The American Idol Songwriter Competition

Are you the next big songwriter and think you have what it takes to make your mark in music history? Just when you thought you’ve seen everything, the American Idol juggernaut begins its search for the best amateur songwriter in America. Show creator and executive producer, Simon Fuller announced today the American Idol Songwriter Competition, giving Idol fans their first chance to write the next American Idol’s hit single. Additional details and online submissions, which are now open, can be found at : official American Idol Songwriter Competion section.

Fuller and his 19 Entertainment A&R staff will select the initial Top 20 songs from all the entries. Beginning May 2, fans will then be able to go online, listen to and vote for their favorite songs. The song chosen by the nation will then be performed live in front of millions of viewers on the season’s finale. But that is only the beginning, as the song will be recorded and released by this year’s American Idol. The winning songwriter will receive a music publishing deal with 19 Entertainment; a cash advance on royalties; and the thrill of watching their song belted out by American Idol finalists on the show’s final episodes.

"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."

Key Dates for American Idol Songwriter Competition

April 4 – Launch contestant submission phase on http://songwriter.americanidol.com

April 17 – Submission phase ends

May 2 – Online voting commences

May 8 – Online voting closes

May 22 - The songwriting winner announced on American Idol finale