Former Ross, Dixon Partner Seeks Top Prize in Idol Songwriting Contest

After 14 years at Ross, Dixon & Bell’s Washington office, partner Will Hopkins decided in 2000 that he needed to move on and pursue his dream as a songwriter.

It seems to have paid off.

Hopkins is one of 20 finalists for the American Idol Songwriter Contest. If selected, his song, “When You Come From Nothing,” will be recorded and released as the first single by the winner of "American Idol." The two finalists will also perform the song on the next-to-the-last show on May 14.

Voting is open through April 23. You can vote and listen to the song here.

“I’ve had a lot of interim success and recognition, but nothing compared to this,” he says.

With no musical background or training, Hopkins left Ross, Dixon & Bell in 2000. He moved to Nashville, signed with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and has been hard at work ever since.

“This is something I’ve wanted for some time,” Hopkins says. “It's a breakthrough opportunity.”

Comments

[New York CLE]

This is a great story of someone risking it all to follow their dreams. I hope that he wins, though I am sure that the other participants have similar stories. I enjoyed the song as well, thank you.