'American Idol': Novices welcome to songwriter competition

On “American Idol,” song choice can make you or break you. Stay true to your style, but don’t get repetitive. Pick a great song, but not a song so great that the original recording is untouchable. It’s a lot of pressure!

Well, thanks to the recently announced “American Idol” songwriter contest, for once "Idol" finalists won’t have to stress over choosing the perfect song -– we will. Contestants submit their original songs here, and fans will choose their favorites in an online poll. Then, the top two “A.I.” finalists will perform the winning song. It’s like a contest within a contest, ya dig?

And fear not, utter newbies; you needn’t be a musical genius to get in on the fun. Just stop by an Apple Store tonight for the "Idol" on iTunes Songwriting Workshop. The class will teach novice composers to create music with GarageBand software.

-- Stephanie Lysaght

Comments

[american Idol Exposed]

I read your story about American Idol's songwriting contest....You might want to read mine. I've been researching this for more than 10 months. Everything I've written has been documented and verified. I've sent the short version and the long version. If you want the proof, you can find them on my myspace page (Red Links) P.S. This story has been picked up by some of the online gossip sites. "The American Idol Rip-Off"

www.myspace.com/americanidolexposed

Hello.
(Short Version)
I've already done the legwork. All you have to do is read my story, 25,000 people paid American Idol $10.00 each for a chance to have their song entered in an amateur songwriting contest. A.I. then chose 20 of the songs entered for an online voting contest. (500,000 people voted). The story I'm trying to tell is that at least 10 songwriters who made the top 20 songwriting finalist have had PRIOR WORKING RELATIONSHIPS with A.I. Judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, A.I. Host Ryan Seacrest, Fox Television, Clive Davis, A.I. Bandleader Rickey Minor, A.I. Stars Clay Aiken, Bo Bice and more.

25,000 expected a fair contest. A.I. netted $250,000.00
Does anyone other than me see a problem with this?

One of the top 20 songwriting finalist was Paula's Bass player, another was Paula's recording engineer. Two other finalist are producer/engineers on Clay's and Bo's CD's. (Clive Davis was also a producer). Another top 20 songwriting finalist spent 2 episodes as a back-up singer. One songwriting finalist owns a recording production company and she credits Fox Television as a client and theres still more, this is only part of the WHOLE story. Come on guys and at least see for yourself.

(Long Version)

Back in early April 2007 American Idol announced that they were looking for amateur songwriters. Here’s a quote from American Idol’s webpage dated April 11, 2007.

"American Idol has been the vehicle for discovering so many great new artists over the years and now, with the launch of American Idol Songwriter, we are searching for great undiscovered songwriting talent,
stated Simon Fuller.
" Having an untapped songwriter create the winner’s single seemed like a natural next step for our show. Not only do the fans pick their American Idol, but also his or her first single. This show has always been, and will continue to be, all about fulfilling dreams." End Quote.

Impressive, but we’re not so sure that it’s true.

The contest seemed easy enough, write a song and send it in. What could be easier?
Of course there was a 10.00 dollar entry fee.
So with ten bucks paid and the
"Contract Agreement" signed, We were in!
And then we waited.

The contest worked like this. Starting April 4th and going till the 17th, America could enter a song.
20 songs were then chosen by American Idol’s producer Simon Fuller and his staff, then, on May 2nd 2007 the top 20 songs were posted at AmericanIdol.Com and the voting began, and continued until May 8th 2007.
For reasons unknown American Idol decided not release the names of the songwriters, just the song and lyrics.

Kind of strange that a songwriting contest wouldn’t name the songwriter?

Then on May 21, 2007, just one day before American Idol’s two day grand finale AmericanIdol.Com posted the "Top 20 Songwriting Finalist" names, faces, and bio’s.
Ok, this is where it gets interesting.

According to American Idol 25,000 songs were entered. (At $ 10.00 each for a grand total of $ 250,000.00) and 500,000 people voted.
The winning song "This Is My Now" was written by Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody, and in case you’ve been stuck on the international space station, 17 year old Jordin Sparks won.

So, with a little research, here’s what I found.

At least 10 different songwriters have had prior working relationships with either American Idol Judge’s Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, American Idol bandleader Rickey Minor, American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest, former American Idol finalist or Fox Television.

One Songwriting Finalist Colin Armstrong, according to his American Idol bio, won the "BE A STAR" contest on L.A. radio station STAR 98.7 FM.
Sadly, the bio doesn’t mention that Ryan Seacrest was the radio DJ, and that 2 of Colin’s Armstrong’s co-writers Mikal Reid and Marti Frederiksen are credited on Bo Bice’s 2005 CD and Clay Aiken’s 2006 CD.

(Side note, Marti Frederiksen and Clive Davis are producer’s on Clay’s CD).

Songwriting Finalist Jennifer Hamady spent 2 episodes as a backup singer on the 2007 season of American Idol.

Songwriting Finalist Kelly Corsino has her own music production company "Framistan" and one of her clients is Fox Television.

Songwriting Finalist Cal Harris Jr. was an engineer on Paula Abdul’s "Head Over Heels" CD.

Songwriting Finalist Sam Sims was the bass player on Paula Abdul’s "Under My Spell" tour.

Songwriting Finalist CJ Vanston played keyboards while Randy Jackson played Bass on Richard Marx’s "Repeat Offender" and "Days In Avolon" CD’s.

Songwriting Finalist Shedrick Mitchell gets the credit of playing the organ while American Idol Bandleader Rickey Minor played the bass on "Queen Latifah’s Dana Owens" CD.

I still haven’t mentioned the winning song yet. And remember that that the songwriting contest, according to the shows producer Simon Fuller, was meant for amateur songwriters.

Ok, lets examine American Idol Songwriting Contest Champ Scott Krippayne’s true bio.
At Walmart.com, you can buy Scott’s 2005 "Gentle Revolution" CD for the low price of only $12.88. I’ve been to Walmart and looked, there isn’t an amateur CD section, but there is a Scott Krippayne section.

So much for searching for a great undiscovered songwriting talent.

And if you visit the U.S. copyright website, a quick search shows Scott Krippayne has written songs for several christian artist like Jaci Velasquez, Rebecca Saint James, Kathy Troccoli, Point of Grace and more.

And if you check out Scott’s Purplehonda myspace page, Scott says he has written 14 number 1 hits and 20 top 10 hits for artist like John Tesh, Ronan Tynan, Saddi Patty and more.

F.Y.I. Scott Krippayne also wrote the title track "Wonderful Crazy" for American Idol Juniors finalist Katelyn Tarver’s 2005 debut CD.

So much for having an untapped songwriter. He seems fairly tapped to me.

Scott Krippayne has written with Andy Marvel.
Ok, we know what your thinking, who’s Andy Marvel?
Well Andy Marvel is one of the songwriter’s on Jordin Sparks 2003 "For Now" Demo CD.

And then there’s Matthew Ward.
Both Matthew Ward and Scott Krippayne get credit for solo’s on "The Heart of a Martyr" Celtic Cry CD.
Matthew Ward produced American Idol winner Jordin Sparks 2003 "For Now" demo CD.
Scott also has written with Jorge Corante.
Jorge was the producer on Paula Abdul’s "SpellBound" CD.

Here’s a little something to take home and ponder...............

What are the odds that 2007’s American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and 2007’s American Idol 3rd place Finalist Melinda Doolittle would both be singing with American Idol season 3 Finalist George Huff before American Idol season 6 even began?
Just so you know...Ryan Seacrest announced on American Idol’s final show that over a 100,000 people tried out for the 2007 season.

Math was never our subject, but 100,000 to 1 seems close.

Here’s a quote from Shoutlife.com.
Christian artist Michael W. Smith’s manager Chaz Corzine says
"Three years ago I met and became friends with a young girl that possessed about as much talent as I had ever seen in one person.
Her name is Jordin Sparks and when I first met her - she was 14 years old.

Shortly after I met Jordin she, her mother and her grandmother visited Nashville. I had the opportunity to take them to Michael’s house where Jordin and Michael’s girls hit it off like they had been best friends all their life!
Another unique thing about that visit was that former American Idol contestant, George Huff, was at Smitty’s house.
As you might imagine - it wasn’t long before the three of them (Michael, George and Jordin) wound up around the piano.
That is a night I will never forget. Well, it wasn’t long before Jordin was on the road with us singing background vocal’s for Smitty’s 2005 Christmas tour.
She was a hit - both on stage and off stage. That was the first of two tours Jordin would do with Michael. She also joined him on his 2006 Christmastime Tour."

So where does American Idol 3rd place finalist Melinda Doolittle fit in all of this?

She’s a backup singer on George Huff’s 2004 "My Christmas" CD.

Also American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle and American Idol songwriting winner Scott Krippayne both appear on the 2005 "Music For The Soul’s After The Storm" CD.
One last tidbit, Melinda Doolittle and Michael W. Smith both are credited on Rich Mullen’s "The Jesus Record" CD.

And if you want to know why I think this is important?

All I can say is "Right Is Right" And "Wrong Is Wrong!" And It Needs To Be Exposed!

[american Idol Exposed]

I read your story about American Idol's songwriting contest....You might want to read mine. I've been researching this for more than 10 months. Everything I've written has been documented and verified. I've sent the short version. If you want the proof, you can find them on my myspace page (Red Links)

www.myspace.com/americanidolexposed

Hello.

I've already done the legwork. All you have to do is read my story, 25,000 people paid American Idol $10.00 each for a chance to have their song entered in an amateur songwriting contest. A.I. then chose 20 of the songs entered for an online voting contest. (500,000 people voted). The story I'm trying to tell is that at least 10 songwriters who made the top 20 songwriting finalist have had PRIOR WORKING RELATIONSHIPS with A.I. Judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, A.I. Host Ryan Seacrest, Fox Television, Clive Davis, A.I. Bandleader Rickey Minor, A.I. Stars Clay Aiken, Bo Bice and more.

25,000 expected a fair contest. A.I. netted $250,000.00
Does anyone other than me see a problem with this?

One of the top 20 songwriting finalist was Paula's Bass player, another was Paula's recording engineer. Two other finalist are producer/engineers on Clay's and Bo's CD's. (Clive Davis was also a producer). Another top 20 songwriting finalist spent 2 episodes as a back-up singer. One songwriting finalist owns a recording production company and she credits Fox Television as a client and theres still more, this is only part of the WHOLE story. Come on guys and at least see for yourself.

[Tania Carmenate]

I tried to submit an entry for the contest this year. On the website it stated the deadline for thesong was march 31. But it did not specify a time so i assumed it was midnight pacific time. On Friday, march 28th I attempted to register to submit but had technical problems and wasn't able to move forward with the process. Finally on March 31, about 8 Pacific time, I tried to register again and it said "Oops, we have resent your verification". I never received one. My boyfriend tried from his email and nothing. Then at about 10pm, it took you to "The songs are in."
I was livid. i had worked so hard.
I went on American Idol website and wrote every email address I could find and addressed my problem. Then two days later on April 2nd, I finally received a response from songwriter@19entertainment.com. They apologized for the difficulties and ensured me submittance if I replied with my name, phone nmber, zip code and copied and pasted the lyrics onto the body of the email.
But they never gave me a verification code, etc, there was no mention of the $10 entry fee,and they didn't ask me to attach the mp3 audio.
I didn't feel I had any guarantee or proof because I had no verification number or code.
The following day I replied to their email and requested all of the above.
That was two days ago and I still have not received a response.

[IdolSacm]

2008 American Idol So-Called Amatuer Songwriters

Reggie Hamm "THE TIME OF MY LIFE" - Reggie has had hits in gospel, rock, country, pop, and movies—and has racked up an impressive list of Dove, CMA, SESAC and Grammy nominations and awards. In Christian music, Rebecca St. James and Daily Planet have both had huge hits with his songs. A highly respected Nashville songwriter, Reggie is also a much sought-after producer and keyboard player. Hamm has a cut on Clay Aiken's new cd On My Way Here. Regie Hamm, Scott Krippayne, and last years 3rd place American Idol singing finalist Melinda Doolittle all appear on the 2005 cd "After The Storm". Hamm also co-wrote the ballad In the Name of God with Scott Krippayne, who co-wrote 2007's winning Idol song.

Ryan Gillmore "IN THIS MOMENT - wrote "Hey" for the FOX sitcom "Unhitched (American Idol is on FOX)

Lauren Dion & Phil Minardi "ALL YOU WILL NEED" - Phill is the founder and CEO of New Music Talent. He has discovered and produced many great artist over the years. Now with the start of NMT he is in search of new talent all the time. Lauren appears to be one of his artists.

Matt Zarley "HERE I AM" - an internationally recorded songwriter; having several cuts recently released in Asia. Has worked with numerous recording artists; such as Brandy, Usher, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Reba McEntire, Vanessa Williams, Peabo Bryson, Melissa Manchester, Billy Porter, and Sheena Easton, among others. Andy Zulla "HERE I AM - Zulla is best known inside the music business for his work with high-profile pop singers like Kelly Clarkson (including her massive debut single “A Moment Like This”, Clay Aiken and other products of the American Idol franchise. Zulla is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD's. Unsure on co-writer Tom Kitt.

John Buchanan "BELIEVE" - Currently John is working on completing a full-length album in New York City...while also writing and producing for other up-and-coming artists, and endlessly promoting his music through any means available.

Emily Shackelton "DREAM BIG" - professionally trained at the Berklee school of music in Boston. Last year she won the $10,000 John Lennon songwriting contest through BMI music group, which included a signing deal with BMI. She has performed for events all over the US including the National Children’s Defense Fund, the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf tour, and Garrison Keilor’s A Prairie Home Companion, as well as singing the National Anthem for the Red Sox, the Kansas City Royals, and the Minnesota Twins. She now lives in Nashville, where she has landed an internship at Warner Chappell Music. Meanwhile, she has already signed a publishing deal for two songs.

Zach Ziskin "FAITH" - A member of the new breed of multi-faceted producers who often wear many hats over the course of a project, Grammy award winner Zach Ziskin has been bringing his talents as a producer, arranger, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and mixer to many artists and projects over the past 15 years. Successful in several different musical genres and an artist in his own right, Zach is known by those who work with him as an "artist's producer".

Scott Sheets "FLY ME AWAY" - is this the legendary guitarist for Pat Benatar?

Luke Ebbin "NO TURNING BACK - a multi- platinum, Grammy nominated record producer, composer and songwriter. Ebbin is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll's CD.

Curt Schneider "NO TURNING BACK - Produced "FIVE FOR FIGHTING": albums "Two Lights" (producer, engineer, bass,gtrs) "Battle For Everything" (co-producer, engineering, mixing), and I believe bassist for John Ondrasik.

Ken Stacey "ONLY LOVE" - Calfornian session vocalist and backing vocalist. He has worked with Phil Collins, Natalie Jackson, Richard Marx, and Phil Ramone, among many others. One of his biggest highlights was singing backing vocals and playing acoustic guitar on occasional songs at Elton John's 2000 One Night Only concert in Madison Square Garden. His vocal work has appeared in various commercials for companies including McDonald's, Dodge, Coors, Toyota, and Ralphs. More recently, Stacey has taken over for David Pack in the rock band Ambrosia., and wrote with Windy Wagner.

Windy Wagner "ONLY LOVE - toured around the world as back up vocalist for k.d. lang and her vocal contributions can also be heard on such albums as Neil Young , Bette Midler, Jennifer Lopez, k.d. lang, Graham Nash , Barbra Striesand , Diana Ross, and Julio Iglesias to name a few. In addition to records, Windy has also contributed vocals to many national commericals, such as Coke, Barbie, Chevy, Nissan, Dove and many more. Also has album credits on Kimberly Locke's "One Love" Duet with Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke's upcoming release. Wagner is a backup singer on the new Clay Aiken CD

Danny Powers "THANK YOU WHATEVER COMES" - Danny Powers joined The Michael Stanley Bandin 1982 where he had the opportunity to tour the country playing on stages with rock legends such as Ringo Starr, Heart, 38 Special, Asia, Michael McDonald, Joe Walsh, Eddie Money and Donny Iris to name a few. With MSB has recorded on 9 albums, performed in music videos and has made many television appearances including Solid Gold and American Bandstand. In 1988 Danny began producing records in Los Angeles, where he worked on music for many artists.

Dara Stewart "THANK YOU WHATEVER COMES" - Unknown. Fran Lucci "THANK YOU WHATEVER COMES" - Singer/Songwriter, TAXI.com member

Noel Cohen "WE’RE GONNA MAKE IT" - New York based songwriter who's had songs recorded by wide variety of artists. Most recently, The Weather Girls of "It's Raining Men" fame have recorded his dance song, "You Ain't Never Been Loved". Elektra pop artist Vitamin C recorded one of his songs for her Platinum selling debut, and the late R&B Diva Phyllis Hyman recorded a song she and Noel wrote together on her final CD.

Hugh Colocott "WE’RE GONNA MAKE IT" - Well established songwriter, A member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Currently can be seen playing live around the eastern seaboard with either Amber Rhodes...the next songwriter below

Amber Rhodes "WE’RE GONNA MAKE IT" - established "touring" artist, writes with Hugh Colocott.

Will Hopkins "WHEN YOU COME FROM NOTHING" - strong track record in song contests.

Dan Yessian "YOU BELIEVE IN ME" - He has written hundreds of songs and is the founder of Yessian Music, which began in 1971. He began writing and producing music for local car commercials (including FORD- a huge AI Sponsor) and now has offices and studios in Michigan, New York, and L.A. Among his clients: Pepsi and Subaru. I understand that YOU BELIEVE IN MY was written in 1996.

David Barrett "YOU BELIEVE IN ME" - If this is the SAME one that I found, David Barrett tapped to write score to film The Medal of Honor, iTunes offers downloads of video montage of One Shining Moment, David featured in New York Times, DAVID BARRETT COMMISSIONED TO WRITE SCORE ENTITLED ARLINGTON, and it goes on. Kurt Schreitmueller "YOU BELIEVE IN ME" - Keyboardist, and wrote with Dan Yessian and David Barrett.

Gail Farrell "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING" - songwriter who is famous as a member of the long running TV musical variety program The Lawrence Welk Show. Mark Gasbarro "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING" - MOVIE ROCKS (2007) is listed as one of his Music Production projects, which featured Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, Elton John, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, John Williams, Marc Anthony, Mary J. Blige, Tony Bennett, Queen Latifah, Usher, will.i.am and Nicole Scherzinger are scheduled to perform.

Larry Kenton "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING" - credited with orchestration for Mission Impossible 3 soundtrack.

James Smithson "ALIGN" - any relation to Carly, or just a coincedence?

David Walsh "ONLY LOVE" - Unknown,

Aaron Sidwell "SOMETHING LIKE HEAVEN - Indie artist, with an album out called "An Ugly Kind Of Beautiful.

Jason Phelps and Mendy Shaw "OVERCOME" - Unknown

Perry Smith "YOU BELIEVED IN ME" - Appears to be a true amatuer.

-----------------------------------------
These questions need to be answered to the American public now.

[raswood]

For the record -- James Smithson is no relation to Carly. Check him out at juliansky.com

[Songwriters stand in]

You are so twisting the top 20 songwriters, achievements and accomplishments. You are trying to make it sound like anyone that won should have never wrote a song before - and should not have done anything in the music business before this contest. ( poster has been going at this for 3 weeks without stopping, but wont listen to anything anyone post in defense) ( THE one that has a theme song chosen by Unhitched, has nothing to do with Fox, as they never picked up or bought the show. Plus he did not write it as Unhitched theme song - It was heard at a concert and he was approched by the shows director. He still owns the song and is not on or has ever been on any contract with the show or fox- But the trouble maker poster, fails to post that part, What she dont say is that she and hubby entered a song and have their songs for sell, and plays in a pro band, and boast to be a huge hit in so Cal. JUST a very sore looser! She has posted on her webpage that "she didn't win so she will get even" -- The contest never said pros could not enter - IDOL was actually looking for the more professional type song writers to join, as they wanted the best songs for the finale. and that is what the got!

[Songwriters stand in]

please remove this slandering post it is most lies

[Ellen]

this poster is making most of this up please take ot down post like this does not need to be on this site

[Louise7]

This past week Melinda finally finished the vocals on her CD! All of that happens quickly then we will see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready!

New website to support Melinda Career. www.mdstreetteam.com come join us and get to the forum to read what Melinda have to say. She is a amazing singer.

[Louise7]

Good news for you Melinda Doolittle fans! She’s set to release her debut album titled, Coming Back to You on Hi-Fi Recordings in January 09. Produced by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, Run DMC, The Jonas Brothers), Coming Back to You was recorded with a team of live musicians in Nashville and New York City.

The first single, “It’s Your Love” will be released to radio in October.

“Keep yourself updated with Melinda’s career at melindasbackups.

melindasbackups.com is a web site owned by Melinda Doolittle. Melinda’s Backups™ is a non-profit supportive association inspired by Melinda and authorized by her to operate this web site on behalf of her fans.