2022 HOOKED! JUDGES
We have two distinguished judging panels in 2022.
1) The SHOW JUDGES, who will be hearing and adjudicating your songs for the first time during the show.
2) The SUBMISSIONS JUDGES, who will be listening to all of your submissions and selecting the Top Ten to compete in the show.
Past Judges
Show Judge: DJ Lux
Branson-based artist/writer/producer DJ Lux has worked with many industry heavyweights including Beyonce, U2, 98 Degrees and Rascal Flatts. He is currently partnered with AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys in the touring group, ATCK. Look for DJ Lux and ATCK on tour, on the radio, on Spotify and wherever digital music is sold.
Show Judge: Josh Grisham
Josh Grisham is the voice behind The Ozarks "Best Mix" My 100.1 KOMC. Josh has been in broadcasting for over 9 years and is a fan of multiple genres of music including; Indie, Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative Rock, Classic Rock and more. In his spare time he is also a agency repped voice actor, videographer, avid gamer & streamer and has founded Nerd Informants Media with his best friend Tim Church of the Branson Tri-Lakes Daily News. Josh supports the new music movement in Branson and wants to see everyone with a voice and passion for music succeed and realize their dreams.
Show Judge: Lauren Gordon
Lauren is one half of Springfield's only all-female morning show 2 Chicks and a Mic. Lauren has done radio in Michigan and Nebraska, before finally landing here in the Ozarks! When she's not on the airwaves playing Springfield's hottest hits, she enjoys exploring all that the Ozarks has to offer, especially the caves! Catch 2 Chicks and a Mic every weekday morning from 5:30-11 a.m. on 92.9 The Beat!
Show Judge: Andrea Brett
Andrea Brett is a singer, songwriter, arranger and co-producer of The Bretts Show in Branson, MO. Andrea has become widely known for her original patriotic poem entitled “I Am a Veteran.” This poem has touched millions, and is routinely recited at veterans' gatherings all around the United States. Her song “It’s Hard to Let You Go” was named Branson’s Original Song of the Year in 2010. She garnered this honor again in 2012 with the song “I Will Stand,” and also in 2013 with the song “Be the One,” which she co-wrote with son, Garon. Andrea’s vocal arrangements contribute greatly to the Bretts' signature vocal sound, and her musicality and creativity are woven throughout The Bretts entire stage show.
Submissions Judge:
Kasey Roar
Kasey Roar has been touring with various projects since 2008, signed multiple indie & major label deals, recorded with multiplatinum producers, & tied an attendance record set by Elvis in a southern coliseum (twice).
“We’re all here to help each other”, he says. “Music is the most powerful form of communication, & I am honored to be part of the conversation.”
Submissions Judge:
Mina Thomas Brett
Hudson Valley New York Native Mina Thomas Brett is a trained Jazz, Gospel and Soul Singer, recording artist, actress, songwriter and spoken word poet. Mina attended college at SUNY New Paltz where she earned her BS in Contemporary Music Studies and Jazz vocals in 2012. Since graduating from college, Mina has traveled across Europe on tour singing gospel and jazz and performed with her band at various venues in NY. Mina is a gifted songwriter with multiple credits, a poet and is currently an actress at Sight and Sound Theater performing in the hit production, Noah.
Submissions Judge:
Janet Ellis
Janet Ellis is a proud 3rd generation western Oklahoma native. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in musical theatre.
After college, she spent a total of 15 years as a Hollywood actress, a high school drama teacher and a television producer.
Janet relocated to the live entertainment mecca of the world, Branson, Missouri in 1993 and the next year embarked on a dream career as a human alarm clock for the Ozarks as a radio show morning announcer. She does her “Janet & Friends on Ellis Island” program on Branson’s Hometown Country Station 106.3 KRZK from 6-9am and “Middays with Janet” on MY 100.1 (80’s 90’s & Today).
Janet is a fan of all types of music and is honored to be a part of the HOOKED! Songwriting Contest.
Submissions Judge:
Aaron Space
Originally from Washington D.C., Branson-based singer/songwriter/producer Aaron Space is one half of the pop songwriting and production duo, Prince Ivan. His work with Prince Ivan has led him to work with Grammy winning songwriters and has landed him a co-writing credit on the song “Let Her Be Beautiful,” which was just placed in the upcoming film, “The Never List.” In addition to his career with Prince Ivan, Aaron has also worked on songs for ATCK featuring DJ Lux and AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys and he is also an in-demand lighting designer, having designed for some of the top shows in Branson.