Hot newcomer Jessie J is taking a step outside of music to launch ‘Column Idol 2011,’ a new competition with British newspaper The Sun. The goal of the campaign is to encourage youth to pursue careers in journalism, by providing aspiring writers an opportunity to have their articles printed in The Sun.
The British singer believes the contest provides an outlet for young people to have their voice heard stating, “Young people are always saying that they want to be heard. This is an opportunity for them to step up and do it.” The grand prize for six finalists is a writing workshop and tuition from the newspaper.
As a songwriter and creative collaborator on her songs, Jessie J values the input of experts in her field whom have helped improve her craft. “The most valuable part of Column Idol will be the mentoring process. You can learn from someone who is an expert at what they do and use that experience to find your feet. The reason I’ve always sung my own songs is because I could do covers all day long but writing your own music is more difficult. That’s what this competition can do – allow people to become themselves, which a lot of people don’t do until a lot later in life” adds Jessie J.
The ‘Price Tag’ hit-maker’s debut full-length album, Who You Are, is now in stores across the U.S.
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