The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) offers artists from around the world the chance to win in 20 categories, with over $150,000 (around €103,000) in cash and prizes shared by 62 winners.

The ISC gives acts a chance to get their music heard by some of the most influential people in the business, with this year's judging panel just confirmed.

Among the 55-strong group are Tom Waits; Robert Smith (The Cure); KT Tunstall; Ricky Martin; Loretta Lynn; Neil Finn (Crowded House); Buckcherry; Jerry Lee Lewis; Ray Davies (The Kinks); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Chris Hillman (The Byrds); Black Francis (The Pixies); Youssou N'Dour and "Weird Al" Yankovic.

A wide range of music industry executives also sit on the judging panel, including big-wigs from Universal, Virgin, Sony BMG and MTV.

For a full list of judges, click here.

ISC accepts original songs from musicians, artists, bands, and songwriters at every level. The fee is $30 (around €20) per individual entry. All entries most be posted on or before October 15.

To enter, go to www.songwritingcompetition.com