, saw their song 'This Is My Now' performed live on the American Idol finale and released as a single by the series winner, Jordin Sparks.


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Take the success of these songs as your inspiration and show us what you’ve got. We're listening for a song with a powerful melodic and emotional hook that will connect with the American public young and old - a song that can make people sing, dance or even cry.


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Above all, it must be memorable and feel like a fitting end to this series of American Idol. Don't miss the chance to see your song in the spotlight.

2) Lyric Writing
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/songwritersGuide/LyricSheet.aspx
The songs performed by past American Idol winners usually reflect the emotional journey they have gone through on the show. We’re listening for a meaningful lyric that connects with the American Idol audience and complements a great melody and song structure.


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Is there any one genre of song that works best for American Idol?Our show is watched by millions of Americans both young and old, so your lyrics and music need to be accessible and appealing to that audience.


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Should I write the lyrics before the music?Whatever feels right...great songs have been written both ways, and the lyrics and the music are equally important to us.


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Should I write with one contestant in mind or should I submit different versions of my song for each potential finalist?Do neither. Instead you should focus on simply writing a great song with broad appeal. A song that has these qualities can be arranged by our chosen record producer to suit individual singers.


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How long should my song be?
Between two and a half and four minutes is best for us in terms of running time.

3) recording tips
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/songwritersGuide/RecordingTips.aspx
A simple vocal recording accompanied by a guitar or piano will be enough for us to hear if your song could work for American Idol. Our skilled production team can then work their magic and complete the musical arrangement around your song if you make it through to our finale.


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I don’t have access to a professional recording studio. What do you suggest?We’re not listening to the quality of the recording, just the quality of the song. Recording a basic vocal and instrument performance at home on your computer is good enough for us. If you need help creating a song file, follow our simple steps here.


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My songwriting is a lot better than my singing. Will this hurt my chances?Not at all – remember, we’re not judging your performance, just the song. Perhaps you know a friend who is more confident in front of a microphone and can help you out. If not, don’t worry, as a great song will always shine through.


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How long should my song be?Between two and a half and four minutes is best for us in terms of running time.

4) create your song file
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/songwritersGuide/CreatingYourSongFile.aspx
To enter American Idol Songwriter, you'll need to upload your song to us as an MP3 file. If you're thinking “MP-What-File?”, then follow the steps below for your PC or Mac.


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PC UsersOpen Windows Sound Recorder – you'll find it on your PC here: Start>All Programs>Accessories>Entertainment>Sound Recorder.
If you don't have a built-in microphone, you'll need to connect an external one.
Record your song and save it as a .WAV file on your desktop.
Next, download a free MP3 encoder – a quick search online should find what you need.
Launch your encoder and add the .WAV file you saved on your desktop.
Open the encoder settings and select the following:
Bit rate: 128 kbps (or higher for even greater quality)
Channels: Joint Stereo
Sample rate: 44.1KHz

Your .WAV file is now ready to be converted into an MP3. Remember to save your converted MP3 to your desktop so it's easy to find – your file should only take seconds to convert.
Alternatively, you can open iTunes if you have it installed and convert your .WAV file through that.
Make sure your file size is no greater than 4MB, this is the maximum allowed.
You're then all set to check the results and upload your file.
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Mac UsersOpen GarageBand – free with Mac OS X 10.4 (or available to buy at http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/).
If you don't have a built-in microphone, you'll need to connect an external one.
Record and save your song.
Select 'Send Song to iTunes' from the Share menu.
Then open iTunes, go to Preferences, select the Advanced tab and then the Importing tab.
Check your settings:
Import Using: MP3 encoder
Setting: Good Quality (128kbps) or higher

Find your song, then hit CRTL+CLICK and select Convert Selection to MP3.
Your file will then be saved in your iTunes Music folder on your Mac.
Make sure your file size is no greater than 4MB, this is the maximum allowed.
You're then all set to check the results and upload your file.
If your song is one of our top 20 finalists, please be prepared to provide the original source file immediately.

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ENTER YOUR SONG
It doesn't get any bigger than this. Carrie Underwood's 'Inside Your Heaven' and Jordin Spark's 'This Is My Now' stormed to the top of the US charts after appearing on American Idol - the most watched television series in America. This year it could be your song.

Read Our Songwriter's Guide
Submit Your Song
We'll be asking you for a $10 entry fee, so now's the time to fold if you don't think your song's good enough to go all the way.


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Get VotingThe 20 songs most suitable for American Idol will be shortlisted by Simon Fuller - the creator of American Idol - and the 19 Entertainment A&R team. These songs will then be showcased online and the American public will be asked to vote for their favorites.

Register to Vote

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The Winning Song is RevealedThe song chosen by the nation will be performed live in front of millions of viewers on the American Idol television finale. But that's only half the story: your song will also be released by this season's American Idol!

Don't miss your chance to become America's hottest new songwriter.

CONTESTANT AGREEMENT

Introduction

The American Idol television series ("the Series") is owned by 19 TV Limited ("19 TV") and Fremantle Media North America Inc. The Series is in its seventh season - American Idol 7. 19 TV selects the songs to be performed by the contestants on the Series. 19 TV's parent company, 19 Entertainment Limited, ("19 Entertainment") is conducting a competition to find a new song for the winner of American Idol 7 to perform on the Series and to release as a commercial recording. This agreement sets out the terms upon which you may enter and participate in the American Idol Songwriter Competition ("the Competition"). In consideration of 19 Entertainment accepting you as a contestant in the Competition you agree to the terms set out in this agreement.

Eligibility requirements
Age - You (and each Co-Writer) must be at least 18 years old on 1 March 2008. You (and each co-writer) will be required to produce proof of your identity and age upon request.
Citizenship - You (and each Co-Writer) must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States.
Free to contract - You (and each Co-Writer) must not be party to a current exclusive song-writing agreement and your song must not be the subject of any existing music publishing agreement.
Your Song - Your song must consist of music and lyrics. The music and lyrics must both be 100% written by you (and your co-writers if any) and be original works. The music and lyrics of your song are together called "the Song". You may only enter one Song.

Not Allowed To Enter
You are not allowed to enter the Competition if you or any of the Co-Writers are:

employees or officers of 19 Entertainment, 19 TV, CKX Inc or any other company or corporation in the 19 or CKX Inc groups of companies;

employees or officers of Fremantle Media North America, Inc, Fox Broadcasting Company or of any other company or corporation in the Fremantle Media or Fox groups of companies;
employees or officers of AKQA or of any other company or corporation in the AKQA group of companies; or
an immediate family member (spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son) of or living in the same household (whether related or not) as anyone referred to in (a) (b) or (c) above.

The Competition
In order to enter the Competition you must:
follow all registration requirements on the Competition's website, including accepting the terms of this Agreement;
submit one Song for entry into the Competition by sending a demonstration recording of the Song in MP3 or other acceptable format ("the Recording") to the Competition website and a copy of the lyrics of the Song in WORD, PDF or other acceptable format ("the Lyric Sheet"); and
pay the entry fee of US $10, which is non returnable.
By entering the Competition you grant to 19 Entertainment the following irrevocable rights throughout the World:

the right to copy and store the Song, the Recording and the Lyric Sheet in any and all media;

the right to copy and reproduce the Song, the Recording and the Lyric Sheet in any and all media for the purposes of the Competition (as defined below);

the right to publicly perform the Song and the Recording in any and all media for the purposes of the Competition;

the right to record and authorise others to record the Song for the purposes of the Competition;

the right to synchronise the Song and the Recording with visual images for the purposes of the Competition;

the right to use your name, likeness and biographical information and those of each Co-Writer for the purposes of the Competition; and

the right to authorise others to do any or all of the above.

The expression "for the purposes of the Composition" referred to in 3.2 above includes:
copying, reproduction, public performance and use on the Competition website, AmericanIdol.com and any other website associated with the Competition or the Series (such as a Sponsor's website);

use in advertisements, commercials and other promotions (whether in or out of context) for the Competition; recording the Song and authorising others to record the Song; and embodying the Song and recordings of the Song (including the Recording) in television programmes (including episodes of the Series) or other audio-visual productions synchronised with visual images for exploitation in any and all media and in advertisements and promotions for such television programmes or other audio-visual productions.

The Competition will comprise the following elements:

19 Entertainment will select twenty (20) songs from those entered to go forward for public voting on the Competition website. 19 Entertainment's decision on the selection of the twenty songs ("the Top 20 Songs") will be final;

the public will be invited to vote to select the winning song from the Top 20 Songs. This vote will be either by voting on the Competition website or by a telephone vote;

the winning song will be the song receiving most public votes.
If the Song is selected by 19 Entertainment as one of the Top 20 Songs, you (and all Co-Writers) will be required to enter into a further agreement with 19 Entertainment ("the Publishing Agreement") as a condition of you continuing in the Competition. The Publishing Agreement will grant to 19 Entertainment (or its publishing designee) the exclusive right to publish the Song (but not any other music or lyrics you may have written) for a period of ten (10) years in return for an advance to you of $10,000 against a royalty to you of 75% 'at source' worldwide.
If the Song is not selected by 19 Entertainment as one of the Top 20 Songs the Song will be held in reserve should the Writer of any of the Top 20 Songs fail to enter into the Publishing Agreement. If the Song is not used as a reserve no use of the Song or Recording will be made, but the Song , the Recording and the Lyric Sheet you submitted will be stored by 19 Entertainment.

If the Song wins the Competition, it will be recorded by the winner of American Idol 7, performed at the finale of American Idol 7 and released as a commercial recording for sale to the public in compact disc and electronic formats. You (and any of your Co-Writers) will receive royalties pursuant to the Publishing Agreement for all commercial exploitation of the Song (other than for use of the Song for the purposes of the Competition).

Co-Writers
If the Song is written by you together with one or more others ("Co-Writers"), you confirm that you have the authority of the Co-Writers to enter into this Agreement on their behalf. If the Song is selected as one of the Top 20 Songs you and all your Co-Writers will be required to confirm in writing that you and all Co-Writers are bound by this Agreement, failing which the Song will be replaced in the Top 20 and excluded from the Competition.

The Recording
You confirm that the Recording is owned 100% by you and any Co-Writers and that you have the right to grant to us all rights in the Recording set out in this Agreement. If you do not perform on the Recording or are not the only performer on the Recording you confirm that you have all necessary consents and permissions to make and exploit the Recording.

General Terms
The Competition is a winner-take-all competition. There will be no consolation prizes except as 19 Entertainment may otherwise determine in its sole discretion.
Contestant collusion is prohibited. Any contestants found conspiring or colluding with another contestant will be ejected from the Competition.

All decisions regarding the Competition, including but not limited to rules, eligibility, song selection, voting methods, voting results, disqualification determinations and the awarding of prizes are at 19 Entertainment's sole and exclusive discretion, are final, binding and are not subject to challenge or appeal. 19 Entertainment reserves the right to disqualify contestants from the Competition for any reason in its sole discretion. 19 Entertainment is the sole judge of the outcome of each round of the Competition and 19 Entertainment's decision is final and binding and not subject to challenge or appeal.
19 Entertainment may at any time and in its sole discretion, add or subtract a round of competition from the Competition; and/or determine the method of voting to be used for such additional round(s).

19 Entertainment may at any time and in its sole discretion reinstate into the Competition a song which had previously been eliminated.

By entering the Competition you accept and agree to be bound by this Agreement and by the decisions of 19 Entertainment which decisions shall be final and binding on all matters relating to all aspects of the Competition. The rules of the Competition are subject to change at any time for any reason, with or without notice, in 19 Entertainment's sole discretion, and such changes shall not be subject to challenge or appeal.
You (and each Co-Writer) agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify 19 Entertainment, Fremantle Media North America Inc., Fox Broadcasting Company, AKQA, all production personnel, participating television stations, and their respective parents, affiliated and subsidiary companies, affiliates, advertisers, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the "Released Parties") from and against any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, expenses and losses of any kind arising from or relating to the Song, the Recording, or any statement or action or omission in connection with your participation in the Competition, any related television programme and/or the making, taping, use, editing, distribution, exhibition, licensing, advertising, promoting, broadcast and/or webcast of such programme.
You understand and agree that all publicity in connection with the Competition is under the sole control of 19 Entertainment. You agree to consult with 19 Entertainment regarding any and all publicity (including, but not limited to, television, radio and print interviews) in connection with your involvement with the Competition and shall not perform or consent to perform any publicity without prior written approval of the 19 Entertainment.

You agree to treat all information and material that you receive or acquire during your participation in the Competition as strictly confidential and not to disclose any such information to any third party.

19 Entertainment reserves the right to set limits on, among other things, the duration of the voting period and the number of votes that may be made per telephone number or individual per voting period.

All decisions regarding technical difficulties or mechanical failures in connection with the Competition (including any such difficulties or failures with the internet or telephone voting systems to be used by the public) will be determined by 19 Entertainment in its sole discretion and shall be final and binding on you. If a technical difficulty, mechanical failure, human error or other possible irregularity affecting the Competition occurs during the Competition, 19 Entertainment will review the situation on a case-by-case basis and take appropriate action to preserve the fairness and integrity of the Competition. If 19 Entertainment, in its sole discretion, determines that technical difficulty, mechanical failure or human error has corrupted the Competition, 19 Entertainment may take any remedial step including, without limitation, repeating a round of the Competition and/or any other measure 19 Entertainment in its sole discretion, deem necessary and/or appropriate.

This Agreement shall be governed by the Laws of England. you and 19 Entertainment agree that the High Court of Justice in England is the exclusive court of jurisdiction in relation to this Agreement.

You acknowledge that you have read and fully understood this Agreement and agree to abide by its terms.


REFUND POLICY
The registration fee for American Idol Songwriter 2008 is ten dollars. This registration fee is non-refundable once you submit your transaction. If payment is rejected or does not clear for any reason, 19 Entertainment and American Idol Songwriter reserve the right to refuse registration and entry to the American Idol Songwriter 2008 contest.

If you have any questions, please send an email to Songwriter.Contest@19.co.uk.

TERMS and Conditons

American Idol Songwriter Website Terms and Conditions of Use
OWNERSHIP

Welcome to the American Idol Songwriter website at http://songwriter.americanidol.com ("Site") which is owned by 19 Entertainment Limited ("19"). This Site is operated by 19 and materials on the Site are primarily owned by 19. The Site may also include materials owned by third parties and posted on the Site by virtue of a license, grant or some other form of agreement between the third party and 19.

19 has created this Site for your personal enjoyment, entertainment and education. These Terms and Conditions of Use constitute a legal agreement ("Agreement") between you and 19. Use of the Site is also governed by the American Idol Songwriter Privacy Policy (below), which is incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. By using the Site, you agree to be bound by this Agreement, whether you are a "Visitor" (which means that you simply browse the Site) or you are a "Member" (which means that you have registered with AmericanIdol.com). The term "User" refers to a Visitor or a Member. You are only authorized to access this Site or to use the materials and services contained in the Site (regardless of whether your access or use is intended) if you agree to abide by all applicable laws and to this Agreement. Please read this Agreement carefully and save it. If you do not agree with it, you should leave this Site immediately. Any questions or comments regarding, or problems with, this Site should be sent to the Site Administrator at privacy.officer@19.co.uk.

19 reserves the right to modify or amend this Agreement without notice at any time, and such modification will be effective upon posting by 19 on the Site. You agree to be bound by any changes to this Agreement when you use the Site after any such modification is posted. It is therefore important that you read this page regularly to ensure you are updated as to any changes.

If you become aware of misuse of this Site by any person, please contact the Site Administrator at privacy.officer@19.co.uk with your concerns.

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did you enter?

please post lyrics and links to the songs you entered

btw: I also posted all the AI contest details here
cause I'm sure it's gonna drop off their site and
we'll have it archived here
case anyone wants to refer to it later on

got this from a cowriter
it is true?

ande

here's another rule a songwriter forwarded to me
but I can't seem to find it on the AI site

Citizenship – You (and each Co-Writer) must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States. You are not eligible if you (or any Co-Writer) is a resident of Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland or Vermont

what the %$%$%?

residents of Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland and Vermont are NOT legal permanent citizens of the United States?

that sure sounds bogus!

yep it's there, drop by
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/Registration.aspx
read the Contestant Agreement

CONTESTANT AGREEMENT
Introduction
The American Idol television series ("the Series") is owned by 19 TV Limited ("19 TV") and Fremantle Media North America Inc. The Series is in its seventh season – American Idol 7. 19 TV selects the songs to be performed by the contestants on the Series. 19 TV’s parent company, 19 Entertainment Limited, ("19 Entertainment") is conducting a competition to find a new song for the winner of American Idol 7 to perform on the Series and to release as a commercial recording. This agreement sets out the terms upon which you may enter and participate in the American Idol Songwriter Competition ("the Competition"). In consideration of 19 Entertainment accepting you as a contestant in the Competition you agree to the terms set out in this agreement.

Eligibility requirements

Age – You (and each Co-Writer) must be at least 18 years old on 1 March 2008. You (and each co-writer) will be required to produce proof of your identity and age upon request.
Citizenship – You (and each Co-Writer) must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States. You are not eligible if you (or any Co-Writer) is a resident of Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland or Vermont.

Free to contract – You (and each Co-Writer) must not be party to a current exclusive song-writing agreement and your song must not be the subject of any existing music publishing agreement.
Your Song – Your song must consist of music and lyrics. The music and lyrics must both be 100% written by you (and your co-writers if any) and be original works. The music and lyrics of your song are together called "the Song". You may only enter one Song.

Not Allowed To Enter
You are not allowed to enter the Competition if you or any of the Co-Writers are:

employees or officers of 19 Entertainment, 19 TV, CKX Inc or any other company or corporation in the 19 or CKX Inc groups of companies;
employees or officers of Fremantle Media North America, Inc, Fox Broadcasting Company or of any other company or corporation in the Fremantle Media or Fox groups of companies;
employees or officers of AKQA or of any other company or corporation in the AKQA group of companies;
an immediate family member (spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son) of or living in the same household (whether related or not) as anyone referred to in (a) (b) or (c) above; or
a resident of Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland or Vermont

The Competition
In order to enter the Competition you must:
follow all registration requirements on the Competition’s website, including accepting the terms of this Agreement;
submit one Song for entry into the Competition by sending a demonstration recording of the Song in MP3 or other acceptable format ("the Recording") to the Competition website and a copy of the lyrics of the Song in WORD, PDF or other acceptable format ("the Lyric Sheet"); and
pay the entry fee of US$10, which is non returnable.
By entering the Competition you grant to 19 Entertainment the following irrevocable rights throughout the World:
the right to copy and store the Song, the Recording and the Lyric Sheet in any and all media;
the right to copy and reproduce the Song, the Recording and the Lyric Sheet in any and all media for the purposes of the Competition (as defined below);
the right to publicly perform the Song and the Recording in any and all media for the purposes of the Competition;
the right to record and authorise others to record the Song for the purposes of the Competition;
the right to synchronise the Song and the Recording with visual images for the purposes of the Competition;
the right to use your name, likeness and biographical information and those of each Co-Writer for the purposes of the Competition; and
the right to authorise others to do any or all of the above.
The expression "for the purposes of the Composition" referred to in 3.2 above includes:
copying, reproduction, public performance and use on the Competition website, AmericanIdol.com and any other website associated with the Competition or the Series (such as a Sponsor’s website);
use in advertisements, commercials and other promotions (whether in or out of context) for the Competition;
recording the Song and authorising others to record the Song; and
embodying the Song and recordings of the Song (including the Recording) in television programmes (including episodes of the Series) or other audio-visual productions synchronised with visual images for exploitation in any and all media and in advertisements and promotions for such television programmes or other audio-visual productions.
The Competition will comprise the following elements:
19 Entertainment will select twenty (20) songs from those entered to go forward for public voting on the Competition website. 19 Entertainment’s decision on the selection of the twenty songs ("the Top 20 Songs") will be final;
the public will be invited to vote to select the winning song from the Top 20 Songs. This vote will be either by voting on the Competition website or by a telephone vote;
the winning song will be the song receiving most public votes.
If the Song is not selected by 19 Entertainment as one of the Top 20 Songs the Song will be held in reserve should the Writer of any of the Top 20 Songs fail to enter into the Publishing Agreement. If the Song is not used as a reserve no use of the Song or Recording will be made, but the Song , the Recording and the Lyric Sheet you submitted will be stored by 19 Entertainment.
If the Song wins the Competition, it will be recorded by the winner of American Idol 7, performed at the finale of American Idol 7 and released as a commercial recording for sale to the public in compact disc and electronic formats. You (and any of your Co-Writers) will receive royalties pursuant to the Publishing Agreement for all commercial exploitation of the Song (other than for use of the Song for the purposes of the Competition).

Co-Writers
If the Song is written by you together with one or more others ("Co-Writers"), you confirm that you have the authority of the Co-Writers to enter into this Agreement on their behalf. If the Song is selected as one of the Top 20 Songs you and all your Co-Writers will be required to confirm in writing that you and all Co-Writers are bound by this Agreement, failing which the Song will be replaced in the Top 20 and excluded from the Competition.

The Recording
You confirm that the Recording is owned 100% by you and any Co-Writers and that you have the right to grant to us all rights in the Recording set out in this Agreement. If you do not perform on the Recording or are not the only performer on the Recording you confirm that you have all necessary consents and permissions to make and exploit the Recording.

General Terms
The Competition is a winner-take-all competition. There will be no consolation prizes except as 19 Entertainment may otherwise determine in its sole discretion.
Contestant collusion is prohibited. Any contestants found conspiring or colluding with another contestant will be ejected from the Competition.
All decisions regarding the Competition, including but not limited to rules, eligibility, song selection, voting methods, voting results, disqualification determinations and the awarding of prizes are at 19 Entertainment’s sole and exclusive discretion, are final, binding and are not subject to challenge or appeal. 19 Entertainment reserves the right to disqualify contestants from the Competition for any reason in its sole discretion. 19 Entertainment is the sole judge of the outcome of each round of the Competition and 19 Entertainment’s decision is final and binding and not subject to challenge or appeal.
19 Entertainment may at any time and in its sole discretion, add or subtract a round of competition from the Competition; and/or determine the method of voting to be used for such additional round(s).
19 Entertainment may at any time and in its sole discretion reinstate into the Competition a song which had previously been eliminated.
By entering the Competition you accept and agree to be bound by this Agreement and by the decisions of 19 Entertainment which decisions shall be final and binding on all matters relating to all aspects of the Competition. The rules of the Competition are subject to change at any time for any reason, with or without notice, in 19 Entertainment’s sole discretion, and such changes shall not be subject to challenge or appeal.
You (and each Co-Writer) agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify 19 Entertainment, Fremantle Media North America Inc., Fox Broadcasting Company, AKQA, all production personnel, participating television stations, and their respective parents, affiliated and subsidiary companies, affiliates, advertisers, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the "Released Parties") from and against any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, expenses and losses of any kind arising from or relating to the Song, the Recording, or any statement or action or omission in connection with your participation in the Competition, any related television programme and/or the making, taping, use, editing, distribution, exhibition, licensing, advertising, promoting, broadcast and/or webcast of such programme.
You understand and agree that all publicity in connection with the Competition is under the sole control of 19 Entertainment. You agree to consult with 19 Entertainment regarding any and all publicity (including, but not limited to, television, radio and print interviews) in connection with your involvement with the Competition and shall not perform or consent to perform any publicity without prior written approval of the 19 Entertainment.
You agree to treat all information and material that you receive or acquire during your participation in the Competition as strictly confidential and not to disclose any such information to any third party.
19 Entertainment reserves the right to set limits on, among other things, the duration of the voting period and the number of votes that may be made per telephone number or individual per voting period.
All decisions regarding technical difficulties or mechanical failures in connection with the Competition (including any such difficulties or failures with the internet or telephone voting systems to be used by the public) will be determined by 19 Entertainment in its sole discretion and shall be final and binding on you. If a technical difficulty, mechanical failure, human error or other possible irregularity affecting the Competition occurs during the Competition, 19 Entertainment will review the situation on a case-by-case basis and take appropriate action to preserve the fairness and integrity of the Competition. If 19 Entertainment, in its sole discretion, determines that technical difficulty, mechanical failure or human error has corrupted the Competition, 19 Entertainment may take any remedial step including, without limitation, repeating a round of the Competition and/or any other measure 19 Entertainment in its sole discretion, deem necessary and/or appropriate.

This Agreement shall be governed by the Laws of England. you and 19 Entertainment agree that the High Court of Justice in England is the exclusive court of jurisdiction in relation to this Agreement.

You acknowledge that you have read and fully understood this Agreement and agree to abide by its terms.


REFUND POLICY
The registration fee for American Idol Songwriter 2008 is ten dollars. This registration fee is non-refundable once you submit your transaction. If payment is rejected or does not clear for any reason, 19 Entertainment and American Idol Songwriter reserve the right to refuse registration and entry to the American Idol Songwriter 2008 contest.

If you have any questions, please send an email to Songwriter.Contest@19.co.uk.

THANKS ANDE!

For posting all this, it's much easier to read & folloe here than there sites...

QUESTION:

Can you submitt more than one song????? at $10 each of course...

And what about submitting two versions of the same song? If you could.
That would be too confusing I guess wouldn't it?

Thanks

you're welcome
I wanted to archive it here incase questions come up mid year after they've pulled it off their site

they also amended the rules

I was hoping more JPFer's would participate on this thread and post what they submitted

I was surprised they blocked out residents of particular states

you can submit more than one song, I've already submitted 2
I'd think you could also submit different demos of the same song

ande

Citizenship – You (and each Co-Writer) must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States. You are not eligible if you (or any Co-Writer) is a resident of Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland or Vermont


THAT'S A BUNCH OF BULL S@*)*$@*!!! And unless I can see something in writing proving how they can leave residents of these states out I may take legal action against the company. The reason better be good!

I can understand Arizona--the state of Arizona officially has doubts about whether they want to be part of the U.S. anyway. But Iowa? What have they got against Iowa?

Joe

Thanks Joe! I am wondering that too. I am probably the only one in this state who is even entering a song. Come on! Its just full of corn fields and insurance companies. Good grief! What did we ever do? Can anyone shed some light on this?

T

I would suppose that Iowa must have some kind of law that is stopping AI from accepting your song. Different states have different rules concerning contests. The old "Void where Prohibited" statement.

Kevin

No one likes Insurance companies, they always bail out when you need them, therefore screw Iowa!! kidding of course but not about the insurance companies

I think I understand now: it must be some sort of copyright infringement issue. Arizona? Sounds like "American". Iowa? Sounds too much like "Idol". It would follow that Connecticut, Maryland and Vermont are obviously pretending to be Cowell, Jackson and Abdul.

Shame on those states.

Well I guess I will be residing with a friend from out of state for a little while. ha! There are ways to beat the system. No problem there. This is crazy. There are alot of state laws that we don't know about in each state that make no sense at all. Perhaps this is one of them. I would like to see the fine print on this one.

T

Hey Ande, where did you find the contestant agreement page? I read through the conditions and terms and read that pretty thouroughly and could not find anything written about the states that you mentioned being excluded. Could you help us find that exact location other than reading what you have posted here? Thank you ! I want to see this for myself written on the A.I. site. Update, never mind... I found it and there is no explanation at all for this.

T

www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2
www.tammyedwards.com

It has to be something about the way a contest is conducted and whether they feel like you are essentially "gambling" for example by participating. Different states have a myriad of laws about paid contests and there's also a of state laws governing what type of contract you can be forced to enter into for your music. (For example, some may block anything forcing you to give up rights to your song by simply entering, which AI does and we discussed all that before). All this is simply speculation, but it's more likely because of existing laws or previous litigation with those states than any reason on AI's end. They're such a huge lawsuit target, I am sure they've got to cover their butt on every front. And I doubt you'd have legal options Tammy... People are free to offer their products or services to any states or exclude any they want to. For example in Indiana we can't purchase wine to be shipped to us from outside of the state due to a bogus Indiana law passed by distributors to stifle competition. There's so many possible reason that would block them that your best shot at making any noise would be to contact your local Fox news TV affiliate (and perhaps their competition if they don't respond) and ask them why Iowa is being left out. At least you'll likely get an answer.

Brian

This is very interesting. I have been on the phone with several people trying to figure this out. It has to be some law here and in the 4 other states. But surely there is a way to get around this. It seems so odd. They must considered the contest gambling, which is ironic because we are opening yet another casino in this state. We are close to 20. We have horse races just down the street. People come from all over to gamble and go to the horse racing but now ya can't enter a songwriting contest when there are well over 20k people in it and the odds still are pretty bad to make the top twenty.

So if anyone is curious about why they did this, I will contact our local Fox TV station tomorrow and a few other sources. This could prove to be very interesting. I will definately keep you posted on this.

t

www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2
www.tammyedwards.com

Tamera, maybe the difference is that with horse races and casinos, you can sometimes win. Ya think?

Joe

You got it! LOL!! And at this point Joe, it's a whole lot more fun to just go play the slots than to be dealt yet again, another hurdle with the American Idol contest. Somehow I didn't see this in the print last year. Perhaps it was there.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

tammy

drop by
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/Registration.aspx
then scroll down a little
read the Contestant Agreement

Tammy you have a valid grievance here. It is a form of discrimination. My feelings on AI are now legend however I am an advocate of fair play and freedom of choice. Why should you be barred from a national competition because you happen to reside in a certain part of the country. Brian also raised a point about bogus import laws. I am no expert on the USA constitution but I would hope that these unfair laws breach it somewhere or other. That is an angle you may want to pursue. Freedom is hardly freedom if there are laws that prevent you going about lawful pursuits.

HI Guys! I have made contact with the attorney general and am awaiting a call back. The lady that I did get to speak to in the office was unaware of anything crazy like this? She seemed intriged. I am sure it will raise a few eyebrows. They have put me in contact with an investigater and he will be handling this. Man I hope he calls soon!

T

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Hey Tammy watch out now the FBI will be watching you. LOL
Best of luck. Milk the publicity.

I can see the headlines.



Young songwriter exposes gov human rights scandal.

Attorney general takes up case.

I will fight this through the courts AI will get my entry.

I will even move to another state to get an entry in AI song comp.

LOL ...Big Jim, they probably already are watching me. There is no privacy here in the US> ha! The internet has taken care of that. Heck I googled myself and even found quotes that I said here on JPF come right up in my face and thought....oh great! now the whole world knows what I have said. Any thing we say on here or anywhere on the net can be google and pulled up. Ha! I can't possibly undo all the links and conversations. Scary huh? So I suppose I can be tracked down anywhere.

I can't wait to see what they have to say about this contest. This will probably big news around here. ha!

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Tammy,

Did you call a local TV or Radio station? I bet if there is a local radio talk show, they'd LOVE a little controversial topic like this one.. it might make you a mini celeb in Iowa! = )

Brian

That is my next move Brian. Today I called the attorney generals office and got in touch by voice mail with a private investigator that will take my case. They secretary was very intriged. The next call will be this weekend to the FOX TV station we have here. This could get interesting. I keep thinking why me?! LOL But it does seem quite unfair.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Not sure why you need a private investigator. The media will do that work for you if the ask the right people.

Brian

That would be great. I guess after the lady heard my story that was who she patched me through to. Maybe after I talk to the FOX people I might not need that.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards.com

Seriously Tammy AI is big business and it sells news especially anything controversial. I would think that what you have uncovered is worthy of local even national news. The publicity would do everyone including you no end of good.

you should go public with your story
tell them how you went to nashville spent a small fortune in hopes of having a better demo to enter then found out you couldn't

the other choice is to be quiet and "move" to another state and
enter the contest

ande

Hmm... under the Eligibility requirements - part 4 'Your Song' - it says "You may only enter one Song"

I hope that does not disqualify you. I think it would be very cool if you won. If you're in the top 20 - I'll be voting.

Ok guys! Lets take a poll! I need your help!!! First of all, I did enter the contest with my song. They accepted my money and my entry online. They don't require that you put what state you are from on the entry form. However...should the bridge be crossed where that may come up, what should I do? Have a residency somewhere else? Which I do have in place now. Or should I blow the whistle this week when the Attorney General calls and should I call FOX TV? Should I bother with all that now? Or wait to see if I even have a chance? Or will I get thrown out and have never known they did that to me in the stack of songs?? OPINIONS PLEASE!! WHAT WOULD YOU DO??

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

And I see that Ande did enter more than one. You can do that. I am pretty sure. Last year they started out with the one song only rule. Then as the time passed they did change that post and say more than one song... or songs. So they do change the rules as they please. Of course they aren't going to turn down the cash cow. Ha! The more the merrier.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Tammy, I for one believe you should pursue this. Who knows, the next No 1 hit may be sitting on someone's computer in Iowa and won't be sent in because she read that one line in the terms. Unfortunately, we Canadians can't enter 'either'. You've got my vote also!

Randy Justason

Here's what I'm wondering...if you enter a song, and it doesn't end up winning, is your song still now published by AI? In other words, I could see being forced into signing a Pub deal for your song if you won, but if you didn't win...you're still tied to a Pub contract with AI? That seems to be a drag...although it also seems as though they are offering $10k for ALL Top 20 songs? Anyone know for sure?

If they don't select your song, you have no obligation to them. You didn't sign over your rights to the song just by entering. That would be crazy and unfair and would lose in court even if they were so sly as to slip that in the fine print. Besides, they would never know which song they rejected even if it became a hit outside of the contest- just too many songs to keep track of.
sjh

samuel, I think you are right. I think they only time any of us would have to worry would be if we made the top 20. Then there would be things to consider. Other than that, you are right there are just way too many songs for them to even keep track of or deal with.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Samuel, it appears that ALL TOP TWENTY songs have to sign a Publishing Agreement. Note where it says this, "If the Song is not selected by 19 Entertainment as one of the Top 20 Songs, the Song will be held in reserve should the Writer of any of the Top 20 Songs fail to enter into the Publishing Agreement."

What that sounds like to me is this...if your song is selected for the Top Twenty, you must sign the Pub Agreement. If you don't, the #21 song will replace your song and you're out completely.

SO, with that in mind, say your song goes in to the Top Twenty and you do NOT win the #1 slot...it appears as though 19 Entertainment still has a Pub Agreement on your song. UNLESS, the Pub Agreement that you are asked to sign specifically states that if you don't win the whole contest, you are released from the Pub Agreement. But to me, that would kind of suck if you made the Top Twenty, gave away your publishing and then didn't win the whole thing. Now you've given them your Pub for no apparent reason.

Thoughts?

Tammy here is what I would do. I am not a pessimist but chances are your song is not going to get a top 20 slot from a statistical POV. So do the next best thing get your song airplay and publicity from pursueing the I come from Iowa and am barred fro entering a song in AI angle. Contact local even national TV radio and press and draw their attention to this state of affairs I am sure they will listen it is A great news story. Anything good or bad relating to AI sells. So you milk the cow and do not let the cow milk you.

Yep could'nt agree more...turn the situation to your advantage.."IOWA SONGWRITERS ARE BARRED FROM ENTERING AI"..send an e mail to all radio stations highlighting that part of the rules...why are we being discriminated against?..should make a good story,at local level to start with..who knows where it might end up...but i'd reckon the IOWA radio stations will pick up on it...It's akin to this country in the fact...X FACTOR..(uk version)invites songwriters from anywhere in the UK to write a song for the finalists..get your entry in right away..P.S Writers from Scotland need not apply..........Terry...

Ok guys, I called the FOX TV station just now. The first lady was cluesless...the next guy on the phone was also clueless but seemed interested. He said he wanted to contact someone about that and would call me back. He thinks it is some rule out of Calif. not here in Iowa. I find that hard to believe because it would be the state that would be forbidding it. He is calling to find out. So cross your fingers that we will get an answer. I just know most people have no idea about this. This guy didn't even know there was a songwriting contest.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Hey Terry X FACTOR must have already heard our stuff and heard about our reputations. LOL

This whole residency thing is quite puzzling tho it doesn't affect me.

Anyway, I decided to enter this year. I didn't last year.

I took an end-around on the subject matter , injecting a bit of humility to the whole process.

Here's my lottery ticket:

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6416370


Isn't Love Enough?
Lyrics: Timothy A. Perry
Music: Jeffrey Oxford
© 2007

Verse 1:
Some might search for diamonds
But get a life full of rocks.
Some gaze at the ocean,
But never leave the docks.
Some might toil their whole lives through
And never rise a notch.
Work with peers for 40 years
And never get a watch.

Chorus 1:
But if someone loves you heart and soul
And you love them just as much.
When everything is said and done,
Isn’t love enough?

Verse 2:
From a mansion on a mountain top
To a broke down double-wide,
Home is where we live and love
And we find a place to hide.
Instead of high accomplishments
Most try to fill their cups.
Struggle to the day’s last light
Just trying to keep up.

Chorus 1:
But if someone loves you heart and soul
And you love them just as much.
When everything is said and done,
Isn’t love enough?

Bridge:
Most will never make their way into the history books.
Or have the kind of talents that compel the world to look.
'Cause hidden from the public eye are feats of faith and brawn.
It’s within our own circles that the lines are clearly drawn.

Chorus 1:
But if someone loves you heart and soul
And you love them just as much.
When everything is said and done,
When everything is said and done,
Isn't love enough?

Very nice, Tim! Good luck to you.

I posted a link on the mp3 site here yesterday as well as uploaded it to the AI site, but I don't think many have seen it here, so I'll post it again.

It's not quite up to my current production standards, since it was written and recorded in just a few days (and it's a demo, not a master). I hope it has a shot...We're hoping they also might consider it for "Idol Gives Back" since it's about helping others.

http://www.myspace.com/larrywilliamsproductions


WHAT THEN?
c 2008 Steve M. Jackson/Larry O. Williams

Okay, so we build a brighter place to live
Wash away all the hate and fear it had to give
Will we find all the happiness we're lookin' for
Will the children really know exactly what's in store

When we finally make the other side
Can we tell them that they'll never, ever have to run and hide

What then - when we make a better world
What then - will we find ourselves alone
What then - will we find a willing hand to hold
To help us find our way back home?

Can we forget all the pain it took to get us there
Should we forget? Somehow it doesn't seem quite fair
If we have nothing to compare it to
Good turns bad, new to old - there's nothing we can do

When we finally make tomorrow
Can we look back on the yesterdays that we all came to know

What then - when we make a better world
What then - will we find ourselves alone
What then - will we find a willing hand to hold
To help us find our way back home?

We've got to face the past...if we run the future may not last
Let's prepare for the worst life has got to give

And then - when we make a better world
And then - we won't find ourselves alone
And then - we'll find that willing hand to hold
To help us find our way back home!

Nice job on your’n as well, L!

I didn’t write mine for AI. It was written last fall and inspired by a good songwriter friend whose wife died at 48 last year.

I just self-rationalized the content enough to enter it. ;-)

The FOX TV man just called me back again. He is still waiting to hear from Calif. I showed him the rules. He said it has nothing to do with FOX that he knows of. He says it is Freemantle and 19. Whatever that means. Somehow they know something about the 5 states that keeps them from allowing us to enter. He says they are VERY strict and if any of us would make it that far they would do their homework and disqualify us. I don't know. I am not sure what to think. I expect to get one more phone call of information from him. This is so darn crazy.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

here's what I wish:

1) that those judging the idol song contest
would select a pool of the very best submissions
and have a week where idol contestants go through them pick one and perform it on the show

2) that after the show idol contestants & AR
could go through the pool of songs on their song search for hits
when they are preparing to record their CD

Tammy, in case no one has said this, I believe it has to do with states' rules for contests. There is some law on the books in Iowa and the other states about entering contests, or entering contests with international companies (19 Entertainment is in the UK), or something like that. I don't believe it has anything to do with 19 discriminating against certain states...it has more to do with those states having some problem with such competitions. I'm no lawyer, but I read that someone else...