San Diego, CA
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September 11-13, 2026
San Diego, CA ★ September 11-13, 2026
"We could make some noise, you and I… Are you ready? Are you willing to try?" Pizzazz (I Like Your Style)
Welcome to the JemCon 2026 Songwriting Contest!
The incredible music of the series is a HUGE part of why Jem holds such a special place in our hearts after all these years — and continues to be discovered and loved by new fans every day. Inspired by the talent, creativity, and originality of the show's music catalog, we invite you to write song lyrics of your own (with 5-7 verses) using these elements:
Intro
Bridge
Chorus
Outro
It can be written for whoever you choose:
A band — Jem and the Holograms, The Misfits, The Stingers (even The Limp Lizards lol)
A single character (like Roxy's "I'm Gonna Change")
A collaboration (like "It's Working Out/It's Doing Me In")
A duo (like "I'm Okay")
Keep it simple — there's no need to write musical notation or perform any vocals or instruments. Just let your creativity flow; we're here for any way it takes shape as long as it fits the spirit of the Jem series!
You can refer to the 2025 winner, ‘Trouble’s Our Name - The Misfits’ by Alex Neal as a formatting example:
Trouble's Our Name — The Misfits
Verse 1 (Pizzazz) We don't play nice, we don't play fair We bring chaos everywhere. We don't need luck, we make our fate Turn up the noise, let's detonate!
Bridge Warning signs can't stop this ride We're the storm you can't outride.
Chorus (All) Trouble's our name, and we wear it proud Crash the stage, turn it up loud. We don't beg, we don't play nice, We're the sugar with a twist of spice. Too bold to ever tame Trouble's our name.
Verse 2 (Pizzazz) We dress to kill; we walk the line. Crashing your show to call it mine. We make your stage our battleground. One more win, another crown.
Bridge 2 (Pizzazz) You bring dreams, we bring fire. We're the thrill you fear but still desire.
Final Chorus (All) Trouble's our name, and we make it roar, Kick down the doors, leave 'em wanting more. We don't fold, we don't fade, We're the beat that won't be swayed. (Pizzazz) No apologies, no shame, Trouble's our name!
Outro (Pizzazz Shouting) Spell it out loud (All Shouting) M.I.S.F.I.T.S! Trouble's…, Our…, Name!
Contest Rules and Guidelines
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on June 30, 2026 via email to jemconforever@gmail.com with the subject line "JemCon 2026 Songwriting Contest Entry"
All entries must be typed in a serif or sans-serif 10- to 12-point font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Acceptable file formats include Microsoft Word, Open Office, rich text, plain text, Google Docs, or PDFs.
Entries must contain 5-7 verses and be singable in 50-90 seconds, following the parameters of songs in the series. Please send lyrics only — no musical notation or recordings.
You may submit up to three song entries per person.
All entries must be PG-rated — no foul language or mature content. We want everyone, including the new Jemeration, to be able to enjoy your songs!
By entering this contest, the entrant agrees that the submitted work is entirely their own original work, without the use of artificially-generated (ChatGPT or any AI programs) or otherwise plagiarized material.
By entering this contest, the entrant agrees to allow their original work to be posted online, printed in the program, and read/performed at live and streaming events connected to JemCon 2026. We will not post or distribute entries anywhere else, and we'll fully credit all writers.
Entrants maintain full ownership of their song/lyrics.
Judging
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of volunteer readers, who will select a winner based on the following criteria:
Originality, creativity, and "Universal Appeal"
Style and ease of reading (i.e., grammar, spelling, and punctuation)
Musicality, entertaining quality, and ease of imagining it being performed
Fitting the style and spirit of the series and the bands/characters involved
Adherence to the guidelines and rules listed above
Prize
The winning song and some runners-up (at the JemCon staff's discretion) will be featured in the JemCon 2026 Program and on the website, and the winner will receive a special award from the JemCon team.
We're so excited to read your truly outrageous original song lyrics! You've got what it takes to make your plans come true — and baby, baby, have we got plans for you!
Now
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