02 May 2012

Arlington Park's Future Still in Gov's Hands

By Barry Rozner

Another year has passed.

Another year without a new gambling bill in Illinois.

The truly amazing part is that the Illinois House and Senate ? made up of the people who represent us, the people ? actually got together in 2011 and agreed on a gambling bill.

And then one person out of 13 million Illinois residents decided he didn't like it.

Governor Pat Quinn killed the bill because it included slot machines at race tracks that would have saved the horse racing industry.

It's hard to decide which part of this story carries the greatest irony.

While the state is in financial crisis, millions in revenue go across the borders every day as Quinn worries about a bill that expands gambling too much.

And while he worries about expanded gambling, he expands by adding online lottery gambling.

He worries about expanded gambling with slot machines at race tracks, but he's willing to add five new Illinois casinos tomorrow if a bill meets his approval.

He's worried about casino oversight and protecting the public from corruption and crime, yet Arlington Park isn't a new gaming operation.

There's been wagering at the racetrack for 85 years, or 85 years longer than any of the new casinos in the bill.

If anything, the new casinos are the ones that need greater oversight, not Arlington Park.

Furthermore, the fear of what "element'' slots will bring to neighborhood racetracks is the same "element" cities and villages always fear when there's talk of adding off-track betting.

Perhaps, those who voice such concerns have never been to an OTB, or visited the slots rooms at race tracks in other states.

If they ever walked into one, they would see that the patrons are not the guys from "Goodfellas."

It's more like the guys from "Sunshine Boys."

I believe Quinn when he says he's trying to look out for the people of Illinois. I think he believes he is, but in this case he's not doing that.

Illinois is desperate for revenue, and the longer he waits, the more he's costing the people of Illinois.

People who want to gamble will find a way to do it, and right now those without access are doing it in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.

Quinn is listening to people who are trying to steer him away from slots at tracks as if that's going to make expanded gambling more palatable to those who don't want expanded gambling.

This is, of course, nonsense.

You can't sort of expand gambling. You either do or you don't.

Quinn already has done it with the lottery and wants to do it with five new casinos. To borrow from Winston Churchill, we've already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.

Why expand gambling and at the same time further degrade a horse racing industry that has been around much longer than casinos, let alone five startup casinos, and perhaps put horse racing in Illinois out of business entirely?

It just doesn't make any sense. It's not logical. It's downright baffling.

Then again, this is still Illinois.

02 May 2012

NATION'S LARGEST 100 AGRICULTURE CO-OPS POST NEAR-RECORD SALES, MARGINS

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, DC, May 01, 2012 -- The nation's 100 largest agriculture cooperatives reported near-record revenue of $118 billion in 2010, USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager announced today. This was an increase of 4 percent over 2009 figures. Net income for the 100 top agriculture co-ops was also up more than 10 percent in 2010, reaching $2.39 billion, up from $2.16 billion in 2009.

"Farmer and rancher-owned cooperatives are a mainstay in the American economy, not only helping members market and process their crops, milk and livestock and creating jobs, but also helping producers keep more of the earnings derived from their products at home, in rural counties and communities," Tonsager said. "The end result is a huge net benefit for producers, their communities and the overall rural economy. Farmer co-ops also account for significant numbers of jobs and economic activity in many cities."

CHS Inc., a farm supply, grain and foods cooperative based in Saint Paul, MN, topped the list with 2010 revenue of $25.3 billion. Land O' Lakes, a dairy foods and farm supply co-op, also based in Saint Paul, ranked second, with revenue of $11.1 billion; Dairy Farmers of America, based in Kansas City, Mo., was third with $9.8 billion in 2010 revenue.

USDA's top 100 ag co-op list shows that 23 co-ops had 2010 revenue of more than $1 billion. Another 47 co-ops had revenue between $506 million and $1 billion. The 100th ranked co-op had sales of $276 million.

Leading the revenue increase from 2009 to 2010 were dairy cooperatives, which saw 2010 revenue climb more than 14.5 percent from the previous year, to $29.5 billion. Dairy cooperatives accounted for more than half of the revenue increase recorded by the top 100 ag co-ops in 2010.

Gross margins, as a percent of total sales, were up slightly, from 9 percent to 9.2 percent. The increase in gross margins partially covered higher expenses. Gross margins plus service revenue climbed to $684 million.

Total expenses for the top 100 ag co-ops were up $575 million in 2010. The largest cost increase was for labor, where expenses climbed by 7 percent, to $4.6 billion. On the other hand, lower interest rates and less debt caused interest expense to drop 11 percent.

"While it is encouraging to see the nation's largest farmer-owned cooperatives reporting strong revenue and income, it is also noteworthy that the nation is seeing a surge in the formation of small-farmer cooperatives and quasi-cooperatives that have been created to meet the growing demand for locally produced foods," Tonsager said.

The asset base for the top 100 ag co-ops grew by $2.3 billion between 2009 and 2010. Current assets accounted for nearly two-thirds of that increase. Fixed assets also showed an increase of $600 million.

For a complete list of the top 100 cooperatives, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/rdTop100AgCoopList04-27-2012.pdf. For a more detailed look at the top 100 Ag Co-ops, see page 16 of the March-April issue of USDA's "Rural Cooperatives" magazine: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/openmag.htm.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas.

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02 May 2012

PIZZA RANCH EARNS IOWA FARM BUREAU'S RENEW RURAL IOWA ENTREPRENEUR OF MONTH AWARD

By Rick Martin

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - May 1, 2012 - A well-known Iowa family-owned pizza restaurant chain is being recognized for its commitment to good food, community involvement and support for international needs. Pizza Ranch, headquartered in Orange City, is the winner of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of the Month award.

The company started with one restaurant in Hull three decades ago and has grown to 66 locations in Iowa and 100 more in eight other Midwest states.

"It started in an area where there is a spirit of entrepreneurialism and had the resources to get a company like this started," said Matt Schuiteman, president of the Sioux County Farm Bureau. "Pizza Ranch makes a positive impact in every community they're in."

In small-town Iowa, where many Pizza Ranch restaurants are located, the business brings jobs and supports local schools with fundraising opportunities.

"Pizza Ranch provides many opportunities for jobs and has an economic impact on our community that's very special," said Orange City Mayor Les Douma. "It raises the bar for all commercial entities."

In addition to its local community focus, Pizza Ranch is also working to support educational efforts in Ethiopia. Owner Adrie Groeneweg is switching coffee brands and working with farmers in Ethiopia to help keep a portion of coffee bean sales in the African country to support schools there.

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com.

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02 May 2012

Harkin Announces Over $7.5 Million for Iowa Health Centers

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Funding comes from Affordable Care Act Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that six Iowa communities will be awarded funding totaling $7,582,021.00 from the Affordable Care Act Capital Development's Immediate Facility Improvement and Building Capacity grant programs. The funding will help build, expand, and improve community health centers in the state. As Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Harkin played a pivotal role in passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  He is also Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies.

"Particularly in these tough economic times, community health centers play a vital role in our state, providing health care for thousands of Iowans who lack adequate health insurance," said Harkin.  "These Affordable Care Act funds will help health centers care for additional patients while also creating jobs in these communities.  I applaud Secretary Sebelius for today's announcement and congratulate the Iowa communities that were awarded funding."

Today's awards are part of a series of investments that are made available to community health centers under the Affordable Care Act, which provides $9.5 billion to expand services nationally over five years and $1.5 billion to support major construction and renovation projects at community health centers.  According to a new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services, the ACA has already supported 190 construction and renovation projects at health centers and the creation of 67 new health center sites across the country, and will support more than 485 new health center construction and renovation projects and the creation of 245 new community health center sites nationwide over the next two years.

Details of the funding are as follows:

Immediate Facility Improvements Program:
Davenport-Community Health Care, Inc.-$38,750
Dubuque-Crescent Community Health Center-$260,053
Leon-Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa, Inc.-$483,500
Urbandale-Primary Health Care, Inc.-$499,718

Building Capacity Grant Program:
Ottumwa-River Hills Community Health Center-$5,000,000 for consolidation of facilities
Sioux City-Siouxland Community Health Center-$1,300,000 for expansion of current facilities

02 May 2012

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS TO FIT ANY BUDGET

By Rick Martin

Top Outdoor-related gifts to make Mom a happy camper

Springfield, MO ---(May 1, 2012)---It's almost Mother's Day and time to thank Mom.  Show your appreciation for all the home-cooked meals, love and advice no matter what your budget is.  Make her day an extra special memory even better than flowers that she is sure to love.  Celebrate Mom with one of these great gift ideas.

Bass Pro Shops® Collectible Sterling Silver Charm Pendant
Mom will love this keepsake for years to come.  This Bass Pro Shops Collectible Sterling Silver Pendant is the perfect attachment to a charm bracelet, necklace, zipper pull and more. Featuring the familiar Bass Pro Shops logo, this charm comes with a jump ring for easy attachment to anything you want to embellish. It's the perfect zipper pull for your fishing vest or jacket, and you'll want a second one to attach to your favorite fishing hat! Item number 38-615-300-01 $14.99USD. Available at www.basspro.com

NEW Natural Reflections® Umbrella 13'' Waterproof Boots for Ladies - Paris
Shoes are a woman's best friend.  Look great and stay dry with our chic umbrella boot designs! Featuring a print of Parisian landmarks, these fun, fashionable rain boots have waterproof rubber uppers, adjustable straps with gussets for easy on/off, removable EVA insoles for extra cushioning, and durable rubber outsoles. Color: Paris. Imported.   Product Color: Paris.  Item number 38-747-078-45.  $39.99USD.  Also available at www.basspro.com

Deep Woods 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Mom can experience the rustic charm of the wilderness everyday with the Deep Woods 16-piece Dinnerware Set! This authentic set is made of stoneware and fired at high temperatures for durability. Each piece features an embossed nature design and is finished with a reactive glaze for a striking effect. This set includes four 10.5'' dinner plates, four 8'' salad plates, four 6'' cereal bowls (28 oz.), and four 14 oz. mugs. All pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe. Imported. Item number 38-955-166-7.  $49.99USD.  Available at www.basspro.com

Natural Reflections® Moc Slippers for Ladies - Black
Our Moc Slippers are styled just for ladies, with a leather upper featuring fleece-like lining for extra warmth and comfort. Easy when in a hurry and easy to slip out of too! Soft and flexible outdoor non-skid sole Mom will use everyday. Color: Black. Imported. $24.99USD.  Available at www.basspro.com

Big Cedar Lodge - Romance Package
Mom and Dad deserve a relaxing getaway.  Located just 10 miles south of Branson, Missouri on Table Rock Lake and tucked into the wooded hillsides of the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar resides. This popular vacation paradise - complete with Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park- offers cozy accommodations, delicious dining options and first class service.  Guests find all amenities typical of a luxury resort, yet this wilderness lodge is anything but typical. Accommodations at Big Cedar range from a choice room in one of three tastefully appointed lodges to a cozy cottage or a rustic log cabin. You'll find that lodging includes a fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub or a lovely view of Table Rock Lake. Besides our Top of the Rock nine-hole golf course, we also off a full service marina on Table Rock Lake, horseback riding, bass fishing and trout fishing, and trails suited for walking, biking and hiking. Scenic vistas, refreshing mountain air and Ozark hospitality included - at no extra charge!  Call 1-800-BCLODGE (1-800-225-6343) for more information or to book this package.


About Bass Pro Shops®: Bass Pro Shops® operates 58 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 110 million people annually.  Bass Pro Shops® also conducts an international catalog and internet retailing operation, American Rod & Gun® wholesale division sells to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide.  Outdoor World® Incentives also sells Bass Pro Shops® gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America.  The Bass Pro Shops® restaurant division with 26 locations.  The company's Tracker Marine Group® (www.trackerboats.com) manufactures and sells Tracker®, Nitro®, SunTracker®, Tahoe®, Grizzly® and Mako® boats through Bass Pro Shops® retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide.  The Resort Group (www.bigcedar.com) includes Big Cedar Lodge® and other resort properties including restaurants and golf courses. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops® store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com.  To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO.  Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.

02 May 2012

Muscatine Marine on duty in Afghanistan

By Carlos Cruz

Lance Cpl. Noel Miranda, infantryman, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, patrols through Musa Qa'leh District, Afghanistan, April 23, 2012. Miranda, from Muscatine, Iowa, was part of a patrol to disrupt insurgent supply lines and gain intelligence from locals
02 May 2012

Rutherford Institute Urges Charlottesville City Council to Adopt Resolution De-Emphasizing Primary Arrests for Marijuana Offenses

By The Rutherford Institute

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. ?John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute, is calling on members of the Charlottesville City Council to vote yes on a resolution which would declare marijuana offenses the lowest law enforcement priority in the city. In a letter to the City Council, Whitehead points out that while overwhelming evidence points to the fact that the government's so-called war on drugs ranks as the longest-running, most expensive and least effective effort by the American government?as well as being racially and economically discriminatory?federal, state and local governments continue to operate under misguided policies that pose a great danger to American citizens while exhausting police resources. A far wiser approach, advises Whitehead, would be to de-prioritize marijuana arrests and prosecutions and redirect limited government resources toward addressing more pressing problems such as urban homelessness, poverty, hard-core drug dealing and gang activity.

The Rutherford Institute's letter to the Charlottesville City Council is available at www.rutherford.org.

"In adopting the resolution to de-emphasize primary arrests for marijuana, the City Council has an opportunity to set an example for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the country about what it means to be a community that prioritizes people over policy," said Whitehead. "Doing so would also show that Charlottesville is progressive enough to act on Americans' changing attitudes towards marijuana possession, recognizing that the nation's drug war is a failure and that a new direction is sorely needed."

Charlottesville resident and activist Jordan McNeish proposed a resolution to the Charlottesville City Council that, if adopted, would de-emphasize marijuana as a cause for primary arrest in the city, freeing up valuable police resources which could then be directed to more pertinent problems, such as investigating and prosecuting violent crime and property crime. In calling on the City Council to adopt the resolution, constitutional attorney John Whitehead cited a number of studies and statistics indicating that the federal government's so-called "war on drugs" has caused the prison population to balloon to over 2 million people, wasted valuable state resources, and has created a burden for minority and lower-income communities, while doing little to resolve the issue of drug addiction. Moreover, for those who fear that de-emphasizing marijuana prosecutions might lead to an increase in drug use, Whitehead pointed to studies showing the contrary to be the case?that decriminalization actually results in reduced drug usage.

"The challenge is how to adequately address these problems in a compassionate and just manner without becoming overly legalistic and impersonal, thereby sacrificing the values and atmosphere which have endeared our community to so many," said Whitehead.

Putting the discussion in a more personal context, Whitehead recounted the case of 53-year-old Albemarle County resident Philip Cobbs who cares for his blind, deaf 90-year-old mother and who was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a joint task force comprised of state and local law enforcement officials, aided by military helicopter surveillance and acting without a search warrant, raided his property as part of a routine sweep of the countryside and allegedly found two marijuana stalks growing among weeds on his 39-acre property. "If we continue along our present course, it will only be a matter of time before someone is fatally injured, whether it be a member of our community or a law enforcement official," warned Whitehead. "Clearly, something must be done."

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE ONLINE

02 May 2012

State Treasurer Fitzgerald Announces May 29 is 529 Day

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (05/01/2012)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is asking Iowans to celebrate 529 Day on May 29 by exploring the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones future higher education expenses. "We want parents to know it's never too early to start planning for their child's education," Fitzgerald said. "As a way to raise awareness about 529 plans, families are able to gain a jump start on saving for their child's future education by registering, during the month of May, for the chance to win a free $1,000 College Savings Iowa account." For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com.

May 29 was declared 529 Day in order to help bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to consider opening a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,975 per beneficiary from their 2012 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.*

Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.myiowa529plan.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The Earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.
02 May 2012

Coast Guard takes steps to eliminate sexual assault

By USCG Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – Major steps in the Coast Guard's effort to eliminate sexual assault in its workforce were taken Wednesday as leaders released a new Coast Guard sexual assault prevention and response program manual formalizing improvements to its sexual assault prevention and response program, as well as announcing the seniority of officers allowed to act on certain sexual assault cases is being raised.

"These actions are major steps toward achieving our goal of eliminating sexual assault within the Coast Guard by ensuring a culture of prevention through improved education and training, response capability, victim support and accountability," said Coast Guard acting commandant, Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara.

Major improvements in the program manual include greater protection for sexual assault victims, enhanced accountability for response by unit commanders, and more rigorous and defined reporting procedures for all reports of sexual assault. The SAPR program manual, which replaces a previous Coast Guard instruction, is the culmination of a multi-year effort to put in place a more effective SAPR program across the service.

The service also announced the handling of certain sexual assault cases will be made only by officers holding the rank of captain or higher who possess special court-martial convening authority, beginning June 28. This will ensure a senior level of review by the Coast Guard's most experienced officers from the outset of certain sexual assault cases as well as ensure that the full measure of response, victim support and criminal investigative resources are brought to bear. This action aligns the service with a directive issued April 20 by Department of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta directing the same for the handling of sexual assault cases within components of the Defense Department.

The June 28 implementation date adopted by all five military branches coincides with the effective date of section 541 of the National Defense Authorization Act 2012 that reforms Unified Code of Military Justice offenses relating to sexual misconduct.



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02 May 2012

US-based International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has announced its 2011 winners

By Candace Avery


Kelly Clarkson, Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Ozzy Osbourne, Janelle Monae, And Many More Select The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 2011 Winners

ISC Grand Prize Is Awarded To New Zealander Kimbra For The Song "Cameo Lover"

May 1, 2012 - - The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the world's foremost global songwriting event, is pleased to announce its 2011 winners. ISC's Grand Prize is awarded to New Zealand native Kimbra for her song "Cameo Lover," entered in the Pop/Top 40 category. Kimbra also holds the distinction of having won First Place in the Pop/Top 40 category in 2010 for her song "Settle Down." The Grand Prize winner takes home $25,000 in cash (US) and an additional $25,000 in merchandise and services.

Called "the songwriting competition to take note of" by the New York Times, ISC was established in 2002 and awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to amateur and professional songwriters around the globe. This year was the most competitive of any year in terms of quantity and quality of entries, and winners were selected from over 16,000 songs submitted from 112 countries worldwide. Judges included iconic artists Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, McCoy Tyner, Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monae, Ozzy Osbourne, Lucinda Williams, Tori Amos, Wynonna, Keane, and many more. In addition to the high-profile artists, the roster of judges also included five record label presidents as well as other industry leaders, offering songwriters the unprecedented opportunity to have their music heard by influential decision-makers. See below for the complete list of judges.

For a complete list of 2011 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners

Winning ISC's highest honor is New Zealand's latest export, the quirky and wonderfully eclectic artist Kimbra. Kimbra has recently exploded onto the international music charts as the featured singer on Australian artist Gotye's current #1 hit song, "Somebody That I Used To Know." Her recent TV performances with Gotye on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Saturday Night Live were electrifying and introduced her to the US public, fortifying her meteoric rise to fame.

Only 22 years old, Kimbra began writing songs and performing at the age of 10. Spending her early years gigging around her native New Zealand, it was only once Kimbra borrowed a small eight-track recorder from her school's music department that her songwriting blossomed in earnest. Since then, she has made enormous strides in her career. Her debut album, Vows, was released in 2011 in New Zealand and Australia, and in its first week of release the album charted at #3 in New Zealand and #5 in Australia (peaking at #4 on the ARIA Charts). The album will be released in the US and Canada on May 22.

Accolades include winning the 2011 NZ Critics' Choice awards and also the Best Female Artist for "Cameo Lover" at the 2011 ARIA awards.

Even at such a young age, Kimbra already possesses great maturity and musical sophistication. Candace Avery, the Founder and Director of ISC, says this of Kimbra:

"We first became aware of Kimbra in 2010 when she entered ISC and won First Place in the Pop/Top 40 category with her song 'Settle Down.' At that time we knew she was one of those artists who had it. As a songwriter, her eclectic and somewhat quirky songwriting made her stand out. As an artist, she brings her songs to life with her unique vocal styling and compelling stage presence. Kimbra is rapidly establishing herself as a significant talent and a fresh and exciting new voice on the international music scene. We are proud to have her as our 2011 Grand Prize winner."

In addition to the Grand Prize winner, many other deserving songwriters also share the spotlight for winning their respective categories in ISC 2011. These winners represent diverse cultures and range from talented amateurs to seasoned songwriting veterans. See below for a complete list of ISC 2011 winners.

Applauded for its high caliber of judges, ISC compiled a stellar panel of judges for the 2011 competition, including:

Recording Artists: Tom Waits; Tori Amos; Jeff Beck; Lucinda Williams; My Morning Jacket; Kelly Clarkson; Ozzy Osbourne; Keane; McCoy Tyner; Wynonna; Francesca Battistelli; Janelle Monae; Billy Currington; Tegan and Sara; Massive Attack; Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor (Duran Duran); Michael W. Smith; Alejandro Sanz; Johnny Clegg; Jeremy Camp; Ray Wylie Hubbard; John Mayall; Craig Morgan; Basement Jaxx; James Cotton; Sandra Bernhard; Trombone Shorty; Robert Earl Keen; Black Francis (The Pixies); Mose Allison; Robert Smith (The Cure); Amadou & Mariam; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals); and Matt Thiessen (Relient K)

Industry Executives: Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); David Massey (President, Mercury Records); Brian Malouf (VP A&R, Walt Disney Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony/BMG); Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group); Anastasia Brown (Music Supervisor, FORMAT); Dr. Demento (Radio Host, The Dr. Demento Show); Allison Jones (VP of A&R, Big Machine Label Group); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music Records and Putumayo Kids); Kim Buie (A&R and Artist Manager, Thirty Tigers); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, RCA Records); Antony Bland (Co-Owner, CandyShop Management); Steve Smith (VP of A&R, Aware Records); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); and Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment)

Sponsors included: Presonus, Lowden Guitars, Sennheiser, Posse, Mrs. Fields Cookies, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, D'Addario, Thayers, Onlinegigs, SongU.com, The Music Business Registry, SongTrust, Independent Mastering, Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq., Sonicbids, Taxi, and music Submit.

ISC is now accepting entries for 2012. Go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com for more information and an entry form.

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The complete list of ISC 2011 winners is as follows:

Grand Prize
Cameo Lover - Kimbra (Auckland, New Zealand)


AAA (Adult Album Alternative)
First Place
Celia - Anna Heiberg Macdonald (Annah Mac) - Auckland, New Zealand

Second Place
For What It's Worth - Maggie Eckford, Nathan Finochio - Nashville, TN, USA

Third Place
All My Love Is Gone - Dallas Frasca, Jeff Curran, Pete McDonald (Dallas Frasca) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Honorable Mention
Everybody's Lost Someone - Matt Joe Gow (The Dead Leaves) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
L.A. Can Wait - Michael Tiernan - San Diego, CA, USA
Les Filles Francaises - Gavin Duffy, Lewis Parker (The Jude) - London, England
Moonshine - Todd Michaelsen (My Pet Dragon) - New York, NY, USA
One More Last Chance - Tim Chapman - London, England
RGB - Nuno Goncalves, Sonia Tavares (The Gift) - Alcobaça, Portugal
Start All Over Again - Brendan Cooney, Ryan Cooney, Dave Mozdzanowski, Shea Brennan (The Gallery) - Wilbraham, MA, USA
Steer - Missy Higgins - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
The Taste - Randy Bergida - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Walkaway - Andy Morse (Radiogramme) - Swansea, Wales
Wheels of Thunder - Gustavo Galindo - Mexico City, Mexico
You Can - Mark Lang, Chris Helm (Skipping Girl Vinegar) - Melbourne, VIC, USA


Adult Contemporary (AC)
First Place
Arrow - Adrianne Gonzalez, Gabriel Mann (The Rescues) - Los Angeles, CA, USA

Second Place
Until I Found You - Kurtis John - Los Angeles, CA, USA

Third Place
Stay, Please Stay - Alexander Gow, Thomas Savage (Oh Mercy) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Honorable Mention
A Small Boat - Michael Maher (Worldfly) - Darwin, NT, Australia
Alive - Nate Fowler - Boise, ID, USA
All Turn To Love - Nicholas Deegan (Galleon) - Adelaide, SA, Australia
Been A Long Time - Wes Carr, David Walsh - Sydney, NSW, Australia
I Forgot How To Love - Michael Paynter - Langwarrin, VIC, Australia
Old Piano - Jon Matte (The Franklin Electric) - Montreal, QC, Canada
One Day We'll Make It Home - Ellen Xylander - Oslo, Norway
Only The World - Peter McVeigh - Belfast, Ireland
Warning Signs - Jessica Beach, Jeff Dawson - Vancouver, BC, Canada
We Are Young - Kurtis John - Los Angeles, CA, USA


Americana
First Place
The Broken Things - Shane Nicholson - Copacabana, NSW, Australia

Second Place
Sweet Emmylou - Catherine Britt, Rory Feek - Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Third Place
You Rock, We Roll - Scott Nolan - Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Honorable Mention
Cold Road - Casey Frazier - Nashville, TN, USA
Easy - Darren Gallagher (Gallie) - Dublin, Ireland
Fast Forward - Markus Rill - Munich, Germany
Fire Alarm - Ben Kyle, Carrie Rodriguez - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Flowers & Candy - Tony Garcia - Nashville, TN, USA
Gavel - Arthur Alligood - White House, TN, USA
Jimmie Rodgers Was A Vampire - Shane Nicholson - Copacabana, NSW, Australia
Let The Blue Skies Go To Your Head - Jesse Terry - Mamaroneck, NY, USA
Nothin' Takes You Off My Mind - Neville Anderson - Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Raise Your Head - Robbie K. Jones, Garrett Wall (Track Dogs) - Madrid, Spain
Roll Baby Roll - Mark Bragg - St. John's, NL, Canada
Where The Water Goes - Shane Nicholson - Copacabana, NSW, Australia


Blues
First Place
Hard Believer - Tommy Castro, Bonnie Hayes - Belvedere Tiburon, CA, USA

Second Place
Blinded By The Darkness - Matthew Curry - Normal, IL, USA

Third Place
Change Of Heart - Leeann Atherton - Austin, TX, USA

Honorable Mention
Addicted - Gina Sicilia - Philadelphia, PA, USA
Elvis Jesus And The Devil - Tom McEwan (Louis King) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Get Inside This House - Joe McMurrian - Portland, OR, USA
Hard Times - Jay Pinkus (Blue Jay Slim) - Richboro, PA, USA
Heaven Send Me An Angel - Kenneth Spruell (Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne) - Burnaby, BC, Canada
On My Way - Thorbjorn Risager - Copenhagen, Denmark
Preachin' The Blues - Keith Thompson - Gloucester, Scotland
Save Me For Later - Suzie Vinnick, Kristi Magraw - Toronto, ON, Canada
These Four Walls - Rita Chiarelli - Toronto, ON, Canada
Woman in Blue - Rita Chiarelli - Toronto, ON, Canada
You Ain't Gonne Make A Woman Out Of Me - Geir Arne Westby (Westby Band) - Halden, Norway


Children's Music
First Place
Right Now - Jon Samson - Brooklyn, NY, USA

Second Place
Poopie Diaper - Shoshana Sperling, Maury LaFoy (The Monkey Bunch) - Toronto, ON, Canada

Third Place
Roller Coaster - Kira Willey - Bethlehem, PA, USA

Honorable Mention
All The Letters - Helen Austin - Comox, BC, Canada
Bath Time - Paul Runalls, Chris Atkinson - Regina, SK, Canada
Don't Fill Up On Chips - Randy Kaplan - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Everybody Has A Butt! - Essence Goldman Williams, Jeffrey Pease, Lara-Miya Milrod (Essence) - San Francisco, CA, USA
Happy As A Clam - Joanie Leeds (Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights) - New York, NY, USA
Imaginary Friend - Jamie Saxe (The Mighty Buzzniks) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Mac And Cheese - David Rees - Vista, CA, USA
Morton The Caterpillar - David Schweizer - Maitland, FL, USA
Shake It Down - Nadia Sunde - Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Stinky Feet - Lanny Sherwin - Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Us And Animals - Jon Samson - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Wide Horse - Marissa Kochanski, Mike Siek (The Skips) - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Workin' On The Worm Farm - Gerry Paul - Salthill, Ireland


Comedy/Novelty
First Place
Smells Like Karen Carpenter - M. Spaff Sumsion (Moneyshot Cosmonauts) - Bountiful, UT, USA

Second Place
C'est La Vie - Pat Godwin - Fishers, IN, USA

Third Place
That's What You Do (When You're Gay) - Mark Silverman - Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

Honorable Mention
Crafty - Joe Kowan - Melrose, MA, USA
Earthquake Nudity - Andy Allen - Pittsburgh, PA, USA
How Can I Love You? - Jonathan Lee Jones, Mick Meradith (Ride the Wombat) - Sydney, NSW, Australia
I Need You Tiny - Jascha Hoffman (Jascha) - San Francisco, CA, USA
Road Rage - John Brennan - Floral Park, NY, USA
Sort Of Dunno Nothin' - Peter Denahy - Yackandandah, VIC, Australia
The Holiday Song - Ben Sures - Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Night N'Sync and Backstreet Got In A Fight - Douglas Powell - Rock Island, IL, USA
The Pimple Song - Chris D. Miller (Willie B Poppin) - Indianapolis, IN, USA
Worm - Justin Wiebe (Bicycle-Town) - Chilliwack, BC, Canada
You Don't Have A Clue - Pat Godwin - Fishers, IN, USA


Country
First Place
Where The Heart Is Found - Blake Bollinger, Neal Carpenter - Nashville, TN, USA

Second Place
Somebody Somewhere - Rodney Clawson, Lynn Hutton, Dustin Lynch (Dallas Smith) - Vancouver, BC, Canada

Third Place
Down Goes The Cowboy - Josh Dorr, Bruce Wallace, Kaci Bolls (Joshua Dorr) - Nashville, TN, USA

Honorable Mention
Do What You Gotta Do - Dave Bastien - Londonderry, NH, USA
Lie - Ruben Estevez, Jason Massey, Brad Ramsey - Nashville, TN, USA
Nothing Sweet About Alabama - Bill DiLuigi, Jesse Stern, Dave Tough - Cane Ridge, TN, USA
Quicksand - Lou Penta (The California Cowboy) - Ventura, CA, USA
Stone Cold Crazy - Michael McGee, Scott Miller (McGee) - Locarno, Switzerland
This Feels Good - Lee Johnson, Scott Miller - Washington, DC, USA
When It All Goes South - Jaylene Johnson, Sharlene Loveless, Jolene Keats - Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When It Hurts Like That - Matthew Ullman, Kyle Marion - Mt. Juliet, TN, USA
With Love - Josh Finlayson, Willie Mack - Nashville, TN, USA


Dance/Electronica
First Place
We Rise Like Smoke - Kyler England - North Hollywood, CA, USA

Second Place
Real Love (Jazzy Rmx) - Alexandra Tutu, Daniel Macovei (Elpis) - Campodoro, Italy

Third Place
Coco - Helga Potapova (Hellya) - Moscow, Russia

Honorable Mention
Amazing - Maor Shefer (MAOR) - New York, NY, USA
Borrowed Time - Carolyn Tariq, Shehab Tariq (Audego) - Fitzroy North, VIC, Australia
Can't Stop - Jes Brieden, Richard Robson (JES) - New York, NY, USA
Come Back Baby - Unbelievable Jones, Michael Kaiser - New York, NY, USA
Don't Clone Me - Tommaso Parisi (Tom Ugly) - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Electrolove - Kuba Oms, Jason Cook - Victoria, BC, Canada
Free - Amy McFarlane, Brent McFarlane (Reckless Mack) - Wellington, New Zealand
High - Tiffany Desrosiers, Anthony Anderson, Steve Smith - Langley, BC, Canada
I Wanna B Like Moby - CC Wong (CC Sound Factory) - Singapore
Party On The Moon - Donny B. Lord - St. Lucia, West Indies
Up - Ivo Krievs (EL'X) - Riga, Latvia
You Turn Me On - Inessa Lee, Mike Burns, Johnny Reyes (Princess X) - Los Angeles, CA, USA


Folk/Singer-Songwriter
First Place
Where I Stood - Missy Higgins - Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Second Place
Golden Thread - Mike Rosenberg (Passenger) - London, England

Third Place
1000 Sundowns - Emma Louise - Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Honorable Mention
Ashes - Andy Brown - Fredericton, NB, Canada
Bleeders - Thomas Calder (The Trouble With Templeton) - Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Come Rain Or Come Shine - David Francey - Toronto, ON, Canada
Despite All That's Happened - Brentley Gore - Nashville, TN, USA
Dreamin - Ed Romanoff, Josh Ritter - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Half The Boat - Matthew Clarke (Honey And The Money) - Port Moody, BC, Canada
My Love To Be - Daniel Lee Kendall - Wamberal, NSW, Australia
Never [Lay] A Woman That You Don't Love - Mieka Pauley - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Oh Alaska - Robbie Boyd (The Robbie Boyd Band) - London, England
Rivers - Mike Rosenberg (Passenger) - London, England
The Last Waltz - Tony Villiers - Armagh, Northern Ireland
The Morning Sun - Nolan Angell (The Genes) - Cabarita Beach, NSW, Australia
The Soldier And The Oak - Elliott Park - Clyde, TX, USA


Gospel/Christian
First Place
Storm Comin' - Ruth Moody (The Wailin' Jennys) - Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Second Place
Carved In Stone - Elliott Park - Clyde, TX, USA

Third Place
You Are My Friend - Hans Christian Jochimsen - Brønshøj, Denmark

Honorable Mention
Don't Dream Your Life Away - Zach Svoboda - Des Moines, IA, USA
God On High - Thomas Paul Reeves - Athens, GA, USA
Inspiration - Stanley Gwanzura, Andrew Baird (Pastor G) - Harare, Zimbabwe
Living Room Praise - Jason Sweet - Orlando, FL, USA
Love At First Sight - Jason Sweet - Orlando, FL, USA
Love Immeasurable - Ryan Long - Knoxville, TN, USA
Man Of Sorrows - Thena Beam - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Nothing Without Me - Stephanie Small, Ben Gebert (Sandel) - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Redemption's Anthem - Lenny Juliano - Enid, OK, USA
Release the Sound - Roma Waterman - Ringwood North, VIC, Australia
Thank You - Bobby van Jaarsveld - Pretoria, South Africa
Worship Now - John K. Brown - Clermont, FL, USA


Instrumental
First Place
6/8 - Artyom Yakushenko, Yuriy Matveyev (White Fort) - Irkutsk, Russia

Second Place
Heddon Tadpolly Spook - Carlos del Junco, Al Duffy - Port Hope, ON, Canada

Third Place
Muzyka Do Filmu - Igor Herzyk, Scotia Gilroy (Vladimirska) - Krakow, Poland

Honorable Mention
After Dawn - Xi Bo, Wen-Kai Ying  (Viva Girls) - Beiging, China
Darkness Gives Way - Lucas Shogren, Stephanie Shogren, Derek Powers (Clocks & Clouds) - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Digital Apples - Chris West - Nashville, TN, USA
Furious Antennae - Tom Grose - Decatur, GA, USA
Kicking Up Dust - Brad Keller (The Creaking Tree String Quartet) - Toronto, ON, Canada
Left Field - Allen Hinds - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Lough Auna Horse Eels - Dave Mooney (Track Dogs) - Madrid, Spain
Mocha Maya - Tony Lechner - South Hadley, MA, USA
Overture - Ed Dampier - London, England
Palmas - Eddie Paton, Bret Menezes - Toronto, ON, Canada
Sumari's Waltz - Eden MacAdam-Somer - Boston, MA, USA
Temple Sunrise - Hassan El-Tayyab (American Nomad) - San Francisco, CA, USA
TheSingingBush - Eddie Rayner (RBR) - Auckland, New Zealand


Jazz
First Place
1960 What? - Gregory Porter - Bakersfield, CA, USA

Second Place
Lover - Martina Flaherty - Loughrea, Co Galway, Ireland

Third Place
Deadman's Hill - Steve Talaga - Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Honorable Mention
A Picture Of Dorian Mode - Michael Longo - New York, NY, USA
Above Ground - Greg Ward (Greg Ward's Phonic Juggernaut) - New York, NY, USA
Conversation With Nellie - Zoe Rahman - London, England
Grizzly's - Regina Litvinova - Ludwigshafen, Germany
Hadairo (Beige) - Andy Akiho - Columbia, SC, USA
Memphis Mix-Up - Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen (elizabeth!) - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Pukl-N-Pappo - Michael Janisch - London, England
Save Me - Stephen Coates, Joe Coles (The Real Tuesday Weld) - London, England
Shumshi - Michael Janisch - London, England
The King Is Dead (Long Live The King) - Marzio Scholten - Alphen a/d Rijn, The Netherlands
To Work Marvels - Vincenzo Amazio (Enzo Amazio) - Pozzuoli, Italy
You Are Here - Matt Savage - Francestown, NH, USA


Latin
First Name
La Ciudad - Gustabo Galindo - Mexico City, Mexico

Second Place
Cuentame - Rebeca Perfecto, Josue Parrilla, Ricardo Alvarez (Beca Perfecto) - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Third Place
Marina - Omar Torrez, Paul Duncan, Carlos Del Puerto Jr. (Omar Torrez) - Venice, CA, USA

Honorable Mention
Amanacer - Santiago Mena , Erik Martinez, Luis Lauro Moreno (Luis Lauro) - Mexico City, Mexico
Deja Lo Malo Afuera - Javier Coy, Carolina Cardenas, Angie Martinez (Sauti) - Bogota, Colombia
Heroes - Jhovan Tomasevich (Jhovan) - Lima, Peru
Histeria - Pablo Donelli, Santiago Inglese, Maria Belen Galiotti Banchero (Lady Bonsai) - Buenos Aires, Argentina
How Much I Love You Mi Cielo - Eduard Osorio (Edu Osorio) - Miami, FL, USA
Otra Vez - Jose Hernandez, Steve Baltazar, Delwin G. Neva (Sonsoles) - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Perdido - Jose Ignacio Gras Lopez, Jimmy Pinaitis (Radioz) - Alicante, Spain
Prende El Radio - Rei Ortiz - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Un Poco De Ti - Maddy Rodriguez, Ryan Stewart - Toronto, ON, Canada
Vacio - Rafael Rioz - Santiago, Chile


Lyrics Only
First Place
St Vincents - Ed Romanoff, Josh Ritter, Crit Harmon - Brooklyn, NY, USA

Second Place
Gavel - Arthur Alligood - White House, TN, USA

Third Place
I Don't Know What I'll Do - Bryan Tess - Tralee, Ireland

Honorable Mention
6 Feet Under - Rosie Grayson - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Because She Looked Like You - Ivan Rubenstein-Gillis - New York, NY, USA
Conspiracy Of Love - Jenrose Fitzgerald (Jenrose) - Stamping Ground, KY, USA
Gastown Serenade - Steve Seaton (Seaton) - Brendale, QLD, Australia
Gospel Of A Fool - Glenn Hammerstad - Oslo, Norway
I Must Have Done Something Right - Ed Romanoff, Crit Harmon - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Let It Spin - Sherri Gough - Nashville, TN, USA
Tell Tale - Jordan Fricker - Waterloo, ON, Canada
Two Yellow Roses - Ed Romanoff, Crit Harmon - Brooklyn, NY, USA


Music Video
First Place
Life Is Good - Jatin Puri - Gurgaon, India

Second Place
Loveless - Johnny Mackay, Heath Crawley (Children Collide) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Third Place
Opera 2 - Sergey Pudovken (Vitas) - Moscow, Russia

Honorable Mention
Bricks - Jon Markson, Will Brown, Will Kowall, Danny Joseph (Time Crisis) - Boston, MA, USA
I Talked To Italiano - Tamara Rodriguez - Boston, MA, USA
Like No Other - Anna Neradilkova (Anikiko) - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Lovesick - John Mark Seltzer, Jon Maddux (Jackson Wells) - Franklin, TN, USA
Man Walks Into A Bar - Brett Every - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Mind Games - Alex Post, Katie O'Doherty (Pony Cop) - Boise, ID, USA
Off The Beaten Path - Aram Rian - Yerevan, Armenia
River Too Wide - Matt Ellis - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Robot Girl Robot Boy - Helen Greenham (Helen & The Sirens) - London, England


Performance
First Place
Making Love Easy - Craig Schoenbaum (OTiS) - Brooklyn, NY, USA

Second Place
Lost - Wes Carr, Don Walker - Sydney, NSW, Australia

Third Place
Stumble - Suzanna Choffel - Austin, TX, USA

Honorable Mention
Beneath The Fire - Richard Perry, Steve Pedersen, Dominic DiCiano, Christian Lewis, Greg Petersen, Daniel Petersen (Evaline) - Turlock, CA, USA
Calling All Angels - Jane Siberry - Toronto, ON, Canada
Control - Aimee Francis - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Dream Street - Ariana Gillis, David Gillis - Toronto, ON, Canada
From The Outside - Victoria Celestine - San Antonio, TX, USA
Heatwave - Chris Cheney (The Living End) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Lady Flower - Jenie Thai - Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Reload - Sara Smith - London, ON, Canada
The Dream - Martina Flaherty - Loughrea, Co Galway, Ireland
These Four Walls - Rita Chiarelli - Toronto, ON, Canada


Pop/Top 40
First Place
Flaws - Dan Smith (Bastille) - London, England

Second Place
Jungle - Emma Louise - Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Third Place
Hazy - Ruby Frost - Auckland, New Zealand

Honorable Mention
Can't Afford This Way Of Life - Nicholas Owen, Alex Vaughan (The Brow Horn Orchestra) - Perth, WA, Australia
Everything's Gonna Be Alright - Timothy Skedden, Jason Kerrison, Jamie Greenslade, Selwyn Leaf (The Babysitters Circus)
It's Too Late - Jes Brieden, Richard Robson (JES) - New York, NY, USA
Kitchen On Fire - Caterina Torres, Jarrod Rogers, Si Connelly - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Love Is All - Jacob Washington (Je'kob) - San Diego, CA, USA
Save Me No More - Anna Krantz, Michael Kintish (IAmAnnA) - London, England
Summer Days - Meredith Coloma - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Thousand Suns - MoRo - London, England
Top Down - Shane Gelinas (Shane Divine) - Los Angeles, CA, USA

R&B/Hip-Hop
First Place
Up In Flames - Aaron Harris, Matt Smokovich, Travis Taylor (Eastern Sunz) - Portland, OR, USA

Second Place
Lighter Up - Kyle Jordan, Dustin Wolf - Regina, SK, Canada

Third Place
Off The Hook - Rachel White - Lichfield, England

Honorable Mention
A Thousand Lives - Kenny Sabir, Tim Levinson, Shannon Kennedy, Dale Harrison (The Herd) - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Ain't Easy - Ayat Maqwam (Billy BanGer) - Accra, Ghana
Black Girl, White Boy - Stefan Ludik (Ludik) - Johannesburg, South Africa
Eleven - Fantine Pritoula, Marcello Maio (Fantine) - Sydney, VIC, Australia
Fly Away (feat. Honey Larochelle & Blitz the Ambassador) - Queen Rose, Blitz the Ambassador - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Girl If You Were Mine - Jonathan Gutierrez, Rolando Cuellar, Hector Chavera III, David Enriquez (Baby Jay) - Houston, TX, USA
Gone - Kamali Kaumu - College Park, GA, USA
Goodbye Yesterday - Christopher Gonzales (Kepstar) - Maspeth, NY, USA
Harder - Matt Dubois, John Michael - Ottawa, ON, Canada
I Was Somebody Else (Feat. Pez) - Tommaso Parisi (Tom Ugly) - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Shoot'em Bang Bang - TK Wonder, Ben Perowsky, Danny Blume, Glenn Patscha (TK Wonder) - Brooklyn, NY, USA
The Storm - Michelle Chadsey, Mike Asselin, Will Harris, Jesse Mackle, Kelly Schmale (The Proper Villains) - Surrey, BC, Canada
Thinking About U - Patrick Mwamba Mwilambwe, Nkulu Eric Mwilambwe (K9SLANG) - Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Wake Up - Tyrone Paul, Lloyd Perrin, Jordan Crisp (Chrome) - London, England


Rock
First Place
She's Like A Comet - Kevin Mitchell, Vanessa Thornton, Brett Mitchell, Chris Daymond (Jebediah) - Perth, WA, Australia

Second Place
Love Is A Drug - Kav Temperley, Stuart MacLeod, Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe) - Perth, WA, Australia

Third Place
Song For The Lonely - Chris Cheney (The Living End) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Honorable Mention
A Thousand Blind Windows - Gary McFarlane (Autumn Owls) - Dublin, Ireland
Batteries - Paul Stephen Donnelly (Strawhouses) - Liverpool, England
City Lights - Bekki Friesen (Domenica) - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Hope & Ruin - John-Angus MacDonald, Colin MacDonald, Jack Syperek, Sean Dalton, Gord Sinclair (The Trews) - Antigonish, NS, Canada
Little Suzie - Benoit Portolano, Mark Rutledge (Blackfeet Revolution) - Paris, France
Loveless - Johnny Mackay, Heath Crawley (Children Collide) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
One Step - Kimberley Benzie, Rob Maric, Stewart Hill, Luke Williams, Forrester Savell (Dead Letter Circus) - Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Sergeant Dylan Sand - Elias Bertini (Zero In On) - Locarno, Switzerland
Someday You Will Know - Christopher Farfán, Dennis Garcia, Nicolas Espinosa (StereonoiZ) - Lima, Peru
Stay Up (All Night) - Tatiana DeMaria (TAT) - London, England
Taken For Granted - The Mercy Now - Toronto, ON, Canada
Turn Off The Light - Evgeni Gor (UNITE IT) - Moscow, Russia
Universe - Chris Cheney (The Living End) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia


Teen
First Place
The Worst Part (Leave You Again) - Natasha Duarte - Glenmore Park, NSW, Australia

Second Place
In The World - Victoria Celestine - San Antonio, TX, USA

Third Place
I Bought A Tie - Sam Griffin-Ortiz (Population 5) - Salinas, CA, USA

Honorable Mention
All For The Best - Michelle Zarate (Nova Delai) - Malmo, Sweden
All This Time - Landon Wilkinson (The Village Musicians, AKA: Village) - Yakima, WA, USA
Believing - Rhianna Flaherty - Loughrea, Co Galway, Ireland
By My Side - Matt Dubois - Ottawa, ON, Canada
Forget About Me - Massad Barakat-Devine (Massad) - Epsom, New Zealand
From The Outside - Victoria Celestine - San Antonio, TX, USA
Heart On Fire - D'Arcy Spiller - Smeaton, VIC, Australia
If I Don't Got You - Matthew Curry - Normal, IL, USA
Ready, Set, Stun - Jared Goldstein (Jared Dylan) - Montville, NJ, USA
The Best Part (Of Falling In Love) - Abram Dean - Addison, TX, USA
Tuesday's Just As Bad - Charlie Dane - Oyster Bay, NY, USA
Whole Lot Better - Kathryn Hallberg - Spring, TX, USA


Unsigned Only
First Place
Are You Alive - Michael Paynter, Gary Clark, David Mead - Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Second Place
All This Time - Landon Wilkinson (The Village Musicians, AKA: Village) - Yakima, WA, USA

Third Place
Alive - Nate Fowler - Boise, ID, USA

Honorable Mention
Blew It All Away - Flávio Cristóvam (Jamandizen) - Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
Grace - Jack Stone - Cape Town, South Africa
In Colour - Michael Belsar (Hunting Grounds) - Ballarat, VIC, Australia
In The World - Victoria Celestine - San Antonio, TX, USA
Kitchen On Fire - Caterina Torres, Jarrod Rogers, Si Connelly - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Lovelorn - Alison MacLea, Chris Ioannou, Chris Sytnyk (Little Creatures) - Toronto, ON, Canada
Never Walked On The Moon - Dylan Edward Roberts (King Dylan) - Calgary, AB, Canada
Real Love (Jazzy Rmx) - Alexandra Tutu, Daniel Macovei (Elpis) - Campodoro, Italy
Someday You Will Know - Christopher Farfán, Dennis Garcia, Nicolas Espinosa (StereonoiZ) - Lima, Peru
The Duet - Andrew Redford - Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
Wanna Run - Kate Vigo - Melbourne, VIC, Australia


World
First Place
Tere Bin Dil - Dilpreet Bhatia - Mumbai, India

Second Place
Lovely World - Opetaia Foai (Te Vaka) - Auckland, New Zealand

Third Place
AKEIO - Sharzy (Mako Mai) - Sharzy (Supa Trio of De Isles) - Honiara, Solomon Islands

Honorable Mention
Aibbas Jaska (All Still) - Elin Kåven, Ole Jørn Myklebust - Karasjok, Norway
Deja Lo Malo Afuera - Javier Coy, Carolina Cardenas, Angie Martinez (Sauti) - Bogota, Colombia
Ena Na Lena - Richard Gannaway, Miriam Stockley, Jay Oliver (AOMUSIC) - Asheville, NC, USA
Fire - Bulat Gafarov (Toke-Cha) - Moscow, Russia
I Believe - Marlon Edwards - Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago
Mambo Bado - Alex Kajumulo the Bushman - Muleba, Tanzania
Ombomo - Sally Nyolo - Paris, France
Rabba Ru - Kiran Ahluwalia - Toronto, ON, Canada
Spirit Dancer - Titus Fotso - Eugene, OR, USA
The Journey - Tim Foley (Skelpin) - San Diego, CA, USA


People's Voice Award
Someday You Will Know - Christopher Farfán, Dennis Garcia, Nicolas Espinosa (StereonoiZ) - Lima, Peru


###

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