JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum American Idol Songwriting Contest

Well,Tammy,

Once again, as I had said, I'll stand corrected if an truly unknown, say telephone technician or something, from nowhere wrote one of the songs picked.

This really should have been done as a professional competition, but then, the songs might have been tied to a writer's established publishers, if promoted for professionals AND
the majority of those $10 entry fee revenues would have never been collected.

Still, waiting to see if that "50 year old Mom on her son's keyboard" they touted as possibly winning, or someone similar
if in this group.

Greta

It IS a pro game. This is simply a rare chance for anyone, at any level, to take a swing at the ball to try and hit a home run. Why would someone be eliminated from participating because they had worked to hard and had become too good at what they do? Most writers, including those with previous cuts, are STILL struggling day to day. I think people have a deluded idea of the money involved for having a hit song, let alone just a cut on an album. If you worked hard to become a great writer, and you found a little success that everyone wants, why should you be banned from entering this? For anyone short of Diane Warren, this is a big deal. Even if you had previous hits, it's STILL a big deal. I think the change should go to the best song, no matter WHO it came from. We have that same attitude in the JPF awards. If you get nominated or win an award, you are competing against the best, with no restrictions. It's not for pro's or amateurs.. it's for the BEST.. and that can come from anywhere.

For those wondering where I get my info:

From a finalist of course. The situation is this: They contacted the Top 20 in advance to clear any issues. I am guessing (though this part is not confirmed) that AI probably wanted them to shut down their sites and also get on MySpace. That's what has happened on all the other major contests/competitions that I know of. Apparently the problem came up that AI didn't bother to tell the people they contacted to keep their mouths shut for 2 days. So many were excited, as we all would have been, and told everyone they knew, as we all would have done. Then AI comes back and says "don't tell anyone" 2 full days later. Now some of those folks are in a panic because the cat is already out of the bag.

I already know at least 1 finalist who is a struggling indie writer with very little success. In that person's case, they had 1 song in 1 film and made a whopping 100 dollars from it. That artist is produced by a long time JPF member that I know quite well. This is by far the biggest thing to ever happen to these folks. I am very disappointed that some here have questioned their honesty/integrity and have suggested the fix is in. I can't attest for other finalists, but in this case, these ARE real life Just Plain Folks. Let's not turn and eat our own just because they have had some recognition and success. Let's cheer them on and raise the collective ship at the same time.

Brian

If it is a PRO'S game, then call it that!! And A.I., don't encourage people that are not writing at that level to send in their money at a shot they most likey will not have for another big paycheck for Simon Cowell and whoever gets paid out there!!! This is what makes me very angry about this contest!

Tammy

Not writing at that level!!? The point isn't to find a song that is great 'for an unknown'. Its to find a great song and not keep out any unknowns in the process. At the end of the day, we want the best song. The point here is to find the best song no matter where it is from.

Tammy,

So they're supposed to use a crappy song that couldn't compete fairly on the open market as the winning song? Or should they instead allow TALENT to decide who makes the top 20? I am shocked that you're so closed minded on this. This is the biggest brass ring out there for a songwriter. The complaint from the Indie community is NOT that untalented hacks should get record deals.. it's that the little guy with equal or better talent doesn't get a shot. This offered EVERYONE a chance, based solely on their talent, to have an equal shot. That's the best case scenario. That's fair. And this contest, from what I have seen, IS fair.

Brian

Maureen,

If they hadn't had a minimal fee, a bunch of punk kids would have submitted 1000's of useless songs just to be annoying. Having a small fee keeps a lot of the trouble makers from doing what they'd LOVE to do. Look, I run both the largest music awards in the world AND one that is totally free to enter. We are able to keep fraud down because we go through CD Baby and those folks already paid 35 dollars to be on CD Baby. OR, they are members who have to mail a CD to us. We don't accept files over the net for this exact reason. I am the LAST person to support other music awards and contests since I think we have the best one that recognizes talent. However, when the stake are so high for these finalists and the winner, I think the way they did it was very smart and reasonable. The 10 dollar fee only equates to 250,000 dollars. They are already giving away 200K of that to the 20 finalists. They didn't make a dime from this process. Perhaps next time they will make a lot more. But for now, this was hardly a money maker for a big corporation.

You guys who are angry need to brush the chip off your shoulders.

Brian

Folks,

I have heard that it’s who you know that gets you somewhere. I’ve heard it’s not right that seasoned pros got involved. American Idol’s so unfair. Simon sucks.

Come on people! I entered and I didn’t get chosen because my song could not compete against seasoned writers who had better songs. Whose fault is that? Mine! So it’s who you know that gets you somewhere and opens doors. Well I didn’t move to LA or Nashville, I hate schmoozing and I don’t aggressively seek out people who can help me. Whose fault is that? Yeap mine!

If my music can’t compete against the pros, then I must look within my own self, not blame others.

Tammy
I hear your frustration but I have to ask you.
Did you really believe that with millions of dollars at stake the business was really going to allow an unknown, unpublished writer to win this thing, or even be in the top twenty?

Sorry Hon, that is just not the way things work in this business.
I am sure they had two stacks of entries from the beginning. Those with connections and those without. And I know which stack I was in. So I never took it serious from the beginning.
They had about two weeks to screen those last twenty thousand songs. If you think there wasn't a pile with recognizable names attached I have a bridge I could sell you.

Just look at the names connected with the writers that have surfaced so far and that will tell you how it works.

I'm sure they were smart enough to not let someone like Steele or Shapiro or Warren enter or win but you can bet there were ties to someone with just as much clout.

I figure this is like getting Government contracts.

But, I may be proven wrong in the end.

I think AI would dearly LOVE to have some unknown come away as the winner in this thing. What better PR could they get? But if the best song came from an insider, that’s what they’re gonna run with.

Because in the end, that song will be expected to sell, and sell well.

Why anyone would think American Idol needed this contest to make money is beyond me.
A Million dollars is pocket change to these people. They could care less about the ten dollar fee. I agree with Brian it was to keep 10 year olds from entering 1000's of useless songs.
It didn't stop me though. They got my useless song anyway, LOL.

Bill,

I don't think for a second they'd pass over an unknown if they had the best song. The PR benefit of choosing a nobody would feed their machine much better than giving it to an insider. You are 100% wrong on that.

Brian

Bill, I am with you on this. You are right MILLIONS of dollars are at stake and of course that have to insure that they get a great song. So of course they are gonna open it to all writers. But here is my beef, I bet what ever little money I have that a good portion of our songs didn't get listened to. So we DON'T have a shot as an underdog in this contest. You bet your bottom dollar they surfered through those mp3's to find names they knew. So I have an idea....

This is about accountable to the contest. To ensure we at least GOT HEARD, I say we should receive critiques for our songs. It is the least they can do. How does everyone feel about that???? Do you think it is fair?? I DO!! If we don't fit the bill, then tell me what I can do to improve. Let this be a learning experience. But what I want to know folks... is did our songs get listened to??? Or did we just get pushed aside? At least give me that. Anyone agree with that at all?

Tammy

Tammy,

take all that frustration and anger and channel it into a song.

Jack

Tammy,

It's not a critique program. They never offered a critique. We already know of at least 1 unconnected finalist. You're sounding bitter and angry and I am sad to see that, especially when it's so misguided.

I went back and listened to your song side by side with the one we know is a finalist. I like your voice better. I like your song better. But if I had to choose for this specific purpose, I'd have to choose the other song. Lyrically it fits the need better. That song sings about "tonight" whereas your songs sings directly to a person referring to "you" many times. That alone means it doesn't fit the need for that song. It's as simple as that.

This is what gets TAXI into trouble with people who simply don't understand reality. If you have a specific need, you have to look for 2 things.. first, songs that fit the need, and then of those that do, the best songs. If your song had been slightly re-written to be more generally about Dreams and not involving an individual making it a love song I think it would have made the top 20. Also, if you had crafted in a more natural vocal build, it could have also had a better shot. Instead of screaming conspiracy and that you've been cheated, learn those subtle things that made the other song get chosen and yours not. You are talented enough to have crafted it more appopriately. And if you open your mind and stop being so angry, you'll be better prepared from this lesson for the next opportunity. But if you just get angry and play the victim, you'll never get closer to learning how to succeed and then doing it.

Brian

Thank you Maureen for giving me grace and understanding on this. I appreciate that.

Tammy

I bet they listened to every last one of ‘em. Maybe for not more than a few seconds for some of them, but how else would they know if some unknown had created a gem?

If it didn’t resonate quickly….and I mean like blazes fast, they probably hit eject and moved on.

I’ll wager a guess that the winner’s song opens with a killer chorus.

I've just been following all the posts and really my heart goes out to you because you are putting yourself out there with your feelings and that's not easy to do -

although I do have to agree with everything Brian is sayingas far as the contest, I think for whatever reason this contest got to you and I do feel empatheitc -

I've listened to your songs and I think they're great (for whatever that's worth) hang in-

Thompson...I feel a version 2 of your lyric .....can just bite me" coming on here.

Tammy

Hey, now.

Let's wait and hear all 20 offerings. I'm going to say right now that what I've heard so far has had very predictable lyrics.
Personally, I didn't have a song, that "represented" any American Idol winner's feelings, persona? whatever.
I didn't have time to "make up" what they wanted before the deadline.. I just sent what I had that I had written specifically for the song, not as an assignment, which is what the professionals do. That's how they make their livings, I think. Maybe, AI sent this out to the general public so they could pick up a sort of free agent deal for this season from pros who were otherwise contracted.

I am going to listen to the "finalists' and if any are outstanding to me, I'll comment or even vote.

But I agree with Tammy. If there are no great songs with simple recordings in the group, and only polished productions from pros,
AI gave everyone a chance to upload, but they mislead the average viewer/fan by suggesting anything less than quality productions had a chance.

'nough said

Brian
I am not angry at this. I'm an old man and been around long enough to know how things work.

Do I see a little back pedaling here?
I seem to recall in the thread asking what song did you enter you were pretty convinced Tammy's song had a real shot at the top twenty and you said so on more than one post.
Now you are admonishing her and saying she should have been able to compete with the pro's if she wanted to win.

Hindsight is indeed twenty twenty.

Let's wait and see if any of the twenty are simple home recordings with someone singing into their twenty dollar computer mic. Then we will have a better idea of the fairness of this thing.
They built this contest up as a chance for a complete unknown to be able to have a chance. OK let's wait and see. If any of the twenty are simple home recordings done on a computer mic with nothing more than a guitar or piano behind them I will donate an additional $50 to JPF.

I do agree whole heartedly that the best song should win.
I did not submit a very good song. I didn't even follow the guideline of what kind of song they wanted. My song was way off base. I shouldna been picked. My song was, as you say, crappy, LOL

I can understand feeling sad. Mad? I'm not mad. When the rules didn't exclude pro's, I knew we'd be competing with the best from Nashville and elsewhere. That was a daunting task. I'm only sad I didn't make the grade, although I did do my best at this time. This is a tough day for a lot of aspiring, hard-working writers. But, I agree with Brian, there is always so much more to learn. Like nailing the heck out of it!

Help Me Reach Out
www.myspace.com/hangcat

dkraut - I heard that he OWNS the publishing company.

Tammy - hey! all is well!

Listening to the selected songs is going to be fun- a little like answering the question: is there more intelligent life on other planets? What ever the answer is, it will be facinating. In other words, if we listen to the winning songs, and they knock us out, we will say, "Oh my God, there is intelligent life after all" and we will be humbled and ready to learn from them.

But if the songs are no better than ours then we can can be smug and say, "No, AI just found 20 big gaseous over blown planets and we are probably still the smartest folks in the universe!

I think the best song might win unless they didn't listen to all of them. The ONLY beef I have with the AI song contest is the way they promoted it- implying that their judges would filter through songs of all technical and production qualities and somehow pull out that "diamond in the rough" when in fact, all they were ever really looking for was professionally produced, albeit great, songs that were ready to be submitted to the public. I actually thought they were going to re-record the twenty best.

All I've got to say is, the winning song BETTER be good!

Bill, Thank you!!!!!!!

Tammy

You guys, Tammy's song IS a polished production from a Pro, which I consider Tammy to be. That's the funny part of this. If your recording wasn't at least as good as hers (and I assure you that 90% were NOT recorded and performed as well as Tammy's) then how can you complain. She's placing herself in with the "little guys/gals" and her recording is excellent. I think it's actually BETTER than the song that made the Top 20 that I heard. So all the conspiracy theories about it not being for the little guy are crap. Tammy is a pro level talent that hasn't had a cut or hit. If she HAD had a song recorded somewhere by someone, should she then not have had a chance to enter this? Of course NOT. It was open to anyone. If they wanted an insider, they would have used one like they always do. They clearly DIDN'T make any money on this contest. In fact, if you consider the time they used to discuss it on the show, they spent MILLIONS in ad time just to mention it.

So, on a more productive not, anyone know when the songs are going to be posted? Perhaps after the show tonight?

Brian

I DID and still DO think Tammy's song was in the running. But when really breaking it down in a logical way, you can find reasons why it didn't fit the criteria as good as it could have. This wasn't ONLY about finding a great song. If you sent a song that was FANTASTIC but addressed the issue of child abuse or beer drinking or being a prostitute, it wouldn't get chosen. We'd all agree on that right? So use the same logic and say, there are subtle differences in songs that make the difference for this commercial opportunity. You guys need to understand that Art is NOT Commerce. Commerce is NOT Art. A formula song works in this situation. A song about being raped as a child would not, no matter HOW brilliant it was.

If you are singing a love song to someone, as Tammy's song does (whether intended or not) I can see how it would not win against a song that sang about a more general topic like "tonight" and how wonderful it is. It's a simple subtle difference. Would Tammy's song have been a great single? Sure. Was it a better fit than the one that we know was chosen? Nope. Could she get that song placed in a Disney movie? Yup. Could Tammy make very simply adjustments to her song and probably do a lot better for the AI opportunity if she had another chance? Absolutely. And that's all about being a professional. Understanding the need of the entity that wants the song and nailing it 100% (or at least better than the competition). I've personally learned a lot from this. Those of you who want to get better and be more successful hopefully are doing the same. Tammy wrote a great song simply due to this contest. Without it, that song may never have been written. That's a victory in and of itself.

Brian

Brian-
I think myspace has revealed a few of the finalists. It is funny that AI has made very little mention on it's site, at least since I last checked, concerning info beyond will be picking, have picked, will reveal.

The above-mentioned references to the Times story on th Nashville writer, the one I saw "My chance", Kelly's. They are all getting out, it seems. The voting registration site mentions an e-mail will be sent to people registered to vote.

Today is May 2nd. There should already be a link up, IMHO.

You know, all this talk about, "it's an insiders game" doesn't make sense. The show itself is certiainly democratic. Kelly Clarkson came from my town of Burleson, Texas. She was an unspoiled talent with a big heart and bigger dreams. She made herself unforgettable on her first day of tryouts. Certainly Randy Paula and Simon didn't sort out the thousands of contestants themselves. But somebody did.

Why would the song contest be any different? Want to win next year- do two things. 1. write a great song. 2. Spend $3000 on the production of if but only if it a great song.

And another thing-

Tammy's song was about a specific relationship, soI can see that putting her out of the, apparently tightly-defined theme for the finalist's song.

But on the other side of the coin, it may become pretty boring to hear 20 offerings about the same thing like
1. Here I am!
2. I made it singing!
3. Thank you for giving me a chance!
4. The road was rough, but worth it.

I guess I'm trying to say, the winner better have a terrific twist on this theme.

I still think a variety of themes, and hopefully, not all pop ballads, maybe Rock, etc. might well have proven a better
showcase for the Idol singing finalist(s) winner.

I still think a battle of the bands/singer/songwriters with original catalogs of work should be coming. How many cover songs can the Idol singers try to interpret in their own way, until this formula gets old?

Hey Tam,
Wanna co-write version deux? Silliness is our friend.

Heidi

And another thing-

Tammy's song was about a specific relationship, soI can see that putting her out of the, apparently tightly-defined theme for the finalist's song.

But on the other side of the coin, it may become pretty boring to hear 20 offerings about the same thing like
1. Here I am!
2. I made it singing!
3. Thank you for giving me a chance!
4. The road was rough, but worth it.

I guess I'm trying to say, the winner better have a terrific twist on this theme.

I still think a variety of themes, and hopefully, not all pop ballads, maybe Rock, etc. might well have proven a better
showcase for the Idol singing finalist(s) winner.

I still think a battle of the bands/singer/songwriters with original catalogs of work should be coming. How many cover songs can the Idol singers try to interpret in their own way, until this formula gets old?

Brian - if you listen to Gatlin's song, it doesn't fit the idol theme at all - it's more like someone singing to God or to their dead brother. If Gatlin is really in the top 20, then your theory about "fitting the criteria" goes out the window.

I am only comparing the 2 songs I know the origins and facts on. Tammy's song and Kelly's song. As I said all along, I like Tammy's song better. But given the task for picking the more appropriate Idol winning song, I'd have to pick Kelly's. The moment I heard Kelly's song all the lightbulbs went off and I thought "doh.. it's so obvious why this got picked." It's not anywhere near as good as Kelly Clarkson's song from Year 1, but neither have the other finalist songs which is part of the reason they are doing this. I am more looking forward to the educational discussion we can have about ALL the top 20 songs.. I will take notes as I listen. I hope others will too.. then we'll compare them and discuss. It should be a LOT of fun and should also be very educational.

Brian

Brian, Brian, Brian'

I've cooled down a bit. Don't know why I got worked up. Oh yes I do, purely ego.

I am so far down the food chain in songwriting, and way too far up the age range {!} to deserve an opinion one way or another about this competition. I invested $40 all totalled and quite a bit of recent time in this deal, and the best thing I got out of it thusfar is the wealth of information from JPF.

I'm going to take my little offering off of soundclick, learn to use my recording setup to its fullest advantage and check out the CD Baby option, when appropriate.

Really, Brian, thank you.
Greta

OK lets get it straight, Please listen to my lyrics, it is NOT about a love song. I am refering to the YOU and in YOU ALL, as in the audience, as in the AMERICAN VOTERS, as in thank you for voting for me as in, that is WHY I'M STANDING HERE TONIGHT. on this stage because of you. Apparently I missed the mark and you all think I wrote a love song to someone. Ha! This is funny, because now the song is actually being used for a graduation ceremony at DRAKE UNIVERSITY in 3 weeks from now infront of a few thousand people and I didn't even write the darn thing for that. I wrote it imagining if I was singing on stage for A.I. What would that feel like. That is the ONLY reason I wrote it. Funny thing is,,, God has other plans. And I just have to smile about that. It is perfectly ok with me. At least the song got written.
Good can come from everything. For us all. I still can't believe you thought it was a love song. But hey. maybe I will pursue someone out Disney way. I just have to go finish it with cello, violins, fixing my vocal and the whole works. If that is what they want, that is what they'll get.

Tam

This is, I believe, a quote from Simon Fuller or one of the American idol people;
The contest works this way: Amateur hopefuls — 18 and up with no exclusive publishing deals — can write and record songs and upload them at songwriter.americanidol.com until April 17.

This I believe is what amateur means
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
am·a·teur /ˈæməˌtʃʊər, -tʃər, -tər, ˌæməˈtɜr/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[am-uh-choor, -cher, -ter, am-uh-tur] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons. Compare professional.
2. an athlete who has never competed for payment or for a monetary prize.
3. a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity: Hunting lions is not for amateurs.
4. a person who admires something; devotee; fan: an amateur of the cinema.
–adjective 5. characteristic of or engaged in by an amateur; nonprofessional: an amateur painter; amateur tennis.

This is my complaint. If it isn't Amateur don't bill it as such.
Period.

I guess since the dictionary doesn't mention songwriters it doesn't count.

THANK YOU!! That is just what I was looking for. That is what all the hoopla from me is about. Soon I will rest my case.

Tam

Just a tidbit...the Corsino song was written TWO YEARS ago, so obviously she was just very lucky that her song was "to spec" for an idol finale song, or...maybe she wrote it for the show two years ago and they didn't use it back then.

My thoughts:

The only restriction they put on it was that the writer not be tied to a particular publisher. This makes sense because 19 Entertainment wants to be the publisher and they don't want to get sued by a different publisher after the fact. Under that theory, Quincy Jones would be well within his rights to enter if he -- and I assume he is a free agent -- was not encumbered by a publihing deal.

When I entered I was initially caught up in the euphoria of seeing myself sitting in the audience on national tv hearing Melinda work her magic on my song. Then reality set in. I realised that I had entered a song that I had written the weekend before the contest deadline and that I did not get it professionally produced. What chance would I have against professionals who just happened not to be signed but who are closer to the industry than I am?. And who have access to studios at a moment's notice? Of course there was always a chance, but realistically...?

And then I found this forum and I realized that there are thousands of very good songwriters who have been writting for years and have not gotten a cut and that they too would be in the running. And I also realised that many many of these songwriters have impressive catalogues of already fantastically demo'd songs and some of those songs might fit the bill.

And then when I actually heard some of the songs actually entered in the contest including Tammy's "dreams" and Kelly Corsino's "tonight", any hope that I had vanished because the quality of the recordings (not necessarily of the songs per se) was like major league to my little league. And when I asked myself How many more recordings of this caliber must be out there, it became undeniable that -- paraphrasing Sean Connery -- 'I came to gun fight armed with a pocket knife'.

Sure I was bitter for a minute but then I remembered there is that saying about there being no such thing as luck, only preparation meeting opportunity. I was not prepared for this opportunity. Next year I will be.

Of course my failure is easier to swallow because even though I love my song and I think it would be perfect for Idol, I realized very quickly that it had no shot in hell. I think for Tammy it is harder to accept because she had a legitimate shot and still fell short. But Tammy you should remember that you conceived and recorded your song in record time... kelly had that song sitting in her catalogue for a while -- it was a finished piece. And good for her. That's where we should have been. And the other 19 finalists? Who knows how long they've had to craft their songs. Next year there will be no excuses for anyone.

So while I do not feel anger about this being a pro competition, I still can't shake the feeling that I've been had because I think AI was deliberately vague and maybe even intentianlly misleading in letting people believe that the songs would be re-recorded and they did this by saying something to the effect that a 50 year old mother could come up with the winning song on her son's keyboard. This signaled to people that if that woman did exist and her song was found and the public would be expected to votew on it, then fairness would dictate the other songs be of a similar quality recording. Of course they didn't promise any re-recording but that statement misled a lot of people, me included. If they had said that they expected a decent quality of recording, I would have gone out and paid for a professional production but they would not have gotten as many entries and as much buzz.

But when I think about it, that statement was what in the law is called "puffery". It's like the BS advertisers tell you about how wonderful thier product is and sophisticated consumers know that they are just saying that to get you excited about their product. I mean AI is by far the biggest show on TV. This is not a high school talent competition (even though they let people believe it might be), this is the hottest show on TV. If you are seriously thinking of competing on that level, how could you not get a decent recording of your song?

Lesson learned.

Like I said, there will be no excuses next year.

Oh my, Tammy,

I am soooo sorry.

I was just making the point that they really narrowed the creativity range down with AI's limitations on theme.
If your song was misinterpreted as a love song, it was a song of gratitude, I think, which is a form of love/

Anyway, I wander.

Its going to be, as I said, tough listening to 20 songs, which
a few contributors here have picked up on, that fit this AI winner's theme.

For that matter, why didn't the 3 judges just write the song themselves. They are in the best position, having sat in front of all these hopefuls singing cover songs!

Anyway, I'm sorry I perpetuated a misreading of your lyrics' intent.

Greta

Tammy, you have inspired me to even greater songwriting heights! So now, the follow up song to "American Idol Can Just Bite Me."

A.I......A.I......Oy!
by H. Thompson c 2007

(sung to the tune of “Old McDonald” with a Yiddish accent)

American Idol wants a song.
A.I.....A.I.....Oy.
And for that song, we wait and wait.
A.I.....A.I.....Oy.

With a guess-guess here,
speculation there,
here some clues,
there some blues,
but from A.I., there is no news.

American Idol wants a song.
A.I.....A.I.....Oy.



American Idol wants a song.
A.I.....A.I.....Oy.
God forbid, we should get a call.
A.I.....A.I.....Oy.

With a “who cares” here,
and a “they suck” there.
Here some doubt.
there some clout,
If A.I. would just shout it out.

American Idol wants a song.
A.....I......A......I...........Oy!




American Idol wants a song.
A.I.....A.I.....Oy.
And Mogan David was his name, oh....


B. I. N. G. E.......B. I. N. G. E.....

(ooops, went into the “Bingo was his name-oh” song)

Well, that’s what happens when you
are all verklempt.

I don’t want to sing anymore of this fakakta song!

Well I might as well put the rest of it here.
There is nothing vague or nebulous about the word amateur. If you are being paid to write songs you are NOT an AMATEUR

Notice he infers, in the third paragraph, they do not want professionals. In paragraph four he lays out the criteria for the songwriter.
Then goes on to say they will arrange and produce the song; Meaning to me a full arrangement, the demo doesn't need to be polished.

The last line says it all though. It should have nothing to do with how well the demo submitted is done.
This whole thing is misleading and only managed to get the hopes up of a lot of people gullible enough to believe it.

"As American Idol does with amateur singers, opening the doors to a recording career, we're taking that idea and reinterpreting it to the songwriting world," says Iain Pirie, who heads the U.S. operation for 19 Entertainment.

"It could be anyone. It could be someone sitting on their porch in Tennessee, or they could be playing in a bar band in Seattle," he says. "You can literally imagine a 50-year-old mom sitting in her living room with a portable keyboard, coming up with a great song."

During the previous five seasons of Idol (Fox, tonight, 9 ET/PT), music professionals have written the winners' finale songs, which have topped the singles charts but often have received a thumbs down from music critics and even the Idol judges.

The contest works this way: Amateur hopefuls — 18 and up with no exclusive publishing deals — can write and record songs and upload them at songwriter.americanidol.com until April 17.

A team headed by Idol creator Simon Fuller will pick 20 songs from those submitted and let fans listen on the website. They will then have a week, starting May 2, to vote for their favorites, one online vote per fan, Pirie says.

Fans "will feel very engaged with the process in the same way that they are with the TV show," he says.

Once a winner is picked, a record producer will arrange and produce the song for the Idol finalists, possibly consulting with the songwriter, who will get a one-song, standard deal with 19, Pirie says.

He says it's 95% certain there won't be a Idol TV special, at least for this year, because effort is being concentrated on the charity special, Idol Gives Back.

The amateur songwriters — individuals, duos or groups — will be responsible for putting together the performance for the contest submission. Different levels of recording sophistication won't be a problem, Pirie says, because music professionals can judge the quality regardless of the arrangement.

"One overriding truth in all this," he says, "is that a great song is a great song."

Tammy, If I got that much praise from Brian, I'd be dancing in the streets! If he even said he liked my song. You have a leader in the field of music praising you. That's why I think you should "rest your case". It's hard to imagine why you're not thrilled.

www.myspace.com/hangcat

Tamera i liked your song...still do...hindsight is a wonderful tool in this business....as i mentioned in my original post..DID .it get listened to? how many songs actually got listened to??..that!..is the nature of the beast in these sort of contests, and knowing how Cowell works, and is trying to take over the "easy listening" market worldwide,single handed....well work it out for yourself...So good luck to all those chosen...BUT...20 songs !!!...that is a helluva lot for the public to digest...a lot of these songs will fall by the wayside very quickly..i would imagine it will get down to 3 or 4 in a very rapid short space of time....and the mere fact they are trying to "gag" the twenty writers already chosen...does not auger well for a level playing field...to be honest i think Cowell and Co wont repeat this excercise...by the mere fact, IF they are basing their market on the telephone vote..and then roughly estimate the % of that vote,who will submit a song..(you dont need to be a musician etc..just sing it on to your PC)...was the welcoming call!!...Then they got their maths terribly wrong..they have probably lost money on this excercise..they are giving back $200,000 bucks...and you have to believe them when they say they "only" got 25,000 entries...So you can really smell the gunsmoke coming off their big toes...personally for me..and to be honest iam over here in the UK..I haven't a vested interest either way...but what iam interested in seeing,is the "credentials" of the songwriters of the few songs which will be shorlisted...Should be interesting!1
to say the least...Terry Moore..

Initially, it said for "amateurs". Then, it changed. It was clear when we were all uploading that it was no longer an "amateur" competition. It's probably too difficult to define "amateur" clearly enough for this purpose. There are pro's who make very little money, as mentioned above. And, there are pro's who make tons. Sometimes it's defined by the amount of royalties one makes or by the percentage of one's income comes from royalties. I think it's too difficult to define it for a songwriting competition, so they opened it to us all. That made it quite difficult, but I don't think it's unfair. It is what it is. And, it is what they said it was when we uploaded. Open to all.

www.myspace.com/hangcat

Not even a tiny chuckle from the new tune. This is a hard room.....

Thompson,
I actually enjoyed your song. Very clever! Too bad it doesn't have anything about how great it is to become the next American Idol. A&R there might have considered it, if so!

I don't understand what you mean that initially, it was for amateurs, then changed.

Either, they were treating this like the auditions at all those cities for singers and the golden ticket given, or they never intended to polish up a "good song" .

Also, if we have to split hairs between absolute amateurs and professionals down on their luck, this should have been on Oprah
instead.

I mean that the first time I read something online about it, it did use the word "amateur", but it didn't define "amateur" for the purpose of the contest. I imagine when they realized how hard that would be to define (for example, Melinda is considered acceptable for the Idol competition, even though she makes her money in music because she wasn't a major recording artist), they took out the word "amateur" in the posting for the contest.

So, when the announcement came down finally to upload, it was clear to all of us by then that it was open to all. There was no wording about the need to be an amateur.

I recall when I read the rules I thought, "uh oh, this is going to be rough competition if all the pro's are in it, too." So, it comes as no surprise that pro's did make the final cut. I've heard some really good songs that didn't make it. That's bound to happen.

www.myspace.com/hangcat