Yamaha Clavinova Artist on American Idol
BUENA PARK, Calif. For Yamaha Artist Scott Krippayne, entering the 2007 "American Idol" Songwriting Competition was a bit of a lark. But after more than 500,000 votes were cast, the Christian singer/songwriter edged out roughly 25,000 other submissions to claim victory. The composition "This Is My Now" became the last performance song for the final two "American Idol" contestants, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, and the first single released by Sparks, who was ultimately crowned this year's Idol.
Krippayne, who co-wrote the song along with his friend Jeff Peabody, pastor of New Day Church in Seattle, submitted the instant hit only a few days before the submission deadline. Recording the piece using his Clavinova CVP-309 and his computer, he uploaded the MP3 onto the "American Idol" Web site.
Once notified that they had won the competition, Krippayne and Peabody traveled to Hollywood to meet the contestants and attend the star-studded two-night season finale. "This Is My Now," as recorded by Sparks, shot up to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and is now available on iTunes.
"This song clearly resonated with the "American Idol" fans and was the clear winner of the Songwriter competition," said "American Idol" Creator and Executive Producer Simon Fuller. "Scott and Jeff wrote a song that speaks to why '"American Idol"' is so popular the pursuit and achievement of dreams and taking advantage of the moment."
The win also earned Krippayne a song publishing deal with Idol affiliate 19 Entertainment, but Krippayne notes another key benefit of this high-profile win. "My phone calls are already being returned much more quickly," he says, laughing.
"It was a fun, exciting experience," continued Krippayne. "Jordin was super kind and Blake was really nice. They will have different types of careers but they'll both be successful. Ryan Seacrest was very cool and everyone else was pleasant and nice to deal with. The whole process was a little surreal."
True to his Christian faith, Krippayne soon left the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to travel to Bangladesh to attend a board meeting for Food for the Hungry, a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to meeting physical and spiritual needs around the world.
Krippayne's acclaimed CDs, including Gentle Revolution, It Goes Like This, All of Me, Bright Star Blue Sky, More and Wild Imagination, have spawned nine number one songs. As a songwriter, Krippayne has had over 150 of his songs recorded by other artists, including Point of Grace, Avalon, Sandi Patty, FFH, Jaci Velasquez and John Tesh. He has also authored two books Hugs for Teens and More Than a Story a daily devotional. Scott lives in the Seattle area with his wife of twelve years, Katy and their two children Tobey and Tyler.
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622, telephone (714) 522-9011, or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.
 L-R: Scott Krippayne, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Jeff Peabody |
Once notified that they had won the competition, Krippayne and Peabody traveled to Hollywood to meet the contestants and attend the star-studded two-night season finale. "This Is My Now," as recorded by Sparks, shot up to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and is now available on iTunes.
"This song clearly resonated with the "American Idol" fans and was the clear winner of the Songwriter competition," said "American Idol" Creator and Executive Producer Simon Fuller. "Scott and Jeff wrote a song that speaks to why '"American Idol"' is so popular the pursuit and achievement of dreams and taking advantage of the moment."
The win also earned Krippayne a song publishing deal with Idol affiliate 19 Entertainment, but Krippayne notes another key benefit of this high-profile win. "My phone calls are already being returned much more quickly," he says, laughing.
"It was a fun, exciting experience," continued Krippayne. "Jordin was super kind and Blake was really nice. They will have different types of careers but they'll both be successful. Ryan Seacrest was very cool and everyone else was pleasant and nice to deal with. The whole process was a little surreal."
True to his Christian faith, Krippayne soon left the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to travel to Bangladesh to attend a board meeting for Food for the Hungry, a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to meeting physical and spiritual needs around the world.
Krippayne's acclaimed CDs, including Gentle Revolution, It Goes Like This, All of Me, Bright Star Blue Sky, More and Wild Imagination, have spawned nine number one songs. As a songwriter, Krippayne has had over 150 of his songs recorded by other artists, including Point of Grace, Avalon, Sandi Patty, FFH, Jaci Velasquez and John Tesh. He has also authored two books Hugs for Teens and More Than a Story a daily devotional. Scott lives in the Seattle area with his wife of twelve years, Katy and their two children Tobey and Tyler.
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622, telephone (714) 522-9011, or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.