This spring, 74 winning songwriters from around the globe will share in a wealth of cash and prizes, and 91原创鈥檚 own Karen Lee Batten is among the contenders.

Late last year, she submitted her newest single, 鈥楾he Trouble With Friends,鈥� into the annual International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for amateurs and professionals. It boasts a prestigious panel of judges.

It鈥檚 a song she co-wrote with Jeff Johnson in Nashville and released last November. It鈥檚 from her upcoming album, of the same name, which is expected to be released later this year.

Her single was shortlisted in the country music category for the 2023 ISC.

Batten described it as 鈥減retty cool news鈥� earlier this month when she learned she was in the running.

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of entries each year from around the globe, and to make it into the top 15 per cent 鈥渇eels amazing,鈥� Batten said.

Other categories include Americana, blues, children鈥檚 music, folk, hip-hop, jazz, rock, R&B/soul, rap, among the many genres.

鈥淲riting music is honestly such an interesting process,鈥� Batten said. 鈥淔ull of passion, creativity, honesty, jokes, tears, lots of laughter, hidden stories, and pouring our hearts out for the world to hear.鈥�

She noted how the writing process can sometimes be fast, sometime not so easy.

鈥淏ut, I love every minute of it. My very favourite part is when it鈥檚 finally out and I get to watch others sing it back,鈥� said Batten.

It was 20 years ago Batten rose to fame as a top 10 finalist on Canadian Idol, and it was 2003 when she accepted her first BC Country Music Association (BCCMA) award.

Last fall, the eight-time female vocalist of the years was lauded by the BCCMA for all the work she does behind the scenes. She was selected business professional of the year for her work with KLB Entertainment. She was also recipient of the Don Adams industry supporter and country event of the year awards.

READ MORE WITH VIDEO 鈥� Karen Lee Batten: Loving what she does

is an annual song contest with the mission to provide 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.

The shortlist of finalists are expected to be announced any day now.

RELATED: Music industry honours 鈥榮till sinking in鈥�