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The judging panel consists of producers, labels, professional musicians, songwriters, managers, agents, A&R representatives, publisher representatives, and many others that have displayed success in their profession. Included on the judging panel are Grammy Award winners, Emmy Nominees, editors from Rolling Stone, as well as many individuals who have worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Jose Ramirez - As a promoter, Jose has worked with acts such as Shakira and Christina Aguilera.

Mary Foster - Mary has help negotiate publishing and record deals with twelve chart topping artists. Maria Perez - Maria has marketed some of the biggest names in the industry such as  Pink, Rascal Flatts, and Annie Lennox.

A partial list of the 'Elite Judging Panel
Other judges not listed below are individuals from 7 major labels, 6 major publishers, 35 clear channel radio stations, and much more.

Paul Dellafiora - Capitol Records

Paul is the Senior Director of "Artist Development Tour Marketing" for Capitol Records. He is working with some of the biggest names in music such The Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Sum-41, and Coldplay. His experience also includes 14 years with Island DefJam, Polygram Distribution, and Tower Records.

 

Stephanie Wright - Universal Music

Stephanie is the A&R Manager of Universal Music. Universal's roster includes: U2, No Doubt, Black Eyed Peas, Ashlee Simpson, Mariah Carey, Amy Grant, Sting,  Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Reba McEntire,   Shania Twain, Nickleback, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z,  Eminem, Will Smith, 3 Doors Down, Brian McKnight, INXS and more.

Steven Johnson

Steve is an international booking agent who has coordinated  events for Madonna, Kiss, Aerosmith, U2, Eminem, Toby Keith, Shakira, Mariah Carey, Snoop and Cher.

  Jeff Strums - George Strait

Jeff Strums has been George Strait's guitarist (Ace in the Hole Band) since 1998 as well as a producer. He has been involved in getting artist's record deals while his personal credits include MCA, EMI/Capital, and Sony. 


Jessica Hatfield
- Big Alpha/Sony

 Jessica Hatfield is the Director of Publishing for Big Alpha Writers Group in Nashville. Recent song placement includes material with Willie Nelson and the theme song for a new Lifetime television program.  

 
Kim James
- Reprise Records

Kim James is the promotional manager of Reprise Records. Reprise has had releases from many legendary artists such as Cher, Green Day, Tom Petty, Faith Hill,  Dwight Yoakam, Seal, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, Sinatra, B.B.King, Neil Young, and many more.

Stella Smith

Stella Smith runs independent UK record label Mangoneworld, the Starlight Promotions Entertainment Agency and Starlight Publishing.  The companies exist to promote emerging music and artists represented by Stella, have gained radio airplay in the US, Canada, Germany and the UK and had records sold around the world through.

 

Rafa Sardina

Rafa Sardina is a three time Latin Grammy Award winner for his production work with Luis Miguel. He was awarded the  "Album of the Year" and "Best Pop Album". Additionally, Rafa has an impressive client list which includes: Sheryl Crow, Mariah Carey, Dru Hill, Macy Gray,  Alejandro Sanz, Marc Antoine, Juan Gabriel, and Soul Coughing.

Wayne Watson

A legend in Christian music, singer Wayne has achieved thirty four Top 10 songs, twenty-one #1 hits two Grammy Awards, and  numerous Dove Awards. 


 

Kevin Martin

Kevin is the president of Tympanic Records. He has also sold over 5 million records as the frontman of the band Candlebox.  Kevin is currently working on his solo project with Hole's Eric Erlandson.

Larry Davis

  Warren Riker

Larry Davis has been involved in the music industry for over 25 years. He has worked in A&R for many record companies and has negotiated deals with some of the biggest names in the country music market.  

 

Warren has earned three Grammy Awards for his work with Lauren Hill, The Fugees, and Santana. In the studio he has worked with Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Sublime, and Run DMC among others.


Lenise Bent

 
Cassandra Tormes

Lenise has received four Emmy nominations and has worked on tracks from artists such as Blondie, Fleetwood Mac, and Ringo Starr. She has also played an instrumental role in  numerous soundtracks such as Men in Black, Robocop, and is currently supervising a Dreamworks production featuring Brian Adams. 

  Cassandra is the Creative Director of Three Ring Circus Music. The publishing company has placed hit songs with Faith Hill,Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Leann Rhimes, Montgomery Gentry, and many more. 

Steve Sykes

Steve Sykes has performed with and produced the top names in the world including Enrique Iglesias, Lita Ford, and The Isley Brothers. Steve has been involved with the music for a number of  hit TV shows and movies including Miami Vice, The Prince of Egypt, Boyz N’ The Hood, and many more.

  Sheldon Steiger

Beyond his previous road work with Paul Simon and PM Dawn, Sheldon has engineered songs from Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, the Baha Men, and the Verve Pipe. 

Winston Simone

Winston along with Desmond Child (writer on over 200 million records sold) are the founders of Deston Publishing. Winston has managed hit-makers such as Carly Simon, Joe Jackson, and more.

  Louie Bandak- Capitol Records

Louie Bandak is the Senior Director of A&R at Capitol Records. Louie currently works with artists such as Yellowcard, Squad Five-0, and Saosin. 

 

Mike Esterman

Mike is a Celebrity booking agent and an A&R liaison for "Triple Platinum Records" and has assisted in bookings for many major names such as, Dave Navarro, Carmen Electra, Coolio, CC Deville, Ron Jeremy, Cindy Margolis, Ginuwine, Bubba Sparxxx, Kimberly Caldwell and many more. Mike Esterman had also produced "On Q" which was a pilot TV show hosted by Daisy Fuentes and Heavy D back in the late 80’s after he started as a dancer on American Bandstand and Dance Party USA.

  Brett Manning

Brett works as a vocal coach with artists from Capitol, Columbia, Atlantic, Interscope, Dreamworks, MCA, Epic/Sony, Word, and more.  He has worked with Keith Urban and other Grammy award winning singers. He has also trained the casts of Broadway productions of Les Miserables and Jekyll and Hyde, as well as the Broadway tour of Elton John's Aida.  


Claris Sayadian-Dodge
  Dennis Lange - Molecular Records

Claris is founder and president of Studio Expresso. She has held positions at various music/media entertainment companies and her clients have included: Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Dr. Dre, Natalie Cole,  Goo Goo Dolls, Luis Miguel, Ringo Starr, Alejandro Sanz, to name a few.

  As president of the Dennis Lange Talent Agency and Molecular Records, Dennis Lange has booked artists across the U.S.  Europe, and Asia. With his booking agency and sound production company he has worked with artists such as Prince, Tonic, Ian Moore, Matchbox 20, and many more
Randy Miller   Ramon Smith

Randy is an entertainment attorney who has brokered multi-million dollar record deals for seven artists who collectively have had 32 number one hits on the Billboard charts.  

 

Formerly with Albatross Records, Ramon is the A&R representative for RND Distribution. He specializes in marketing artists to radio stations throughout the world. RND Distribution is also responsible for getting both independent and mainstream artists to retailers. RND Distribution's product line includes releases from Snoop Dogg and Tupac


Stephanie Guadian
- ABC Television
 
Ken Allardyce

Coming from a broadcast journalism background, Stephanie Guadian has worked with both NBC and ABC television. During her broadcasting career, Stephanie has received First Place for Spot News Coverage from the Associated Press. 

 

Ken Allardyce is one of LA's top engineers and mixers. Ken has recorded numerous chart-topping artists like Rod Stewart, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day,  Good Charlotte, Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham and Weezer

Frank Johnson

With years of experience in the music industry as an agent, Frank has represented such talents such as Anita Baker, Yolanda Adams, and more. 


  Sue Heisler - Dick Clark Productions

Sue Heisler is an Artist Manager and works for Dick Clark Productions. Dick Clark Productions programs include the Golden Globe Awards, American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards,  and the 32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

Aaron Wilhelm

Aaron is a producer manager with Nettwerk. Nettwerk is a record label and management company responsible for the biggest names in the music industry including Sarah McLachlan and Avril Lavigne to name a few.  

 

Steve Foldvari - Sony Media

Steve Foldvari works with Promotions and Artist Relations for Sony Pictures Digital Media Software. 

Jeff Trott

Jeff is a world famous songwriter and producer. His hit list includes: Sheryl Crow - 'Soak up the sun' 'Everyday is a winding road' 'If it makes you happy' Stevie Nicks - 'If you ever did believe' Counting Crows - '4 White Stallions' &
Tears for Fears - 'Mind Scaping'

  Holly Knight

Holly is a songwriter/producer who is know for such hits as "Tina Turner - 'Better be good' &  'Private Dancer' Aerosmith - 'Ragdoll' Rod Stewart - 'Love Touch' Heart - 'Never' Ozzy - 'Slow Burn' Bon Jovi - 'Stick to your guns' Pat Benatar - 'Love is a Battlefield'

Kevin Max - DC Talk

Kevin is a Grammy, Dove and Billboard Award winner. His album “Free at Last”, while with the band DC TALK, spent 34 weeks as number one on the Christian charts. 

  Rey Washam

Rey Washam has been the drummer for many world-class bands including the hit-making band "Ministry".  

 

  Marion Aquilina

Marion Aquilina has won a Grammy award with his former band La Mafia and is now on tour as the lead guitarist for Jason Mraz. 
     

 

 

 

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