Why I HATE Contests

"Competitions are for horses, not artists." - Bela Bartok

It seems like such a good idea doesn’t it?

A chance to see where you stand in relation to other artists and songwriters! For only a small fee! Sure, the odds are low, but what if you won? Wouldn’t that be just the thing to take your music or songwriting to the next level?

Surely God has put this contest in front of you for a reason! He wouldn’t have had you find that website, receive that email, or hear about the contest if He didn’t have a grand design in mind (well He actually might, but not the way you think when you enter! More on that below.)

Plus, you reason, even if you don’t win, think of all the valuable feedback you’ll receive! It’s a no-lose scenario!

While these all seem like great reasons to jump into the next American Idol, The Voice, or other singing or songwriting competition, here are the reasons I wish you wouldn’t.

Can You See The Forest for the Trees?

Sometimes I think as artists trying to "make it", whatever that means, we don't focus on what is most important. All we see is words like "record deal", "gigs", "studio", "winning a contest", or "being discovered."

In many ways I think this is short sighted, and really, old-fashioned.

Why You Probably Won’t Be Famous

If you don’t become the next megastar in music, it’s not because you aren’t talented. It’s not because of your looks, or because you never got your “big break”. It’s not even because you didn’t get on American Idol or the Voice.

So what is it? Why are you much less likely to be famous these days as a music artist?

It’s because there is so MUCH.