Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and
labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter.
Also, entrants do not have to stand in line for hours or days in order
to audition. Entrants need to mail in an entry form along with a CD
recording or enter online on IAMA's website.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/
Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist,
Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall
Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which
includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada.
Therefore, winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-
ups will also be featured on IAMA's compilation CD.

Last year's winner went to acoustic folk group "The Refugees", fronted
by hit singer-songwriter Wendy Waldman, who wrote Vanessa Williams's
#1 hit song "Save the Best for Last'.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance,songwriting/
composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of
established artists and industry professionals. Other past winners
include: UK singer-songwriter Charlie Dore (2008 winner). Charlie Dore
is most famous in the United States for her 1980 pop single, "Pilot of
the Airwaves," which hit Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and
shot to international worldwide fame. Fertitta and McClintock (USA),
Jen Foster (USA), Mistin' (Australia), David Francey (Juno award
winner from Canada), April Verch (Canada) and Millish (USA).

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA
website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers,
promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be
submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform
original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or
composers. Deadline to enter is November 9 '09.

You may also obtain the entry form at:
http://www.inacoustic.com/entryform.html

Or enter online via Broadjam:
http://www.broadjam.com/contests/details/contest/index.php?contest_id...