| “The Lincoln
Spotlight competition appealed to me because it gave me the opportunity to write about a
topic that I feel very strongly about: reaching high for your dreams and the chance to
encourage someone else not to give up,” said Gadsen. “Making it to the top five
was already the icing on the cake! Actually winning – I am still at a lost for words.
All I can say is ‘overwhelming excitement!’ “ The Lincoln Spotlight contest was open to the public and
invited aspiring lyricists to create an original song and video articulating one of
Lincoln’s brand truths: advancing the American dream, exploring what it means to
reach higher, daring to do more and taking pride in one’s history.
Contestants were to use music tracks available on
http://www.lincolnlounge.com. Online viewer voting helped determine the top five finalists
and Lincoln’s panel of music industry experts selected the grand champion. Judging
was based on originality and creativity, verbal technique
and visual sophistication.
Said Cox, “I was happy to be part of Lincoln
Spotlight because it is a great way for young aspiring artists to focus their creativity
on positive themes. The contestants had uplifting, inspiring lyrics, but I gave Jael the
highest score because she had a sincerity in her delivery that is equally as important as
the message when artists perform. The passion that the performer has for the message is
what really draws the audience in.”
Lincoln Marketing Manager Tom Grill added, “We
were really excited by the enthusiasm we received from the public with this contest.
Spotlight allowed us the opportunity to give exposure to other talented artists and to
celebrate a favorite American pastime – music.”
*See her lyrics below….
Original AMTC Success
Story Beginning Jael Gadsen, long-time member of the Millie Lewis family, signed with LHB Mgmt., and Wallis Agency, LA. She appeared in a feature film
starring Hugh Grant and Mandy Moore, appeared in Essence Magazine and also auditioned for
the Broadway show “The Color Purple,” the Las Vegas show “Hair Spray”
and the feature film “Dream Girls.”
Lyrics by Lincoln Spotlight Winner Jael Gadsen,
Copywritten 2008
Song Title: Your Season
Verse 1
Have you ever heard a voice in your head?
It’s the voice of your heart telling you
“That you have a higher purpose,
Don’t let your life be worthless,
Come on you deserve this!”
Some say that your dreams can’t come true
They laugh and they call you a fool
And then you get discouraged
And try to find excuses of why you can’t do this!
Oh! You gotta reach for your dreams and you’ll
see!
That everything you need is within your reach!
Your purpose will take you where you need to be!
Listen to your heart and believe.
Verse 2
You decide to give your dreams a try
Deep inside you know it feels right
Then you start to make some headway!
Then all of a sudden road blocks
Keep landing in your pathway!
People talking, money short and, time is wasting,
keep the pace man
Cause you gotta be head strong, keep on pushing on
Cause you’re a fighter!
Keep reaching higher!
Oh! You gotta reach for your dreams and you’ll
see!
That everything you need is within your reach!
Your purpose will take you where you need to be!
Listen to your heart and believe.
Keep reaching higher and higher
Don’t ignore your desires
You feel this way for a reason
Soon it’ll be your SEASON!
Oh-oh-oh!
Listen to your Heart! Oh Oh oh! Within your reach! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!
Oh you! Keep reaching higher and higher. Oh you!
Keep reaching Higher!
h-i-g-h-e-r. |
