Adam Levine's new show is criticised before it even starts over song royalties

A songwriting competition set to be fronted by Adam Levine has been criticised before it's even started.

Songland will see "everyday people get the opportunity to pitch compositions to the music industry's biggest producers".

But an American music lawyer says it "exploits" songwriters as they won't be paid royalties for their songs.

In an "urgent warning" about Songland, Wallace E.J. Collins III said "several clients" had told him about the show.

"The NBC/Universal submission agreement for the Songland TV show states that NBC will own all rights to use and exploit all of your songs involved in the show including the songs you submit in the initial application," he said.

"It also states that you waive your rights to claim any royalties from the songs whatsoever.

"On top of that, it states that you waive your right to sue NBC Songland (e.g. in case you didn't read the contract upon signing)."

Read more: Little Mix songwriter Ed Drewett wants writers recognised.

Following Wallace E.J. Collins III's comments, the submission process has reportedly been changed.

The Wrap suggests the words "if I am selected to be a participant on the program" have been added to the submission application signed by songwriters who want to be on the show.

Dave Stewart, who is one of the people behind the show, is also a member of Eurythmics

The show is being put together by the executive producer of the US version of The Voice, Audrey Morrissey, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Dave Stewart and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine - who is a coach on The Voice at the moment.

Producers say that if the show goes to air, it will "pull back the curtain on the song marketplace and the power brokers within it".

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