July 2, 2008 0:17

Tom Waits, Robert Smith to judge songwriting competition

Black Francis, Ray Davies also give their two cents

Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Black Francis, Ray Davies, Loretta Lynn and Jerry Lee Lewis are among the renowned artists who will judge the 2008 International Songwriting Competition.

Also weighing in on this year's contest are Neil Finn, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, Chaka Khan, KT Tunstall and "Weird Al" Yankovic.

Aspiring songwriters from around the world can enter the competition by submitting their songs before the October 15, 2008 deadline.

Industry professionals will also judge the competition, which is offering more than $150,000 in prizes.

For additional information, visit Songwritingcompetition.com.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
[url="/about"] Find out more about NME.[/url]