Vicksburg native Zechariah Lloyd Tillotson advanced to the finals of the International Songwriting Competition with his song, “Hard Time Livin’.”

This round of competition includes a People’s Voice choice, giving the audience the chance to cast votes for favorite finalist. To vote in the People’s Voice, click here.

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest with the mission of providing the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting.

Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians from anywhere in the world are invited to participate.

ISC officials said the competition has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have an artist’s songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.

Judges include Mariah Carey, Tom Waites, Reba McEntire, Cedric Burnside (Mississippi Bluesman), Danny Gokey,  James McNally, NeedToBreathe, and Jennifer Hudson just to name a few.

Zak, as he is called off stage, was the 2022 Mississippi Songwriter of the Year.

“It is pretty humbling and flattering to make it to the finals,” Tillotson said. ” Songwriting is my way of processing stuff. I am still amazed at what I have gotten back from it. And to make it to the finals in a worldwide competition is pretty cool.”

Winners will be announced in late April or early May, as soon as the judges complete the judging process, ISC officials said.

Zak is the son of Jennifer and Jamie Tillotson