A pair of local songwriters are contenders to have their song performed on the finals of the smash television show American Idol.

"Stronger", written by Warren County residents Mendy Shaw and Jason Phelps, is one of 20 songs in competition to be sung during the finale of American Idol. The song will be chosen in on-line voting by the TV show's fans.

" 'Stronger' was written about our own struggles as songwriters trying to break into the music business," Shaw said.

When Shaw heard about the competition, she entered on a whim, only telling Phelps the weekend before the results were announced.

If their song is selected, it will be performed by the two American Idol finalists and included on the winner's first album. Shaw and Phelps will also be flown out to Los Angeles for the finals.

Shaw is a Little Miami High School graduate who lives in Lebanon and works as a sales manger for EKR Therapeutics. Phelps grew up in Cincinnati and lived for years in Mason, where he worked in advertising and marketing.

"It's a huge amount of exposure which would be awesome for us," Shaw said. "We're hoping we can get some home town help to send us to Idol."

To help send Mendy and Jason to the American Idol finals, vote on-line for the song "Stronger" at www.songwriter.americanidol.com. Voting lasts until April 23.