Natalie returned from the Penfolds Icon Black Tie Gala last weekend in Los Angeles where she met her idol Olivia Newton John to news that two of her songs 'I Don't Want To Live Like That' and 'The Long Night' have now advanced into the third round of judging in the International Songwriting Competition based in Nashville, Tennessee.
'I Don't Want To Live Like That' has already won the 2006 Independent Music Awards Country Song in the United States and 'The Long Night'is a #1 hit on the Country Music Channel Top 20 Countdown Chart.
A spokesperson for the prestigious international competition advised Natalie, "Congratulations on this achievement. With nearly 15,000 songs entered into ISC 2005, making it this far along in the competition is a great accomplishment and a testament to your songwriting talent."
Over US$150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared by 50 winners. "In addition to great prizes, ISC offers the unique opportunity to have your music heard by the most impressive group of judges from a variety of industry backgrounds in any songwriting competition. This makes ISC the songwriting competition to take note of." - The New York Times.
Natalie is very happy to have achieved this success, following her recent win in the Musicoz CMC Best Country Artist Award with 'I Can't' and the 2006 Independent Music Award Country Song in the United States. The 2005 finalists will officially be announced on February 1 and winners announced in March.
Natalie's new radio single 'Is It Just Me',the fourth release from her debut album 'Yesterday's Makeup', is now out on NFS #102. It is co-written by Natalie with Rob Crosby (Martina McBride/Brooks & Dunn) and Craig Carp (Alan Jackson) and asks the question - "Is this a one sided love affair?". This is modern country mixed with pop and rock styles.
Last Saturday evening, Natalie attended the G'Day L/A Penfolds Icon Black Tie Gala that commenced Australia Week 2006 in Los Angeles and again met her idol Olivia Newton-John who received a lifetime achievement award presented by John Travolta.
Nat's debut album, 'Yesterday's Makeup', is also available at her website (www.nataliehoward.net) and all major music stores.
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