Robert Smith (The Cure), Tom Waits, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Davies (The Kinks), Black Francis (Pixies), Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Chaka Khan, Neil Finn (Crowded House), Loretta Lynn, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), John Mayall, Chris Hillman (The Byrds), Paul Van Dyk, Youssou N'Dour, DJ TiГ«sto and Weird Al Yankovic are among the extraordinary line-up of musicians chosen to judge the International Songwriting Competition 2008.

Entrants can submit as many tracks as they care to in one or more categories, a.o. Americana, Blues, Folk, Dance, Gospel, Jazz and Instrumental. Depending on the category, submissions are judged on the basis of the following criteria: Creativity, Originality, Lyrics, Melody, and Arrangement.

The deadline for entries is July 15, and the top prize is $25,000. Visit songwritingcompetition.com for details.