CONTEST TIME!

[Updates are at the bottom of this post!]

Summer has poured out and spread over Manhattan like pancake syrup. I sit at the piano in a sublet apartment on the Upper West Side with the air conditioner blasting in vain. I am trying to write a song about a football game. I have spent the last three summers trying to write a song about a football game. I couldn’t care less about football. My mind keeps skittering away from the page, my hands slapping away reflexively at the piano keys even though I’m not paying any attention. The sun rises, the page is empty; the sun sets, the page is empty except for three lines that I’ve crossed out. Clearly I’m in need of some distraction.

And so: The First Official Summer JRB Karaoke Competition!

I was zooming through my iTunes library when I came upon a list called Songs reh tapes. Upon closer examination, I realized what these recordings were: In preparation for the concert of Songs for a New World last year at Strathmore, I recorded the piano parts for many of the songs so I could send them to the soloists in advance of our rehearsal week in New York. Besides the fact that I made a lot of mistakes while playing, the recording technology was not particularly advanced – I placed my MacBook on a chair about three feet away from my piano and used the built-in microphone, compressed the resulting file down to an mp3 and emailed it off. Certainly not audiophile quality, but good enough to practice with. When you’ve got Brian d’Arcy James and Tituss Burgess and Laura Griffith and Alice Ripley, you can trust them to do their homework.

I’ve decided to use three of those accompaniments for this bit of interactive insanity. Anyone wishing to participate in the JRB Karaoke Madness will get to choose from “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”, “She Cries”, and “King of the World.” I suppose you could go nuts and do all three, but then you’ll probably be disqualified for being a psychopath.

Here’s how the competition works: using the accompaniment tracks posted below, record yourself singing the song of your choice.Then post that recording somewhere (YouTube? Facebook? Your own server? You kids know better than I do how to do this technological stuff) and put the link in the Comments section below along with your name or your nickname and your current hometown. DON’T POST THE VIDEO OR AUDIO ITSELF IN THE COMMENTS SECTION! JUST THE LINK! If you want to post video, that’s cool; if you only want to do audio, that’s cool too. If you did video but you only want us to listen to the audio, let us know and we’ll probably ignore you.

Once you’ve posted the link, the free-for-all begins. Anyone can watch or listen just by clicking the link you’ve posted. If they like what you did, they can click right here to send me an email, and fill in your name or nickname in the subject line. After August 5, I’ll count up the votes and post the finalists. Then I’ll figure out the next part of the contest, and there’ll be a prize of some sort and maybe you can take over as Elle Woods, but I’ll tell you more about that when we get there.

Anyone can submit a song. Young, old, professional, amateur, Equity, SAG, AFTRA, it doesn’t matter. If you’re eleven years old and living in Billings, Montana, you can participate; if you’re Sara Ramirez, you can participate. If you’re doing a Broadway show every night or if you’re in the chorus of a community theater production of 70 Girls 70, it’s all good. The more submissions, the merrier. Recording quality only matters to the extent that if we can’t really hear your singing, that will obviously work against you. Some people have recording studios in their basements; some people will have to set up wax cylinders and sing into a brass horn. (Let’s face it, the recording quality on the piano tracks is pretty crappy already; no matter what you do, it’s still only going to sound so good.)

The only rules you need to follow are these: You have to use my accompaniment tracks as posted below, and you have to sing the song as written – no parody lyrics, no mashups, no medleys, just the song I wrote with the accompaniment I played. Unless, you know, it’s really funny. ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE POSTED BY MIDNIGHT ON AUGUST 4, 2008. I’ll try to get the finalists posted within a week after that, though I have no idea what “finalist” means yet. Maybe I’ll do categories, like “Craziest Bedroom Decor” and “Most Interesting Interpretation Of Pitch.”

It may be that none of these tracks is in a good key for you. I’m sorry about that. You’ll have to wait for the next competition, if there ever is one.

You can find the lyrics to all three of the songs posted right here on this website. I can’t post the sheet music online, but it is widely available in the Songs for a New World folio or various other collections – it’s a good idea for you to take a look at the written notes before you record anything, trust me on this. I also suggest familiarizing yourself with the amazing (and more or less definitive) performances by Ty Taylor, Brooks Ashmanskas and Andréa Burns on the original cast recording, which you can get from the iTunes Music Store. I don’t want anyone to do an imitation of those singers, and I don’t want a slavish fidelity to the written score, but there’s a lot of stylistic and dramatic information on the album and in the music that you should absorb before you take on any of these songs. For further reference, there are alternate recordings of the two male songs on this very website, and those will be useful as well.

Now, here are some helpful hints based on the thousands of performances I’ve seen and heard of these songs. These apply not just to these songs but pretty much to any theater song in the world.

1. There is a lot of anger and confusion in all three of these songs. That doesn’t mean you should be playing the anger and confusion all the time. The less you draw from that well, the more powerful it will be when you do.
2. All those rests and pauses are there for a reason, take advantage of them; don’t rush through these songs. In all three of these songs, a major emotional realization occurs in total silence. After “David loves me,” after “She opens the floodgates,” before “At least I used to be,” those are big goalposts. Don’t knock them over, trust them. (Since the pauses are already built into the accompaniments, you don’t have much choice, of course.)
3. All three of these songs unfold with a fairly clear structure: verse/chorus, verse/chorus, long bridge, final chorus. Make sure that each of those structural points has a specific and unique musical and dramatic energy. If you do the first chorus big and broad, the second chorus should be different – perhaps more legato, perhaps placed in your head voice more; make musical choices and follow through with them. And watch that transition from the bridge to the final chorus: something very important is happening to each of the characters at that point. What happened in the bridge? What did they discover or decide? You have to incorporate that information into your performance.
4. If you sang any of these songs exactly as notated, with every rhythm performed with metronomic exactitude, you’d sound ridiculous and the song would sound terrible. The point of all that written-out backphrasing is to make the lyric fall as naturally on the music as possible. These are wordy songs, phrase them as necessary to make the lyrics clear, and make music out of every line. The best singers understand that instinctively – make the song make sense to you when you sing.

All right, enough with the disclaimers and hints and rules, this is supposed to be fun. Let’s make with the singing!

“I’m Not Afraid Of Anything (Piano accompaniment: A Major)”
from Songs for a New World (1995)
Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
JRB: piano, foot

“King Of The World (Piano accompaniment: C Major)”
from Songs for a New World (1995)
Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
JRB: piano, foot

“She Cries (Piano accompaniment: F Major)”
from Songs for a New World (1995)
Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
JRB: piano, foot

LEGALESE: These piano tracks are copyright Jason Robert Brown and cannot be used, duplicated, reproduced or published in any other form without the express consent of the publisher, Semolina Farfalle Music Inc.

Don’t forget to post your submission by August 5! Play nice!

1st UPDATE: Already several questions have come in, which I’ll try to answer here.
1. Apparently some computers don’t like the links above. (They aren’t Macs, I’ll bet.) My webmaster is working on it.
2. Hey Brits and other foreign types: use your native accent! I don’t need to hear Fake American, unless you’re competing for Worst Fake American Accent, in which case, carry on.
3. One of my commenters asked if I could work it so that there are different periods for posting and voting, so that people have time to get all their fans to vote for them. This is when I start thinking I’ve unleashed a monster, but for now, let’s say that while submissions must be in by AUGUST 5th, you have until AUGUST 10th to vote; I won’t pick finalists until after the 10th. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it helps a little, right?
4. SPECIAL PROPS TO OUR FIRST CONTESTANT! Lovely Charlotte Godfrey, of the British Isles, offers her rendition of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” here! Send love and support, people!
All right, carry on. I’m sure I’ll be back with more updates.


Comments

193 responses to “CONTEST TIME!”

  1. Sheer brilliance! What a keen idea.

  2. Chelsea Adams Avatar
    Chelsea Adams

    So. Just wondering how I can get in touch with “Semolina Farfalle Music Inc.”
    🙂 This contest sounds amazing.
    [FROM JRB: Hey Chelsea! Looking forward to your submission, nyah ha ha ha! Seriously, though, if anyone needs to get in touch with my publisher, they can email me through this website and my assistant will get it to the right person.]

  3. What’s the ruling on engineering the original piano track? Like, modifying EQ, noise reduction, etc? Not that there’s a whole lot that CAN be done with it, but I wouldn’t mind trying to blend it a little with the vocal sound.
    [FROM JRB: Well, don’t drive yourself crazy, almost nobody cares but you – but sure, if you want to clean up the track a little, I won’t stop you. But cleaning up my mistakes is just missing the point!]

  4. meredith Avatar
    meredith

    Hey, it wont let me open the link… So how can i use those versions of it without the link…?

  5. This link is not working for my computer. Is anyone else having the same problem? So excited for this contest, by the way!

  6. Any chance there can be different periods for posting and voting? That way everyone has the same amount of exposure to collect fans.
    Other than that, terrific idea.

  7. Charlotte Godfrey Avatar
    Charlotte Godfrey

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HudeWWgj7uk
    Oh dear, first one to post 🙁
    My lovely shrill voice singing ‘I’m not afraid’!
    loves
    xoxox

  8. Jason, if you have that much free time, you could just come to Marie’s Crisis any night of the week to hear your songs murdered.

  9. Hey Mr. Brown! When you say prize like “the next Elle Woods,” would that have anything to do with 13 The Musical? Wow!… These are the questions that haunt me!
    [FROM JRB: No! Don’t start those kinds of rumors! I’ll be killed!]

  10. Chelsea Adams Avatar
    Chelsea Adams

    Hullo, again. Sorry to bother. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t infringing upon any of your copyright thingees by using the accompaniment you provided. I get confused easily, and I am a stickler for such things, because I respect intellectual property– most especially when it comes from geniuses such as yourself. Thanks again!
    [FROM JRB: No, no, of course you have to use my accompaniment. The copyright notice means you can’t, say, put it on your album or sell it on your website or claim it’s you playing. That’s all!]

  11. Jason, I can’t wait to get recording on this. One quick question, Is there anyway to legitimize the voting system by using a keyword or something in the e-mail? I am just a little concerned someone with a giant social networking connection starts spamming for votes from people who neither visit your blog or even listen to their submission. Is there anything we can do to prevent this?
    [FROM JRB: Ack. Well, again, at the risk of not taking this too seriously, let’s see what happens. If it looks like a shitload of spam is coming in, then we’ll legitimize the process in some other way. Once I pick the finalists, the next round of voting will definitely be more “official,” but I’ll try to keep my eye on this round.]

  12. Hope you all enjoy “King Of The World…”
    http://www.reverbnation.com/ericmatthewruiz
    Thanks for your time in listening, and don’t forget to vote!
    -Eric

  13. Liz Bailey Avatar
    Liz Bailey

    Hi JRB,
    just out of curiosity, are the recordings of the piano part of these songs in the same keys as the tracks on the CD?? -thanks!
    and ps: i think this contest is brilliant. =]
    [FROM JRB: Yes, ma’am! Same keys as the original cast recording.]

  14. Jack Hopkins Avatar
    Jack Hopkins

    Hi Jason!
    Competition sounds great! Will have my ‘She Cries’ up soon!
    It’s off the subject, I know, but any chance you could try to come to the UK and do a concert or 2 with the Rhythm Kings? Would love to see you live.
    Thanks
    Jack

  15. This one
    or
    this one!
    Same exact recording of the song, just posted in both places. Thanks, Jason! Much love!
    Amber Marie

  16. Rebekah Avatar
    Rebekah

    This is fabulous! I’m looking forward to getting my recording on here (once I figure out all that tech stuff!)
    Question – can we vote for multiple entries the first time around?
    (You must be thinking – what did I get myself into!?)
    [FROM JRB: Sure, vote for whatever you want this first round! Vote for everyone if you want!]

  17. Thanks so much for holding this contest: it was fun! Hope you like my rendition:
    http://www.karimorris.com/Media.html
    Best wishes,
    Kari Morris 🙂

  18. Victoria D. Avatar
    Victoria D.

    Mmm, this is an exciting contest. 🙂 Here’s my version of “I’m Not Afraid.” Thanks for listening guys.
    here!

  19. I picked King Of the World. Hope you enjoy!
    Jason Prefontaine
    http://www.reverbnation.com/jasonprefontaine

  20. Rusty Shackleford Avatar
    Rusty Shackleford

    Why is a foot better than a drummer?
    Because it keeps better time and won’t ask to borrow money.
    HEY I’LL BE HERE ALL WEEK

  21. I’ve never been good at following rules so I’m breaking this one:
    “You have to use my accompaniment tracks as posted below”
    The second track on my MySpace page is my 9 piece orchestration and production of “She Cries” with vox by Adam Tacket. Also, that’s me playing drums.
    http://www.myspace.com/davidvincola
    Remember it’s the second track!
    [FROM JRB: Hey David, thanks for posting. Since you’re not using the JRB track, I won’t consider this one a valid entry, but everyone should go take a listen, it’s really cool!]

  22. Well, I wanted to be an early poster, so it’s pretty obvious in the video that I’m reading the lyrics because I don’t know them. I may make a better recording once I learn it a little better, but for now…
    http://youtube.com/watch?v=ckDa2ltiM2w
    I may post an outtakes real too, because I resorted to profanity a few times for lack of lyrics, which I find to be far too amusing.
    Barry DeBois

  23. KristinWH Avatar
    KristinWH

    Woohoo for the mic that comes with Rock Band for the Wii! Although I hope there are no points off for mic technique…or lack thereof.
    And god bless you all for listening to 157 versions of “I’m Not Afraid.”
    Check it out below:
    KristinWH

  24. Hello again! Thanks for posting my song. Just to let you know, though…somehow, you have a “Rebekha” listed as the poster of my link/song, while my name “Kari Morris” has been attached to the following post, which is not mine.
    Would you mind making the correction? Thanks! 🙂
    [FROM JRB: Well, I understand your confusion, but it is accurate; the name of the poster is BELOW the entry. Nonetheless, I’ll keep an eye out in case anybody’s posting seems unclear.]

  25. I will be posting “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” soon.
    Also Macs are obviously far better than PCs. 😀

  26. Jessie R. Avatar
    Jessie R.

    “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TsFURctnQg
    enjoy! 🙂

  27. I’m from Gallup, New Mexico. Sometimes the accent gets in there as I’m singing, but I hope you like it.
    She Cries
    I’m Brian. Vote for me.

  28. Brian again, with King of the World sung a bit lower than usual.

  29. Danielle Morris Avatar
    Danielle Morris

    Hi, I was just wondering if we can take part from over the waters in the UK?
    [FROM JRB: But of course!]

  30. I’m Brian, a psychopath who’s Not Afraid of Anything (except spiders.)

  31. http://www.sendspace.com/file/o49c5v
    Me singing She Cries. Enjoy all!
    Ben, vote for me

  32. Adam Rowley Avatar
    Adam Rowley

    Hey Mr. Brown. I can’t for the life of me sing the Ab in She Cries. Is it worth me entering if i just falsetto it?
    Cheers,
    Adam
    [FROM JRB: Well, I can’t advise you on that, but I would say that if you’re going to flame out, at least flame out spectacularly.]

  33. Bethany Taylor Avatar
    Bethany Taylor

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=408qcoP5ZEU
    *gulp* 🙂
    Bethany Taylor

  34. Jennifer Page Avatar
    Jennifer Page

    For those of us who aren’t extremely tech savvy, could someone give me ideas on how I can record a track using my computer mic? Do I need fancy schmancy software? Please enlighten! (God, do I feel like I need a recording studio!)

  35. Bethany Taylor Avatar
    Bethany Taylor

    Hey, if people started voting for me before my first comment with the link appeared here, would those votes still count? Thanks 🙂
    [FROM JRB: I won’t tell anyone.]

  36. Verity Quade & Rob Archibald Avatar
    Verity Quade & Rob Archibald

    So… you get two for the price of one here! The only place I could get to accept the files was my MySpace page.
    http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=53870952
    The first 2 tracks in the player are
    1) Me (VERITY QUADE) singing I’m Not Afraid of Anything
    2) ROB ARCHIBALD singing She Cries.
    And may I say how privileged we both were to get the chance to sing with you for the first time (albeit by default!) 😉

  37. To Jennifer Page:
    Try using Audacity
    http://audacity.sourceforge.net
    It’s free software, and there are good guides as to how to set up to record, though it should be a pretty simple process.
    Hope this helped!

  38. Erik Scott Avatar
    Erik Scott

    I recorded ‘She Cries,’ but someone on Broadwayworld said you hated that song (which I hope is not true because it’s great!) So I decided to record ‘King of the World,’ too, in case it was true ;). So here’s both:
    She Cries: http://media.putfile.com/She-Cries
    King of the World: http://media.putfile.com/King-of-the-World-43
    Awesome Contest!
    Erik
    [FROM JRB: Why would I hate that song? I do it at every concert! People say the most fucked-up dumb bullshit.]

  39. I was going to make it all sneaky, but I gave up. Here’s a (rather crappy) recording of I’m Not Afraid (shocker).. though I would have rather been able to do “She Cries”.. next time.
    http://www.reverbnation.com/katrinarose#
    It’s the 5th track on the page. Make sure your pop up blockers aren’t enabled.

  40. Hi JRB, and anyone else who’s reading this. Hope you like my little version of “She Cries” at this link all the way from the United Kingdom:
    http://www.myspace.com/olirowe
    It’s the first song that come’s up, so should play straight away. There’s some other stuff on there too, so feel free to have a listen and let me know what y’all think.
    I’m loving this idea by the way for all us board people out there – and it’s like a really geeky and cool way of singing with you playing – especially as you’re counting me in!
    PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!! (only if you like it, of course – if you think it’s naff then no worries!)

  41. Hope this works – terrible recording, I’m afraid, good old cell phone! But had fun!
    http://www.sendspace.com/file/mi0lge
    Jodie Michaels

  42. Adam Rowley Avatar
    Adam Rowley

    Hi everyone,
    My names Adam Rowley and I’m 16 from the UK =]
    This is She Cries.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jKcMA0-LI0
    Please vote!!

  43. Pamela Wong Avatar
    Pamela Wong

    http://media.putfile.com/Pamela—Im-Not-Afraid-of-Anything
    great idea for a contest! 🙂
    Pamela Wong

  44. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Hi! I just found out about this contest and I know it is getting near the deadline, but I was a little confused on how the voting works. Do people just comment on your video on Youtube and that counts as a vote? Thank you very much! This is a very fun contest!
    [FROM JRB: Dude, just read the entry, it tells you how to vote!]

  45. Amanda Achen Avatar
    Amanda Achen

    Alright, here I am, for your scrutinizing pleasure!
    I’m Not Afraid of Anything:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4DcL0bXMC0
    Amanda Achen

  46. Michelle N. Avatar
    Michelle N.

    I figured I’d give this a go even though I’ve never sung any of these songs before in my life. I’ve just listened to the cast recording like crazy…hopefully that’s not terribly obvious.
    Anyway, “I’m Not Afraid Of Anything”:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAeCayz8WE0
    Enjoy! I hope.
    Michelle N.
    (P.S. Are you really going to listen to all of the submissions, JRB?)

  47. Here is a recording of me singing I’M NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING…
    SORRY FOR IT BEING REALLY LOUD…put the volume low… ahh the luxury of recording in your bedroom…hahaha. ENJOY!!! VOTE FOR ME!!!
    http://www.reverbnation.com/ginanaomibaez
    Gina Naomi Baez

  48. Here’s my King of the World.
    I’ve never entered a contest like this before. Thanks for the oppurtunity.
    http://media.putfile.com/King-of-the-World-59
    Jonathan Shade

  49. Jenny Joyce Avatar
    Jenny Joyce

    Hope you enjoy!
    http://www.reverbnation.com/jmjoyce
    Jenny Joyce

  50. Jason,
    This contest has been a huge distraction and form of stress relief for my wedding on Saturday. Fortunately my fiancée agreed to be the recording engineer on this track. We had fun, and would just like to say it is a pleasure.
    She Cries
    http://drop.io/vallier_shecries
    -Tim

  51. Cynthia Whitman Avatar
    Cynthia Whitman

    All right, after taking two hours or so to teach myself the song, here it is: “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.reverbnation.com/cynthiavansittart
    Everyone else seemed to be using that site, so I thought I would keep things consistent. I’m 18 and from Aspen, Colorado. I deeply respect all of your work, Mr. Brown and I can’t wait to hear the rest of the music from 13!
    Thanks for your consideration!
    Cynthia

  52. John Simpson Avatar
    John Simpson

    Mr Brown, are you picking the finalists solely on the number of votes they recieve?
    [FROM JRB: Yes and no. I’m obviously getting all the votes coming into the Yahoo.com address, but additionally, I have several friends who are empowered as super-judges (myself included) to make sure that no one sensational gets thrown under the bus just because they didn’t tell all their friends to vote for them. So the final vote tally will be a combination of the Yahoo votes and the super-judges’ votes.]

  53. The first time I did this, I destroyed the words and it was quite blurry – I don’t quite have the high tech equipment here – so this is actually my second submission! I am 34 from Ohio and my day job is as an attorney but singing/musical theater is my release. Hope you like it!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C42cGUtL3bc
    MELISSA DAY

  54. I decided to sing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”.
    http://www.sendspace.com/file/mxlq8d
    I’m 17 years old and I’m from Stowe, VT. I hope you enjoy it!
    ~Anna Harissis

  55. What fun, Jason! Here’s my link:
    http://www.reverbnation.com/juliestevens
    Julie

  56. Kim Mesiti Avatar
    Kim Mesiti

    Hi Jason!
    This was a blast! Enjoy!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LjkeOtXCDU
    Kim Mesiti, NJ

  57. Thanks JRB!
    Love your music! Great contest!
    PLEASE LISTEN AND VOTE ****
    http://youtube.com/watch?v=wnHJJlqXYfQ
    MEGAN MEYER
    🙂

  58. Amanda Pilmer Avatar
    Amanda Pilmer

    What a fun challenge! I just wish I had better equipment. 🙂
    I’m Not Afraid
    http://amandapilmer.com/imnotafraid.mp3
    ~Amanda Pilmer

  59. Hey Jason! My name is Brynn Mosello, I’m 15 years old and from Morganville, NJ. So, here’s another, I’m Not Afraid…(BTW, I saw you in concert at Turtle Bay Music School…I LOVED IT!!)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCy_j0cqRO4

  60. Just wondering if there’s any way that you might think of extending the contest by a week, or ten days?
    I am on holidays in the mountains and just found out about this contest when I borrowed somebody’s ipod touch for an internet fix.
    Please!
    [FROM JRB: Probably not, but based on the response, I suspect this will be only the first in a series of Karaoke Competitions; so fear not, Malcolm, your time will come!]

  61. My turn, I suppose.
    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=U3LruSECZu8
    Yay!
    Kristin Jann-Fischer

  62. Ok, so here is my “I’m not Afraid”. Normally I would “Be Afraid”, very afraid and re-record it over and over until I’m happy with it (which of course I never would be) so here it is, in all its one take glory (good or bad, lol)!
    http://www.myspace.com/jeananngarrish
    Thanks for listening!
    Continued success to all and special thanks to JRB for this contest (as well as his music)!!
    -Jean Ann

  63. Lori Wolter Avatar
    Lori Wolter

    “I’m Not Afraid” for your listening pleasure…
    http://www.reverbnation.com/loriwolter
    You Rock!
    Lori

  64. Megan Shorey Avatar
    Megan Shorey

    http://www.sendspace.com/file/vryfcc
    Cheers
    Megan Shorey
    BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

  65. Hey Jason! Here is my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9S3aj-bOOU
    Thank you so much for an opportunity like this! I absolutely love your music, and hope that you enjoy the video.
    -Olivia Murphy

  66. In case you ever wondered what singing into a telemarketer headset sounds like … http://www.reverbnation.com/julesforfun
    JULIA

  67. Ya know what? I always like the boy songs better so here is my second entry. I won’t throw in the third song ’cause I’m not a psychopath.. just a bored New Yorker.
    She Cries
    “Sweet Tea” or katrina rose

  68. Hi Jason!!
    Our camera is a piece of crap but our recording equipment rocks. 🙂
    I’m Not Afraid of Anything
    Thanks!
    ALISA LEDYARD

  69. Samantha Weppelmann Avatar
    Samantha Weppelmann

    Okay, so here’s my lovely little video of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”…Vote for ME!!!
    Thanks so much for doing this JRB! You’re amazing!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi8aWVOV3RE
    Best,
    Sam
    =o)

  70. Hey there!
    The deadline is rapidly approaching, and I have been a bit under the weather, so I’m posting this as a start.
    Here is my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZprCnl1Ewg
    If there is a miraculous healing, I will post She Cries soon and even give a go at King of the World 🙂
    Thanks Mr. Brown for the competition, I’ve enjoyed watching/listening to people. 🙂
    Live your life and love it!
    ~D. Shines 8-}
    Now everyone go vote for Daniel Hines! 🙂

  71. Andy Planck
    New York City by way of Fort Wayne, IN
    SHE CRIES
    http://www.myspace.com/andyplanck
    Thanks!!!
    Andy

  72. Okie dokie,
    I just don’t think it’s going to get much better than this in the next 48 hours, so here is my submission of “She Cries.”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMgMZr7Rew
    Yeah okay, I know it’s a little rough, but I think you can get the general idea.
    Enjoy!
    And e-mail JRB voting for ME! Daniel Hines! 😀
    ~D. Shines 8-}

  73. Our mutual friend David Simon asked if anyone was crazy enough to do this on the nj theater forum and I enthusiastically said “I am!” He did not contest that statement…he knows what a wackjob I really am.
    Anyway, here’s my cut of I’m Not Afraid of Anything. Hope you like it.
    http://www.myspace.com/mandyfeilermusic
    While you are there check out my originals too.
    Thanks for listening!
    xo Mandy ox

  74. Hi everyone! Check me out singing “I’m Not Afraid Of Anything” at http://www.myspace.com/leighnfrancis
    Thanks!
    Leigh

  75. Quick question. Can you sumbit the same song twice? I am a girl with contralto range, so I can sing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” in two octaves (The standard octave and one below). Thanks!
    [FROM JRB: You can do whatever, but the lower one sounds like much more fun!]

  76. “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqSH0hoRS1o
    Enjoy!
    ant

  77. Here’s an attempt to fix my link…
    http://www.myspace.com/andyplanck
    Thanks for voting everyone!
    Andy
    Feel free to check out my personal website too–
    http://www.andyplanck.com

  78. Jen Malenke Avatar
    Jen Malenke

    Hi guys! Here’s mine!
    http://www.reverbnation.com/jenmalenke
    Yay!
    Jen Malenke

  79. Karl Bernardo Avatar
    Karl Bernardo

    Hello hello!
    I know this is a far from perfect rendition but I decided to do it just for kicks. 🙂
    “She Cries”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR_JqdfEvvA
    Thank you!!!
    -Karl Bernardo

  80. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpaWnrWJ7u0
    Let’s have some fun everyone!
    Lisa Donahey

  81. I just posted this, so it may take 24 hours before the song is online. Just keep trying!! Thanks!
    http://www.myspace.com/jillwoodhouse
    Jill Woodhouse
    Broomfield, CO

  82. Lauren P. Avatar
    Lauren P.

    Hey Jason! Awesome idea. =]
    Here’s “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LWk-O0unE0
    (I JUST posted it, so it’ll take a bit to process, if you’re looking at it right away.)
    Please vote! =]

  83. Check out my version of “She Cries.”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPDS0LdL2j8
    Hope you all like it.
    And if you do, be da-bomb-dot-com and VOTE FOR ME! 🙂
    George E. Salazar – She Cries

  84. Hey! Thanks so much for having this contest. I appreciate everyone stopping by to listen, hope you enjoy!
    http://www.reverbnation.com/monicaq
    Monica Qiu

  85. Jessica Taige Avatar
    Jessica Taige

    Here is my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B97EunHx_7w
    Hope you enjoy it!
    Thanks so much,
    Jessica Taige
    Milwaukee, WI

  86. jessica m Avatar
    jessica m

    Here’s my submission….
    http://www.reverbnation.com/jmslp
    I am not a big karaoke person but I’m a sucker for on-line Broadway karaoke!!! And i get bored easily so i like recording in my makeshift “studio”…. lol 🙂
    Thanks for putting this together!
    Enjoy!

  87. Thanks so much for this awesome opportunity 🙂
    I adore Songs for a New World, so this is really exciting!!!
    -Amanda Glickman
    Long Island, NY
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CypNkvGya7U

  88. Here goes nothing!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLgVpndYgug
    Sabrina Hart
    Palmdale, CA

  89. Carmelle Hayes
    Topeka, KS
    I’m Not Afraid of Anything
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmSLyYMbAJg
    **Please, please listen to my song from begining to end and don’t cut out part way through!
    Thanks,
    Carmelle

  90. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    This was such a fun summer idea! And who DOESNT want to be Elle Woods on Broadway? =P
    Here’s my rendition of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything,”
    my name is Melissa Haley and I’m from Florida.
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=894052106585391514&hl=en

  91. She Cries
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m59SqjWnCYQ
    Thanks!
    Anthony Johnson
    Astoria, NY

  92. Bri Ryder Avatar
    Bri Ryder

    I just found out about this contest. I would LOVE to take part, but I’m in “Fiddler On The Roof” tomorrow and I don’t know the song very well. I’m leaving for a mission trip tomorrow at 5 a.m. I hope I can still take part, but if not, I hope there will be new contests in the future 🙂 Great idea!

  93. Hey,
    I’ll give it a shot… Here’s my version for She Cries:
    http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=118822374
    (First song)
    Michael
    Tel Aviv

  94. Hey Jason!
    Fabu idea! Thanks so much for holding this contest! There’s already so much talent signed up 🙂
    My video:
    “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAS4s1hPucg

  95. I’m Not Afraid Of Anything
    http://www.sendspace.com/file/g8z4r3
    Thank you!
    Conner Wayne Milam
    Birmingham, AL

  96. I love Songs from a New World, so I had to join in on the karaoke fun.
    I’m Not Afraid of Anything – Enjoy!
    http://www.sendspace.com/file/6ajxvo
    JEN R.

  97. Siobhan Stevenson Avatar
    Siobhan Stevenson

    I figured I’d give it a try!
    Here’s my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usZO_BNGEts
    SIOBHAN STEVENSON

  98. This contest is amazing for those of us who’ve always loved your music and would give anything to work with/for you, Jason! Thanks for this opportunity!
    Sincerely, Shelly Bort
    “King of the World”
    http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=sbort
    “She Cries”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi_Lj8Fp1so

  99. This is me singing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”. Thanks!
    Carly Loddengaard
    Palos Verdes Estates, California

  100. Suzie Juul Avatar
    Suzie Juul

    Here is mine!!
    I hope I did it justice…I LOVE this song.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e_L15ysfMY
    ~Suzie Juul
    MN

  101. Also! Here’s the link to my youtube video, in case someone doesn’t realize that you click on my name to see it. Thanks again!
    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lm10cFQ-JT0
    Carly Loddengaard
    Palos Verdes Estates, California

  102. So, I finally felt well enough to bust this one out… I think it’s actually pretty okay!
    Dearest Mr. Brown,
    You wrote a BEAST of a song, but I LOVE it!
    ~grateful admirer
    King of the World
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx2Wt4PZZPI
    There’s the link! Enjoy –
    and go vote for Daniel Hines! 😀

  103. This was so much fun and what a great idea!!!
    Here are two links to “I’M NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING” (…and I’m not afraid of anything…um…except maybe “Elle Woods”…I think I’m a little afraid of her…OH and I’m definitely afraid of TV shows that cast her…)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkydamArnKU
    http://www.tonilynhornung.com
    Thanks so much!
    Tonilyn

  104. Hey, here’s the corrected link for my version of She Cries:
    http://www.myspace.com/michaelemusic
    It’s the first song, Enjoy and please vote! 🙂
    Michael

  105. Rashida Avatar
    Rashida

    I have a question. I am a girl, but my favorite song is King of The World. Could I still sing it or, do I have to do “I’m Not Afraid Of Anything”?
    [FROM JRB: Just look at the list, there’s lots of cross-gendering! Sing it, Rashida!]

  106. I figured I would change things up and do an male interpretation of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”
    ENJOY!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es3WE_TmWMo
    ERIC MATHEW COLTON

  107. Here is my entry! Thank you so much for the opportunity, Jason. This is just….FANTASTIC!!!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVVA71iD9Hc
    Natalie Hawkins

  108. Only one vote per person?
    [FROM JRB: Hey, Ashley. In truth, without logging IP addresses and having passwords or whatever, there’s no way to guarantee one vote per person. So my rule is basically, don’t be an asshole. When my Website Weasels see 200 emails from the same address all voting for the same person, someone’s being an asshole. When someone’s mother votes from her home email and her work email, it’s still not kosher, but who’s gonna blame a mother? So. Don’t be an asshole.]

  109. Okay.
    Mr. Brown, I learn from you every time I sing your music. I learn my strengths and weaknesses, and I learn how a song should be much more like living, breathing emotion than anything else when it is sung with passion.
    Obviously, I have a ways to go, but I’m not going to give up.
    I did “I’m Not Afraid of Anything,” and I put two links up– one to my myspace, one to my Facebook fan site.
    http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Roadside-Memories/8987633665
    http://www.myspace.com/amateuradams
    Check out my other stuff while you are there, if you so please, fellow musicians.
    Off topic question, Mr. Brown. If I were to be a “composer” and a gigging pianist, what is the optimum keyboard I might want to look into? Just wondering. Thank you so much.
    [FROM JRB: Hi Chelsea! This is a wiseass answer, but it’s also true: the optimum keyboard is a piano. I realize that’s not always practical or even wise, but there is no alternative in my mind. If you can’t pull of a piano, however, I do suggest finding something not just with weighted keys but also a real cabinet, something you can really put weight into and get some resistance, as opposed to a keyboard stand which wiggles and bucks and shakes. When I have to put something in a hotel room, I go for the old school: a Yamaha Clavinova. Lately, I’ve enjoyed the Yamaha PF-1000. I’m sure you’ll get a million different opinions.]

  110. Thank you so much. Sorry to clutter up the board with this, but I wanted the most expert of expert opinions. I have a beautiful little Seiler grand here at my house, but I’m going to be moving to a much more condensed dorm room when I start college in Annapolis here in a few weeks. If I could, I would fill up the room with my baby grand, but I’m not sure the room mate would appreciate.
    Thanks for the help, and thanks for being hip and happenin’ with this contest.
    Did you ever get anywhere with that song about the football game?

  111. Alexandra Heinen Avatar
    Alexandra Heinen

    Hi! Here’s my shot at it!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmymFe_DxSU
    Alexandra Heinen
    NY

  112. Jason!
    Beckett watching “Happy Feet”,with a cookie, and myself locked in the bedroom singing! So much fun! Enjoy!
    XOXO Jessica Hendy
    http://www.reverbnation.com/Jessicahendy

  113. Christal Avatar
    Christal

    Leigh Francis does an excellent job singing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”. SHE IS THE BEST!

  114. Here is my entry for the competition. I’ve loved doing it! Thank you!
    “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.myspace.com/angharadsanders
    Angharad Sanders
    Halifax, U.K.

  115. Philipp Gras Avatar
    Philipp Gras

    Hey Jason,
    Freaky idea… your weblog never gets boring. I can’t help myself though. I sound and act ridiculous if I’m just singing the songs with your playbacks. I only can get into your music if I play the piano while singing (although your piano tracks are indeed fabulous… not to mention your foot-beat). Nevertheless, there are already some great entries and I’m definitely going to vote for some of them. Thanks!
    Philipp

  116. It’s an honor to sing one of your songs.
    My name is Roberto Araujo. Originally from Mexico City. Residing in New York City.
    So…here it is: SHE CRIES
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7w-uaREwE

  117. She Cries
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_G-Lfl0gMA
    This is a lot of fun, thanks.
    RORY DUNN

  118. Sheldon Rogers Avatar
    Sheldon Rogers

    Here ya go! The first of two.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l2-kugVF98
    This is an AMAZING idea, Jason. Is Jason ok? Sir? Mr. Brown?
    Anyway, I’m having a ton of fun with this!
    -Sheldon

  119. Justin Miskin Avatar
    Justin Miskin

    Justin Miskin
    Athens, Georgia
    SHE CRIES
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKFNLtFeiVQ

  120. Justin Miskin Avatar
    Justin Miskin

    Justin Miskin
    Athens, Georgia
    “King of the World”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWIVzTNfnGQ

  121. Hey Jason –quick question. How many finalists will there be once you’ve tallied the votes? Will there be one male and one female winner..or? I’m just curious. Thanks a bunch..
    and to everyone else, here is my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVVA71iD9Hc
    [FROM JRB: Probably six to ten finalists, and then we do another round of voting. I think…]

  122. Singer Melanie Fernandez singing “I’m Not Afraid Of Anything”.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBIucbnMU_8

  123. Adam Parnell Avatar
    Adam Parnell

    Hey!
    I’m Adam Parnell, from little ol’ Salem Oregon. Here’s “She Cries”. I’m SO EXCITED for this contest!!! =)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fsbEitVXTg

  124. Tracey Marble Avatar
    Tracey Marble

    Hi,
    I’ve posted on my husband’s my space page–who by the way is Zac Coe’s drum teacher!
    Best,
    Tracey Marble
    http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=393013994
    TRACEY MARBLE

  125. Audrey Mannes Mosello Avatar
    Audrey Mannes Mosello

    May I just make a few suggestions for categories for finalists? How about best “kitty” in the background…or “most determined to get the video done and posted before leaving the next morning for Northwestern, despite hundreds of interruptions, i.e. the phone ringing, the camera falling off the iPod, the neighbor walking in, etc…”
    Respectfully submitted by Brynn Mosello’s mother…

  126. Hi Jason
    I am so excited to be able to enter this competition and here is the link to my video.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqxyxahzvKk
    Thankyou for the opportunity – We love your work over here !
    Sasha

  127. Angela Grace Avatar
    Angela Grace

    This is a great idea for a contest. So much talent here, it’s a pleasure to listen to the entries.
    Anyhow, here’s my entry,
    Angela Grace
    I’m Not Afraid Of Anything
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rysxHSuNU5k

  128. Here’s my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”
    Thanks for the contest! It’s a fun idea!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T9kT2XbSuw
    ~Isabella Moore~

  129. This is my entry! Found out just in time!
    Thanks for the opportunity,
    Sara Fontaine
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQA4xecKGJE

  130. Jacinda Rose Swinehart
    Green Valley, AZ
    I’m Not Afraid Of Anything
    http://www.reverbnation.com/jacindaroseswinehart

  131. Thank you so much for doing this.
    Here is my link:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdrCFdWVJlY
    DJ Hedgepath

  132. Melanie Fernandez Avatar
    Melanie Fernandez

    Hi Jason!!
    I recently uploaded a video entry of ‘I’m Not Afraid of Anything’ here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBIucbnMU_8
    But I also recently uploaded a better, clearer audio recording of the song here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzdbAma9J1k
    Please check it out!!
    Thank you so much for giving us all the opportunity to show you what we’ve got. Take care and enjoy!
    ~Melanie Fernandez

  133. Here’s my posting for “I’m not Afraid of Anything”
    Vote for Maggie Bera!!!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlCqvQCtopU

  134. Well, here goes.
    Andrew Sotomayor – King of the World.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mrQ7BpMqbQ
    New York City
    Thanks,
    Andrew

  135. Alright so I hope I’m doing this correctly…I’ve spent more time trying to post this than actually singing…
    Either I’m missing it somewhere or everyone is forgetting to say their name and where they’re from like it says at the top…
    So, I’m Ben Zachary, 21 years old, from Galax, VA…attend Radford University…Small town, and I’m stuck here until I graduate.
    I found out way too late about this contest but I wanted to be a part of it, so here’s my 1 hour recording of me singing in my bathroom! Enjoy!
    facebook me if you want at Benjamin Taliaferro Zachary =)
    MAKE SURE you run the ActiveX control if it asks!
    http://media.putfile.com/King-of-the-World–Ben-Zachary
    Thanks guys!
    P.S. if I were gay, I might just would have a crush on Jason…fyi

  136. Woo-hoo!
    Here I am, giving it my all… singing “I’m Not Afraid”. I left NY in 2001 and been working for Yahoo! for the last 7 years. This was so much fun to work on.
    Vote for Jenny Mette (rhymes with Betty)!
    San Francisco, CA
    http://www.reverbnation.com/jennymette

  137. Hi Jason! Hope you like my version 🙂 I am 18 years old from Atlanta, GA. I currently live in NYC while attending NYU for musical theatre 🙂 Love your stuff!
    RYANN REDMOND
    http://web.mac.com/ryann.redmond/iWeb/Site/JRB%20Contest.html

  138. Okay, here it is. A different take on the song “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.” It’s the first song. I hope everyone enjoys! Thanks!
    B*
    http://www.myspace.com/broadwaysinger69
    BROADWAY BOB*

  139. Melissa Lyons Avatar
    Melissa Lyons

    Hey everyone,
    Here’s my song:
    http://www.reverbnation.com/melissalyons
    Thanks!
    Melissa Lyons
    Los Angeles

  140. Here is my submission for the competition. Singing, “King of the World”
    Thanks a lot, Jason!
    Best,
    Jonathan Shew
    http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/650270

  141. Nothing like waiting until the last minute… 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
    To Jason – you are truly a master. It’s a pleasure to sing your songs!!
    Thank you for this contest – it is SO much fun!
    My “I’m Not Afraid”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZvZurrFgNM
    -Ericka Gasper

  142. Could I also be up for “Craziest Bedroom Decor”?
    This is such a fabulous idea! Enjoy submission #120998 of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7cmxjhRbNE
    Chelsea Wilson, St. George Utah

  143. Me singing “King of the World.” I hope you love it, jrb! =]
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZDwobdMxYU
    NIKKI FAUSEY

  144. Jason,
    SUCH A FAN!
    Please check out my rendition of “She Cries” @
    http://www.reverbnation.com/popsensation87
    Sometimes the quality’s a bit crappy…but I’m studying abroad in Australia…so I did the best I could!!
    Hope you enjoy!!!
    -Zak Resnick

  145. Hey Jason –
    I must admit…I couldn’t resist! Here’s my version of “I’m Not Afraid Of Anything.”
    http://jillmarieburke.homestead.com/files/I_m_Not_Afraid_Of_Anything.mp3
    Hey all – vote for the “Over Thirty” peeps! Thanks SO much!
    Jill Marie Burke
    Los Angeles, CA

  146. Lyn Koenning Avatar
    Lyn Koenning

    Dear JRB,
    It must be a total kick to see the vast ripples your music is making in our world as evidenced by the response to your informal competition! As for me, the postings (both good and not-so-good ones) will be invaluable to share with my students at UT Austin as I coach them in their craft as actor-singers. P.S. I’m also a pianist and really enjoy performing your music.
    All the best,
    Lyn Koenning
    Austin, TX

  147. AJ Hunsucker Avatar
    AJ Hunsucker

    I thought I’d be different! And be the second guy to sing “Im Not Afraid of Anything”!
    AJ Hunsucker
    Birmingham, AL
    Here’s my link:
    http://www.reverbnation.com/ajhunsucker

  148. Charlotte Godfrey Avatar
    Charlotte Godfrey

    I’d like to reenter this with another video, sorry! I’m having a lot of fun doing this over and over ahaha.
    Details at the beginning of the video.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tkhPalfrMU
    Watching all of everyones entries is so fun – you are all so talented!!

  149. I hope I did your beautiful song justice! I’m a triple threat (HINT, HINT!) Sorry for the poor film quality; we had SO much trouble trying to get it uploaded!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yzxe9s_Ld8
    Taylor Scorse
    Dallas, TX

  150. Here is my “She Cries.”
    Is it just me, or does this all seem kind of Willy-Wonka-and-the-Chocolate-Factory-esque?
    Thanks!
    -Ben Halstead
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVY5h_lUf20

  151. Corey Leigh, from Wilmington, Delaware.
    SHE CRIES
    http://www.coreyleigh.net/shecries.mp3

  152. So, I decided to enter this awesome contest because ….
    1) JRB is one of my favorite composers
    2) I’ve always wanted to learn this song (which I did this weekend) and…
    3) this contest ROCKS!
    Here’s the link to my rendition of SHE CRIES…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKlvwAO396c
    Hope you guys like it!!
    Tom Grada

  153. Glenn Daniel Nilsson Avatar
    Glenn Daniel Nilsson

    Hi!
    Glenn Daniel Nilsson, Sweden
    Here is my version of She Cries…
    http://glanndanielnilsson.web.surftown.se/Webbplats/Tomt.html
    Great contest by the way 😉
    Take care!

  154. Caitlin Bower Avatar
    Caitlin Bower

    I found out about this contest just in time to enter!
    Thank you so much for doing this. It’s really such a great opportunity =].
    Caitlin Bower
    I’m Not Afraid of Anything
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTQ3KMYyb3U

  155. Corey Leigh, from Wilmington Delaware
    King of the World:
    http://www.coreyleigh.net/kingoftheworld.mp3

  156. I posted on You Tube today (8/4) at 6PM. Sometimes it takes a couple of hours to upload.
    Please Check it out!!
    Thanks so much,
    Bri Vitale
    NJ
    http://uk.youtube.com/user/greenjeanbean

  157. Hey Jason! Fabulous idea! here you go….
    http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1034623023386
    BROOKE MARIE PROCIDA

  158. Hey!
    Just found out about this last night…hope it sounds ok!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mIKtDyLk58
    My name is Katie Cipoletti and I’m from Bloomfield, NJ and am 28 years old.
    The next contest should be Last Five Years and you should include Summer in Ohio!

  159. Here is my entry for the karaoke competition, signing ‘I’m Not Afraid of Anything’ – hope you enjoy!
    Naomi Price
    Brisbane, Australia
    http://www.myspace.com/nimusic

  160. Hey!
    It’s me again! I also posted my video on my myspace! Please check it out! =)
    Bri Vitale
    NJ
    http://www.myspace.com/briii7

  161. Here’s my shot at She Cries!
    Bryan Young
    (and if that doesn’t work, try this)
    JRB, you’re the best! And no one can play these like you can…
    I’m about to be a senior at Northwestern University but I’m originally from Cincinnati, OH (where I’m pretty sure you visited my high school several years back…) Good luck with the competition!

  162. Rachel Kraftman Avatar
    Rachel Kraftman

    I have sung ‘I’m Not Afraid of Anything’ for you but I can’t get it to upload! I hope I can get it up here in time to be considered!
    Rachel Kraftman
    Surrey, UK

  163. Sorry about the balance! *wishes she had better equipment than a Labtec mic*
    http://www.reverbnation.com/evelynvirginia
    🙂
    Evelyn Trester
    Los Angeles, CA/Fairfax, VA

  164. Samantha Aneson Avatar
    Samantha Aneson

    I am young and inexperienced, but I had to go for it! Thank you for your music, JRB!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VLgSAyoK4k
    Samantha Aneson

  165. Thank you so much! Loved doing this and hope you do it again!
    I’m 15 years old…Look forward to seeing “13”! Thanks again!
    Sarah Stipe
    Alpharetta, GA
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0EZcAfIb-E

  166. Dear Mr. Brown,
    Here’s my submission, another dose of King of the World:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVAaonLy2Hc
    Thank you for your consideration 😉
    Peaces,
    Dan Olson

  167. What a journey… And glad I looked to see that midnight on the 4th was the deadline and not midnight on the 5th!!
    Here’s my interpretation of “She Cries.”
    http://www.reverbnation.com/vashboddie
    Enjoy!
    vash

  168. Katrina Galka Avatar
    Katrina Galka

    All right!! I was really really excited when I first found out about this a couple of hours ago, and this is the result!
    I hope you guys enjoy listening to it, and please vote! I’d love any feedback from anyone!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMQeyZN5FPQ
    Enjoy!
    Katrina Galka

  169. Hey Jason – here’s my rendition of I’m Not Afraid of Anything. (Whew – got it in on time it seems!)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3LhYbBteFs
    Thanks!
    Neal Hunter Hyde

  170. Lisa Hamman 13 yrs old
    I’m Not Afraid of Anything
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYnDd7_Y3Ug
    Please vote.
    Thanks for the contest!
    Lisa Hamman

  171. Corey Leigh Avatar
    Corey Leigh

    Kimberly Turner, from Wilmington, DE:
    http://www.coreyleigh.net/imnotafraid.mp3

  172. Here’s my link–just under the wire!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK-4hcaeXWg
    LoveLove,
    Amber Nicole Patrick

  173. Hi everyone!
    Hope you enjoy my rendition of I’m Not Afraid of Anything! Here’s the link:
    http://www.myspace.com/cktsing
    -Katie

  174. Mghnon Martin Avatar
    Mghnon Martin

    Hi Thank you for listening! I am singing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJpmoAC_Xr4
    Vote for Me,
    Mghnon Martin

  175. Here a link to my submission (“She Cries”):
    http://www.reverbnation.com/mattsanteramo
    Thanks,
    Matt Santeramo
    Long Beach, NY

  176. SHE CRIES
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esYtAYapTn0
    KING OF THE WORLD
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbtvxBteS-c
    Grant Zabielski
    Currently residing in Los Angeles

  177. King of my iBook.
    http://www.drewchandler.com/jrb/drewjrb.mp3
    Thanks for the excuse to sing your awesome music, Jason!
    – drew

  178. Here’s my version of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” Enjoy!
    http://www.popsense.com/2008/08/im-not-afraid-of-anything-jrb-contest.html
    ALI STARZYK

  179. I couldn’t decide and both songs fit my voice, so… I did both:
    She Cries
    King of the World
    If you like ’em, my name’s Andrew Coutermarsh. Have a good one!

  180. Hey, I wish I had seen this a few days ago. I’ve been studying “She Cries” during the summer semester here in Nashville.
    I probably would have posted a version of “I’m Not Afraid” also. I thought it actually would work well as a gay song. I’m not gay, but I would love to sing the song. It makes an entirely different statement in that context. I wonder if you have ever considered switching the sexes in any of your songs, Mr. Brown.
    I’m a huge fan. You should come by Belmont University sometime. You have a lot of fans here. I’m sure you know about all sorts of fans everywhere, though. 🙂
    I’m glad to see all the attention your karaoke contest is getting. Good luck choosing your finalists.
    ~Topher

  181. My version of “She Cries” Hope you like it, thanks for the opportunity JRB!
    http://www.popsense.com/2008/08/she-cries-jrb-contest.html
    JEFF LUPPINO-ESPOSITO

  182. Hello!
    Kristen Basore singing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
    http://www.myspace.com/kristenbasore
    (4th song)
    Thanks!! 🙂

  183. I hope I’m not too late! Here’s my entry for King of the World.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgTBWJAz0P8
    Thanks JRB!
    Chris Mueller

  184. This is in NO way an entry to this contest, but I just couldn’t resist posting my JRB-themed youtube parody here for all to see!
    Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74oNT5kFDDI
    (P.S. If you’ve been living under a rock all year, this is the video its based on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

  185. I’m Not Afraid of Anything
    http://www.sendspace.com/file/oml4cs
    Hey I’m Mariah Fanning from Toronto, Ontario Canada

  186. Lars Skaar Avatar
    Lars Skaar

    Hey Everyone!
    So I wanted to do this really bad — I think “King of the World” is a horribly hard song and totally worth it for a tenor!! 🙂 So I gave it my best shot at the time. Hope you all enjoy.
    I’m Lars Skaar, 27, from Story City, IA. I just used my laptop and a mini-disc recorder…so quality is the best I can get! 🙂
    Thanks Jason for this fun contest!
    If you all think I’m the best, please vote for me. If you think I’m as good as someone else you like, vote for us both!

    Here’s my link:
    http://www.reverbnation.com/larsskaar

  187. Chris McNiff
    SHE CRIES
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60ZcjPAibfM
    Westport, CT
    Made it just in time!