Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz wants Instagram users to translate his new song, "I Won't Give Up," into one image. The contest asks fans to tag their photograph with #IWONTGIVEUP.
"I am grateful for everyone who has heard the love in ‘I Won't Give Up,’ and I'm excited to see how the song translates into so many visual interpretations." Mraz told Mashable on Tuesday.
Mraz, who is one the most-followed users on photo-sharing mobile app Instgram, won't have to wait to see his challenge to fans come to life. Users have already submitted more than 3,000 pictures (see gallery above for examples), including one from pop star Selena Gomez and another from American Idol judge Randy Jackson:
This is my #iwontgiveup photo. Hana is so beautiful and one of the most incredible people I've met. Love you instagr.am/p/GsCcPYRuws/— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) February 7, 2012
Yo @jason_mraz #iwontgiveup instagr.am/p/Guq6yWltTA/— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) February 8, 2012
Instagrammers have until Feb. 20 to join the contest. Mraz will then choose 25 winners, who will be invited to meet him at a private showcase in New York City. CanvasPop plans to print the top photos on large-format canvas, and Mraz will sign them at the gathering on March 8.
"This contest is all about reaching out to fans and developing a personal connection with Jason's inspiring song (listen below)," says CanvasPop director of marketing Spencer Callaghan. "We feel the same way about our Instagram print service; it transforms the images from pixels on a screen to a treasured piece of art."
Instagram is no stranger to having celebrities and the masses -- 15 million users at last count -- use its service. Just last month, U.S. President
Apple dubbed Instagram its App of the Year in 2011, and company founder Kevin Systrom just appeared in Best Buy's Super Bowl ad.
“CanvasPop takes iPhone photography to a whole new level, allowing candid snapshots to be transformed into physical pieces of art," says Mike Mignano, director of digital product development at Atlantic Records, Mraz's record label. "The medium is perfect for an artist like Jason, whose songs find beauty and inspiration in these everyday moments."