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What's your advice for teens who want to enter our contest?
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 Sara Evans: Write from the heart. And give the listener credit for being intelligent enough to get what you're saying.
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 Alicia Keys: Talk about what you know. Even if it's the way you feel insecure around other people, or how much fun it is to get on the phone with a guy for the first time. Write something real.
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Billboard.com and USA Weekend present a Song Writing contest for teens
A catchy hook, a moving message or a compelling story - that's what it takes to make a hit song these days. With rap and hip-hop dominating the charts, it's all about the lyrics - and nobody knows that better than the editors of Billboard magazine, the international authority on popular music and our partner in the 2006 USA WEEKEND Songwriting Contest for Teens. This year, write your best interpretation of the theme, "Come Together," to capture the resilient spirit of our country after this tough year.
You could win the chance to celebrate in person with the hottest chart-topping talent at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards and meet one of the stars backstage.
Our Grand Prize winner will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges: rapper Bow Wow (Wanted), country star Sara Evans (Real Fine Place), reggae artist Damian Marley (Welcome to Jamrock), alternative rockers Hoobastank (The Reason) and unmatched singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, whose new acoustic album, Unplugged, debuted in October at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
More details:
The Grand Prize winner will receive:
- A trip for two to the Billboard Music Awards on Fox TV in 2006.
- A meet-and-greet with one of the show's stars, plus a VIP backstage pass.
- Winning lyrics printed in USA WEEKEND Magazine.
- A $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond.
- A Sony DVD/CD burner and Sony ACID, Vegas+DVD Production Suite, Jam Trax and Super Duper Music Looper (approximate retail value of $1,640).
PLUS: Nine finalists will receive Sony Media's Jam Trax and Super Duper Music Looper.
Who can enter: Anyone 13 to 18 years old who is a full-time student in grades 7 to 12.
What you need to do: Write original song lyrics that reflect the theme "Come Together." Your song can't be longer than 125 words, including the title.
How to enter:
Online: Go to usaweekend.com.
Mail: Lyrics must be typed, double-spaced, on 81z2-by-11-inch paper, on one side of the paper. On the same sheet, type or print your name, age, hometown, school, local newspaper and phone number.
Mail to:
USA WEEKEND Songwriting Contest for Teens
P.O. Box 8516
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Postmark deadline: March 9, 2006
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