Oklahoma may be the home of country superstars Toby Keith and Garth Brooks, but it’s rock bands such as the Flaming Lips and the All-American Rejects competing for the state’s official rock song.

More than 450 songs were nominated by the public, and 10 finalists were selected for the official rock song of Oklahoma. Votes for the top song will be accepted through Nov. 15.

The project is a joint effort by The Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Film & Music Office. A resolution to allow an official rock song was unanimously approved by both the State Senate and House of Representatives in April.

Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, is currently the only state with an official rock song.

Jeff Moore, director of exhibits for the Oklahoma History Center, said the selection of a song will coincide with a new rock ‘n roll exhibit opening in May 2009.

“We wanted to do something that would be a permanent tribute to Oklahoma’s rock ‘n roll heritage,” he said. “Someone noted we have a state country song and a state folk song, but no rock ‘n roll song.”

Moore said once the votes have been counted, it is up to the state legislature to finalize a decision.

“The legislature technically can do their own thing,” he said. “We don’t know how exactly that all will work as far as the process is concerned. The final tally will be submitted to them, and during the spring of the next session they will name the song.”

Moore said he encourages students to vote because rock ‘n roll has been so heavily influenced by the college experience.

Yasha Moridi, energy management junior, said he voted for the Flaming Lips song “Do You Realize” because of his personal history with the band.

“One of my first concert experiences was at a Lips show,” Moridi said. “It was an epic night I won’t forget.”

Derek Smoots, entrepreneurship and venture management senior, said he wasn’t thrilled with the final song selections.

“I thought most of the songs were really weak connections to Oklahoma,” he said. “We’re not exactly known for rock ‘n roll. I voted for Three Dog Night because it’s probably the most well-known of all these songs that has to do with Oklahoma.”

Smoots said he didn’t vote for the Flaming Lips because he couldn’t see a connection between the song and the Sooner state.

“They’re obviously my favorite of all these musicians, but the song itself doesn’t make me think of Oklahoma specifically,” he said.

Official Oklahoma Rock Song finalists:

“After Midnight” – J. J. Cale

“Heartbreak Hotel” – Mae Boren Axton, performed by Elvis Presley

“Oklahoma” - The Call

“Do you Realize?” - Flaming Lips

“Never Been to Spain” - Hoyt Axton, performed by Three Dog Night

“Move Along” – All-American Rejects

“Home Sweet Oklahoma” - Leon Russell

“Endless Oklahoma Sky” - John Moreland and the Black Gold Band

“Walk Don’t Run” - The Ventures

“Let’s Have a Party” - Wanda Jackson

To listen to the Official Oklahoma Rock Song finalists and cast a vote for the winner, visit www.oklahomarocksong.org.