OUR WONDERFUL JUDGES

For a description of our wonderful Judges!:
They are all people who live for good songs!

Judges cannot be contacted regarding submissions, this will result in disqualification.

Judges:

1. Ali-Ollie Woodson: www.ollywood.jp

Ali-Ollie Woodson will pick the top song to sing after the selection committee have picked the top 12 winners. All genres equally considered, songwriting is the criteria.

Ali Woodson is recognized as one of the most distinguished voices in the music world today. He has captured the attention of audiences' worldwide. His incredible vocals and unbelievable range have led him to work with many of the other greats in the industry. He has performed with Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Bobby Womack, Howard Hewett, The Four Tops, Rachelle Ferrell, Sam Moore, Aretha Franklin Gerald levet, The Ojays and many others.

Woodson performed with legendary groups such as "The Drifters" in early 70's, "The Blue Notes" replacing Teddy Pendergrass and for over 13 years he was the driving force behind the legendary group "The Temptations".

2. John Capek: www.johncapek.com

Writer of the ROD STEWART’S “Rhythm of my Heart” song which became a top hit in all major markets around the world, achieved number one in major territories and broke records for gaining more European radio stations than any other song. ‘Rhythm of my Heart” was the most played song on European radio in its year of release and has gained ASCAP and SOCAN awards. “Rhythm of My Heart “ was later covered by the Celtic Group RUNRIG and the single and album both debued top ten on the British Charts in mid 1997. Currently “Rhythm of my Heart’ is the lead off song on “The very Best of Rod Stewart” top 10 album and is featured in the West End musical “TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT”. ROD STEWART’S single “This” gained a SOCAN award for being one of the most played songs on Canadian Radio for the year of release. Other Capek compositions include; DIANA ROSS, JOE COCKER, CHER, TOTO, CHICAGO, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, LITTLE RIVER BAND, HEART, PATTI AUSTIN and MANHATTAN TRANSFER.
*John teaches songwriting seminars around the world and also has an upcoming Songwriter’s book release.

3. Jai Josefs: www.jaijomusic.com

Through his classes at UCLA, NSAI,  and the Songwriters Guild over the last 15 years, Jai has pioneered a system of songwriting education that has enabled many of his students to launch successful careers in the music industry.  Jai loves teaching, and takes as much pride in the success of his students as in his own success.

In addition to teaching, he has been a successful songwriter, arranger and producer, Jai's credits include over 30 songs recorded by artists such as Jose Feliciano to Little Richard, as well as for companies like RCA, MCA, Motown and Disney.  His songs have been used in TV shows on every major network, including such shows as CSI, Spin City, Smallville, Nash Bridges, and Malcolm in the Middle. Recent film credits include Random Hearts (w/ Harrison Ford), Waking Up in Reno (w/ Billy Bob Thornton), and Roosters (w/ Edward James Olmos).
 

4. Bob Diamond

Bob Diamond joined Midnight Music Management when it began in 1988. For the past 17 years, he and the company have been involved in many facets of the music business -  Management of artists and songwriters,  publisher, film music supervisor, as label consultant and brokers for the sale of music publishing catalogs. Midnight Music has handled such artists as Irene Cara, Tiffany, The Zoo, Marty Balin, Evan & Jaron/Columbia, Brutal Juice/Interscope, Blue Meanies/MCA, among others, and such top songwriters as Michele Vice-Maslin, Ken Hirsch, Denise Rich, Jeff Silbar, Alan Roy Scott and Gloria Sklerov. It has also been involved in numerous musical charity projects such as Alan Roy Scott's Music Bridges, Rock for Tolerance for The Simon Weisenthal Museum of Tolerance, SKA Artists against Racism, The Ethiopian Jewish Rescue, etc.

5. David Eaton: www.davideatonproductions.com

"David Eaton is the owner of David Eaton Productions in LA, California and provides Producer, Engineer, Writer, and Management services to Major record labels and  developing artists worldwide.  Unsigned artists who have benefited from Eaton's 20 years of experience have included The Polyphonic Spree, Dynamite Hack and a very young Tom Morello (AudioSlave, Rage Against the Machine).  Eaton has delivered success to Universal Records, Hollywood Records, Virgin/EMI, Warner Bros. and RCA are among others.  When not recording, Eaton regularly lectures to aspiring artists and engineers at Universities, Colleges and Performing Arts Schools and is involved in wildlife rescue.

6. Diana Williamson: www.dianawilliamson.com

Diana has had a #3 Billboard Hot Club Chart single: Awakening and songs cut by writer/producer Narada Michael Walden, House of Blues artist Jimmy Rip, Warner Brother’s artist Judith Lefeber, songs in movies Warner Brother’s Queen of the Damned, Trimark’s Return of the Universal Soldier, NBC, ABC, HBO, Disney, etc.. L.A. Times review regarding her performance: “A confident flavorful groove redolent of Woodstock–era The Band and Van Morrison.” Diana is presently performing and writing her next album.