John Oates will lead a celebrity panel of judges at this year’s National Songwriters Competition hosted by the Aspen Songwriters Festival. Oates and a panel of celebrities will select winners based on originality, melody, composition and lyrics. Each song submitted must be an original work written and performed by the contestant.

This year’s grand prize winner will take home a trip for two to the acclaimed 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival, where the winning songwriter will perform and enjoy a VIP festival experience with all-access backstage passes and after-parties. The top winner will also receive a mentoring session with Songwriters Hall of Fame member John Oates, a Martin Guitar, and a Fishman Loudbox Artist Amplifier. Entries for the Songwriting Competition are being accepted through Sonicbids. Artists who submit an entry before September 20, 2012 can take advantage of the Early Pricing special discount

The Aspen Songwriters Festival, now in its four year, will be held March 20–24 at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, CO.

Visit the Aspen Songwriters Festival website for more information.