The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 2004 Winners

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its winners for its 2004 annual competition. Called “the songwriting competition to take note of” by the New York Times, ISC received over 11,000 entries from 77 countries in its third year. From the West African kora player to the rock band in Russia to the Canadian fiddler with Acadian roots to the pop artist from Los Angeles…ISC entrants represent a truly international cultural span.

ISC prizes include more than $100,000 (USD) in cash and merchandise and are shared by 50 winners in 16 categories.

For the first time ever in any major songwriting competition, a teen is the winner of the overall Grand Prize. The winner is newcomer 18-yr. old Gin Wigmore (Auckland, New Zealand) for her song “Hallelujah,” which was entered into the Teen category. Her prizes include $10,000 US cash and over $30,000 US in merchandise and services.

Remarkably, Gin Wigmore wrote "Hallelujah" when she was 17 yrs. old. This intensely personal song (it was written for her father who died of cancer) reflects a vulnerability and honesty that is stunning. Her lyrics, coupled with her unique voice and the song's haunting melody, belie her age and display a maturity of "an old soul." The song, which resonated overwhelmingly with the judges, is memorable for its simplicity and beauty.

Gospel/Christian Music Winners Were:

• 1st Place - Belong - Mike Shaw/Jason Elgin/Jacob Bunton/Rodney Reaves - Hoover, AL


• 2nd Place - Broken And Blessed - Carmen Calhoun/Chad Ballantyne/Brad Baerwald - Washington DC


• 3rd Place - Beautiful - Josh Zandman - Morganville, NJ

Honorable Mention contestants in the Gospel/Christian Catagory:

• Can I Get A Witness - Kechia B. Jenkins


• Endlessness of Grace - Chris Shandrow


• Glory Hallelujah - Danny Brooks


• Heal Me - Kelly Chapman/Ryan Lott


• Here I Stand - Ken Sutherland


• Restore Me - Melissa Polinar/Chris Rodriguez


• Still Waters - Peter Stein


• Sweet Savior's Arm - Grey De Lisle

A complete list of winners can be seen on the ISC Web site