CYBERMIDI MUSIC and MIDI Blog

Update 5/22: The winning song was announced last night: Time Of My Life by Reggie Hamm. Mr. Hamm's bio is below. However, based on Idol's low key approach to the song's announcement (amazing that Hamm's name was NEVER mentioned on the show), it just adds fuel to the fire. Does this mean that:

a) Idol is aware of the growing discontent with the contest and chose to low-key it.
b) Hamm specifically requested to "fly in under the radar"
c) This is the end of this songwriting contest.
d) All of the above.
e) None of the above.

Who knows - and will we ever know? Either way, certainly no disrepect to Mr. Hamm is implied. (or any other songwriter). Hamm is an accomplished writer and we wish him the best of success in his career.

Now back to the original article:
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On the eve of the 2008 American Idol finale, there is a growing conspiracy theory about the songwriting contest. Last year's winner had relationships with American Idol. This year's winning songwriter has a working relationship with last year's winner. What's wrong with this picture?

For the second year in a row, American Idol has run this songwriter contest, allowing people from all over the country to enter in which the winner will have their song sung and recorded by the winning Idol. At $10 per entry, American Idol – more accurately 19 Entertainment Co made a few hundred thousand dollars off the submissions. Was the general public "conned" into thinking they had a shot at being "discovered"?

The entry instructions state that "the song's the star." No professional demos were needed – just sing into your computer, record and mp3, and upload it with a $10 entry fee. There is even a brief tutorial on how to do just that. From the submissions, 20 are picked to be the finalists, and the public votes for the overall winner.

The American Idol songwriter page states this:

"All our songwriters are amateurs and have recorded their songs in many different ways – some in studios with professional singers and some at home with just themselves for company. We’re not looking for the best performer here – it’s the songwriters’ turn to shine. Are you the next big songwriter and think you have what it takes to make your mark in music history?"

And this:

"The American Idol juggernaut begins its search for the best amateur songwriter in America. Show creator and executive producer, Simon Fuller announced the next American Idol Songwriter Competition, giving Idol fans their first chance to write the next American Idols hit single."

"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."

The contest experts are supposed to look at the song itself for lyric, melody, structure, and universal appeal - not production and performance talent to the extent the other criteria mean less. Therefore, an explanation is needed why at least 70% of the top 20 songs in both 2007 and 2008 were "PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS, and written by PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS – more than a FEW with a “CONNECTION” to American Idol!

Where is the kid singing in his bedroom with a computer microphone and an acoustic guitar, or the struggling mom trying to raise a family and pay the bills?

As in many songwriting contests, there are "first level" screeners. It is blatantly obvious that many people are able to bypass that first level and get their song heard. Who’s being “greased”? Is this contest fair or foul? You be the judge.

2007 TOP 20 SONG RESULTS

• At least 10 different songwriters for the 2007 Songwriters contest have had prior working relationships with either American Idol Judge’s Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, American Idol bandleader Ricky Minor, American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest, former American Idol contestants, 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. 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 Ricky Minor played the bass on "Queen Latifah’s Dana Owens" CD.

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

Lets examine American Idol 2007 Songwriting contest winnner 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. There is a Scott Krippayne section. 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 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?

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.

This is only the beginning. Now let's look at 2008.

2008 American Idol "Amatuer" Songwriters

• Reggie Hamm "THE TIME OF MY LIFE" (this year's winning song) - 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 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" - Minardi 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 Dion 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 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. There is word going around that Taxi member recieved a guaranteed "pitch" for the AI Songwriting contest. In the fairness of accuarte reporting, this is NOT TO insinuate that Dara Stewart or her co-writers were involved in that pitch, or whether there actually was such a pitch.


• 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 coincidence? (update: No relation to Carly Smithson.


• 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.

So what is the consensus: fair or foul? Did thousands upon thousands of submission really ever stand a chance? Was there favoritism? Did some have an unfair advantage? How were the finalists and the winners "really chosen?" The connections are astonishing and deserve media attention.

Worth noting is that asking these questions in the American Idol web site forums only gets your posts deleted 10 minutes later, and for some, a ban from their forum. Is there a cover-up going on?

So let's take a look at the odds. What are the odds that out of 25000 entries in 2007, that after the 20 finalists were chosen that the public voted for a song written by someone connected with Idol? Odds must be pretty high. Now what are the odds that the same exact thing happened again in 2008 - and this time the winner co-wrote music with last year's winner? The odds are astronomical if this was just some level playing field contest.

No one is saying that the contest needed to have a level playing field, or that pros were not allowed to enter. But when money is involved, there is accountability. Ten dollars doesn't sound like a lot of money. But when Idol is making hundreds of thousands of dollars off of a rigged contest, American Idol needs to be held accountable. These questions need to be answered to the American public now.
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This information has been gathered from Internet resources believe to be reliable and accurate. If anyone has information to the contrary, please reply to this post.