Wikipedia

American Song Contest

Not to be confused with Great American Song Contest.

The American Song Contest was a short-lived American music reality competition television series based on the Eurovision Song Contest. The sole season of the series was hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson; it consisted of eight episodes airing between March 21 and May 9, 2022 on NBC. It saw acts representing all fifty U.S. states, five territories, as well as Washington, D.C. compete for the title of Best Original Song. Over the course of the season, 56 competing entries were divided into five qualifying rounds leading to two 11-participant semi-finals, and culminating with a 10-participant final round, which aired as the season finale. Participants advanced from a qualifying round to a semifinal, and then to a final based on votes received by public voting or jury voting, or a combination thereof. The contest was won by the state of Oklahoma, which was represented by the song "Wonderland", performed by AleXa.

American Song Contest
GenreMusic competition
Created byEuropean Broadcasting Union
Based onEurovision Song Contest
Presented by
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producers
Production locationsNBCUniversal Lot, Universal City, California[2]
Running time86 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseMarch 21 (2022-03-21) –
May 9, 2022 (2022-05-09)

NBC acquired the rights to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in the United States starting in 2021 and shortly after announced the American Song Contest with a 2022 premiere date. Promotion for the series was organized by NBC and included a commercial during the 2022 Super Bowl and a sweepstakes for listeners on iHeartRadio stations. Reception for the series was largely mixed, with many critics noting that it did not live up to its Eurovision inspiration; it was ultimately not renewed for a 2023 season.

Format

edit

The American Song Contest put artists head-to-head against other representatives in a series of qualifying rounds, leading to the semi-finals and a prime time final in a "March Madness" style.[4] The winning act earns the title of Best Original Song.[5] As initially announced in August 2020, the competition would feature professional musical artists such as solo singers, duos, or groups of up to six members from each of the 50 U.S. states.[4] By May 2021, the format had been expanded to include all five populated U.S. territories and the nation's capital and federal district of Washington, D.C. The participating territories were American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.[6] Acts could consist of solo artists, duos, bands, or a DJ.[7]

Each representative performed an original song in the live television program broadcast across the country on NBC.[6] The series lasted eight episodes, consisting of five episodes of qualifying rounds, followed by two episodes of semi-finals and one final.[8] In each qualifying round, a 56-member jury of music industry professionals (one for each state and territory) selected one song to advance to the semi-finals, while three songs also advanced after a 35-hour viewer voting period, which tallied votes from a combination of the jury and fans.[9] After the qualifying rounds, the jury also selected two "redemption songs" from the qualifying rounds to join in the semi-finals, bringing the total number of semi-finalists to 22. They were then divided into two 11-participant semi-finals. The same selection process was facilitated in the semi-finals to determine the 10 acts to compete in the final. The final results were presented in Eurovision style, with each jury member awarding their maximum 12 points, followed by the awarding of points from viewers.[10] The viewer votes were weighted, with each state and territory being worth 12 points much like in Eurovision, thus giving all regions equal voting power while preventing populous states like California and Texas from dominating the voting process.[11][12]

Production

edit

Background

edit

The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organized annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) since 1956, which features participants representing primarily European countries. It ranks among the world's most-watched non-sporting events every year, with hundreds of millions of viewers globally.[13][14] The earliest known telecast of Eurovision in the continental US was in 1971,[15] while the 1969 contest's broadcast in Puerto Rico was the first for a U.S. territory.[16] The contest was later broadcast in both areas for the 2003 and 2004 contests.[17][18] U.S. cable network Logo TV broadcast the finals from 2016 to 2018, featuring commentary from Carson Kressley and Michelle Collins (2016); Michelle Visage and Ross Mathews (2017); and Mathews and Shangela (2018).[19][20][21] Viewing figures were low, ranging from 52,000 viewers in 2016 to 74,000 viewers in 2018.[22] WJFD-FM, a commercial radio station in New Bedford, Massachusetts, also broadcast the 2018 and 2019 finals, with English and Portuguese commentary.[23][24]

Netflix licensed the video-on-demand rights for the 2019 and 2020 contests.[25] The OTT platform planned to release the musical comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga together with the 2020 contest. However, because of the contest's cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film was released a month later, on June 26.[26] The film became the most-streamed content on Netflix in the U.S. on its first weekend,[27] and introduced American viewers to the Eurovision format and its popularity in Europe. Furthermore, a song from the film, "Husavik", was later nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 2021 Oscars.[28]

There were plans to develop an American version of Eurovision as early as 2006, with Ben Silverman (then chairman of production company Reveille) developing the contest for NBC to challenge American Idol.[29] Silverman (currently co-CEO and chairman of production company Propagate) admitted in 2020 that he had been trying to pursue this project for 20 years, including when he was chairman of NBC.[30]

Development

edit

In an interview with Billboard, Christer Björkman and Anders Lenhoff revealed that they discussed creating an American version of the Eurovision Song Contest after producing the 2017 competition in Kyiv, Ukraine. Lenhoff brought up the idea, to which Björkman was hesitant, saying: "Why would we do that and how would that work?" Despite the initial rejection, Lenhoff persisted with the concept, adding: "It sounds like a brilliant idea with states competing instead of countries. Americans love music. Americans love competition. Americans love where they come from. They have an awesome amount of pride for their home state, for their hometown."[31] Lenhoff then contacted fellow Swedish producer Peter Settman, who crafted the business plan for potential sponsors and TV networks. After announcing in 2019 that they have acquired the rights from the EBU to produce an American version of Eurovision,[32][33] Björkman and his team received a call from Silverman saying, "You are not doing this without me. Period. That's not going to happen."[31]

When America is more factionalized than ever and we are dealing with so many issues that divide us, the one (thing) that truly unites us is our culture. (The American Song Contest) can unite it by celebrating its diversity, its distinctions, and in pulling everyone around its love of music and its love of song.

Ben Silverman, executive producer, speaking to NME.com[34]

The European Broadcasting Union announced NBC had acquired the rights to broadcast the competition on May 14, 2021.[33] NBC announced the American Song Contest would have a mid-season or summer premiere in 2022 after releasing their fall schedule for the upcoming 2021–22 network television season.[6][35] The producers were able to get NBC on board mainly due to their experience working with music shows such as The Voice and Songland. Silverman serves as executive producer for the program, while Audrey Morrissey is appointed as the showrunner.[30][31] Propagate Content and Universal Television Alternative Studio serve as the production companies for the program.[33] In a press statement, Silverman hoped that focusing on the mutual love and respect for music would unite a "fractional America."[36] Deadline Hollywood reported that a corporation that centers around the competition has been founded, with former Propagate president Greg Lipstone appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer. The American Song Contest, Inc., aims to "develop and grow the Eurovision brand globally," which includes creating auxiliary businesses around the reality series, as well as expanding the franchise to countries that are not covered by Eurovision.[37]

NBC originally scheduled the premiere for February 21, 2022, but the premiere was postponed in favor of America's Got Talent: Extreme due to COVID-19-related concerns involving the Omicron variant. The first live show was then rescheduled to March 21, with the finale moved to May 9, the same week as the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.[38][39]

 
 
Snoop Dogg (left) and Kelly Clarkson were introduced as presenters of the American Song Contest during the show's advertisement at the start of the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.[2]

Rapper Snoop Dogg and pop singer Kelly Clarkson were introduced as presenters of the show. In a statement, Clarkson said: "I have been a fan and love the concept of Eurovision and am thrilled to bring the musical phenomenon to America. I'm so excited to work with Snoop and can't wait to see every state and territory represented by artists singing their own songs."[40] Clarkson added during a virtual press conference: "We are so unfortunately divided... and having so many things going on – it's been a very hard couple of years and now it's getting more serious. Feeling like you are not isolated and that you are a part of something bigger than your everyday world is so important. That's what this show is going to do for people. Everyone is being represented. It's a really great concept in general but one that is very needed right now."[41]

Participants

edit

An online submissions platform was launched in May 2021, allowing eligible artists aged 16 years and older to apply, with or without recording or publishing deals.[42] Participants were required to list all states or territories with which they had "an authentic, deep connection" during the casting process, with the producers having the final say on which state or territory the artists would represent. The website stressed that submissions had to be original songs in any genre and could not have been released commercially. Songs that were released promotionally, such as on SoundCloud and on social media, could be submitted—given that all posts were to be deleted if selected. The producers teased the possibility of filming in Los Angeles or Atlanta between February and April 2022.[43] However, filming was later confirmed to take place on the Universal Studios Lot in Universal City, California.[44] Previously, Björkman had stated during an interview in The Euro Trip podcast that Las Vegas, Tampa, and Orlando were also considered to be the first host city.[45]

NBC revealed the 56 competing artists on March 3, 2022, through an interactive map.[46] Atlantic Records served as the exclusive music partner of the American Song Contest, with the original songs in the competition released in batches beginning March 21 at midnight Eastern Daylight Time.[47]

Participants[46]
State/Territory Artist Song Songwriter(s)
  Alabama Ni/Co "The Difference" Andreas Carlsson, Colton Jones, Danielle Brillhart, Gaby Feldman, Kevin Hutchens
  Alaska Jewel "The Story" Jewel Kilcher, Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan
  American Samoa Tenelle "Full Circle" Ali Dee Theodore, Anthony Mirabella III, Benjamin Briggs, Bianca Sperduti, Kerry Clisby, Nikki Sorentino, Sergio Cabral, Susan Paroff, Tenelle Luafalemana, Trent Foisia
  Arizona Las Marías "De La Finikera" Eduardo Meza
  Arkansas Kelsey Lamb "Never Like This" Carly Pearce, Casey Brown, Parker Welling
  California Sweet Taboo "Keys to the Kingdom" Breanne Santana, Gian Stone, Jennifer Torrejon, Madison Love, Richard Vission, Samantha Ramos, Sean Douglas
  Colorado Riker Lynch "Feel the Love" Andreas Carlsson, Desmond Child, Jimmy Jansson, Vera Hotsauce
  Connecticut Michael Bolton "Beautiful World" Justin Jesso, Michael Bolton
  Delaware Nitro Nitra "Train" Ali Dee Theodore, Anthony Mirabella III, Auanitra Aiken, Bianca Sperduti, James A. Pollard Jr.
  Florida Ale Zabala "Flirt" Alexa Zabala, Andreas Carlsson, Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel Schulz
  Georgia Stela Cole "DIY" Hollyn Shadinger, Mark Evans, Stephen Harry Dunkley, Steven Cheung
  Guam Jason J. "Midnight" Chaz Mark Toney, Jason Niel Jabinigay
  Hawaii Bronson Varde "4 You" Ali Dee Theodore, Anthony Mirabella III, Bianca Sperduti, Bronson Varde, Nikki Sorentino, Sergio Cabral, Susan Paroff
  Idaho Andrew Sheppard "Steady Machine" Andrew Sheppard
  Illinois Justin Jesso "Lifeline" Devin Kennedy, Justin Jesso, Lukas Kostas
  Indiana UG skywalkin (ft. Maxie) "Love in My City" Albert Sprears, Antonio Maxie, Josh Phillip Kimbowa, Theophilus Akai
  Iowa Alisabeth Von Presley "Wonder" Ali Dee Theodore, Alisabeth Von Presley, Anthony Mirabella III, Timothy James King
  Kansas Broderick Jones (ft. Calio) "Tell Me" Broderick Jones, Callan Searcy
  Kentucky Jordan Smith "Sparrow" Andreas Carlsson, Desmond Child, Jordan Smith
  Louisiana Brittany Pfantz "Now You Do" Brittany Pfantz, Ryan Corn
  Maine King Kyote "Get Out Alive" Darren Elder, Jonathan King, Jonathan Wyman, Joseph Mahoney
  Maryland Sisqó "It's Up" Mark Althavan Andrews, Nathan L. Mooring
  Massachusetts Jared Lee "Shameless" Carly Paige, Dan Whittemore, Diamond Karruen White Long, Jared Lee
  Michigan Ada LeAnn "Natalie" Ada LeAnn Compton, Carter Jon Frodge
  Minnesota Yam Haus "Ready to Go" Lawrence Lane Pruitt, Simon Oscroft, Zachary Kurt Beinlich
  Mississippi Keyone Starr "Fire" Ali Dee Theodore, Anthony Mirabella III, Bianca Sperduti, John Emanuel Morris, Lakreshia Keyone Edwards, Sergio Cabral
  Missouri Halie "Better Things" Alex Angelo, Blake Densmore, Halie Wooldridge
  Montana Jonah Prill "Fire It Up" Jared Mullins, Jordan Schmidt, Seth Ennis
  Nebraska Jocelyn "Never Alone" Danelle Joy Leverett Reeves, Jason Bradford Reeves, Jocelyn Anderson
  Nevada The Crystal Method (feat. Koda and VAAAL) "Watch Me Now" David Mårtensson, Jordan David Sudak, Scott Kirkland
  New Hampshire MARi "Fly" Ali Dee Theodore, Andreas Carlsson, Anthony Mirabella III, Bianca Sperduti, David Mullen, Ian Anthony Osborne, Mari Burelle-Valencia, Scott Callaway
  New Jersey Brooke Alexx "I Don't Take Pictures Anymore" Autumn Buysse, Brandon Meagher, Brooke Alexandria Greenberg
  New Mexico Khalisol "Drop" Geoffrey McCray, Kaelin Ellis, Zachary Chicoine
  New York Enisa "Green Light" Cameron Warren, Enisa Nikaj
  North Carolina John Morgan "Right in the Middle" John Morgan, Justin Wilson, Rodney Clawson, Will Bundy
  North Dakota Chloe Fredericks "Can't Make You Love Me" Chloe Fredericks, Melissa Carter, Rob Nagelhout
  Northern Mariana Islands Sabyu "Sunsets and Seaturtles" Chris Mena, Gerson Zaragoza, Matthew Sablan, Mike Kohfeld, Skúli Gestsson
  Ohio Macy Gray (ft. The California Jet Club and Maino) "Every Night" Alex Kyhn, Billy Wes, Christopher Dotson, Jamal Rashid, Jermaine Coleman, Natalie Hinds, Tamir Barzilay, Thomas Lumpkin
  Oklahoma AleXa "Wonderland" Albin Nordqvist, Andreas Carlsson, Bekuh Boom, Ellen Berg, Moa Carlebecker
  Oregon courtship. "Million Dollar Smoothies" Eli Rueben Hirsch, Micah Ross Gordon
  Pennsylvania Bri Steves "Plenty Love" Avery Earls, Brandon Hodge, Brianna Ashleigh Stevenson, Darryl Pearson, Donnie Meadows, Kristal Oliver, Larrance Dopson, Quintin Gulledge
  Puerto Rico Christian Pagán [es] "Loko" Bileidy Hernandez, Christian Pagán, Desmond Child, Emilio Amaya Acosta, Faisal Ben Said, Jodi Marr, Markus Sepehrmanesh, Samuel Kvist, Timothy Caifeldt
  Rhode Island Hueston "Held On Too Long" Cory Hueston
  South Carolina Jesse LeProtti "Not Alone" Ali Dee Theodore, Andreas Carlsson, Anthony Mirabella III, Bianca Sperduti, Jesse Leprotti
  South Dakota Judd Hoos "Bad Girl" Adam Dennis Agin, Andrew Arthur Young, Denham Issac McDermott
  Tennessee Tyler Braden "Seventeen" Tyler Braden
  Texas Grant Knoche "Mr. Independent" Grant Christian Knoche, John Arnell Newsome
  U.S. Virgin Islands Cruz Rock "Celebrando" Ali Dee Theodore, Anthony Mirabella III, Bianca Sperduti, Errol Ajani Williams, Frankie Garcia, Sergio Cabral
  Utah Savannah Keyes "Sad Girl" Blair Daly, Heather Morgan, Savannah Keyes
  Vermont Josh Panda "Rollercoaster" Clinton Lewis Bierman, Joshua Pender, Peter Whitfield Day
  Virginia Almira Zaky "Over You" Almira Zaky
  Washington Allen Stone "A Bit of Both" Allen Stone, Tyler Acord
  Washington, D.C. Nëither "I Like It" Marcus R. Neither
  West Virginia Alexis Cunningham "Working on a Miracle" Alexis Paige Cunningham, Eric Bazilian, Martin Štibernik
  Wisconsin Jake'O "Feel Your Love" Ali Dee Theodore, Anthony Mirabella III, Bianca Sperduti, Jacob Brendan McCluskey
  Wyoming Ryan Charles "New Boot Goofin'" Khadi Clamoungou, Ryan Charles Kinzer

Qualifying rounds

edit

In each qualifying round, 11-12 songs competed for four spots in the semi-final, with the outcome decided upon by the votes from a jury panel and a public vote. An automatic qualifier from each round was determined by the juries, while the remaining three spots were decided by a combination of the jury and public votes.[48][49] Moreover, two artists with the highest streams to this point returned as "redemption picks" and would join the qualifiers in the semi-finals.[50]

 
  Qualifiers 1
  Qualifiers 2
  Qualifiers 3
  Qualifiers 4
  Qualifiers 5

Qualifiers 1

edit

The first qualifier round was held on Monday, March 21.[51][52] At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Rhode Island to advance to the semi-final.[53] On April 18, it was announced on The Kelly Clarkson Show that Wyoming had advanced to the semi-final, being the first redemption pick.[54]

  Jury qualifier   Combined qualifier   Redemption

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury
1   Minnesota Yam Haus "Ready to Go" 7
2   Oklahoma AleXa "Wonderland" 2
3   Arkansas Kelsey Lamb "Never Like This" 3
4   Indiana UG skywalkin "Love in My City" 11
5   Puerto Rico Christian Pagán "Loko" 4
6   Connecticut Michael Bolton "Beautiful World" 5
7   Iowa Alisabeth Von Presley "Wonder" 8
8   Wisconsin Jake'O "Feel Your Love" 9
9   Mississippi Keyone Starr "Fire" 6
10   Wyoming Ryan Charles "New Boot Goofin'" 10
11   Rhode Island Hueston "Held On Too Long" 1

Qualifiers 2

edit

The second qualifier round was held on Monday, March 28. At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Kentucky to advance to the semi-final.[55] During the first semi-final, it was announced that New York had advanced to the semi-final, being the second redemption pick.[50]

  Jury qualifier   Combined qualifier   Redemption

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury
1   Oregon courtship. "Million Dollar Smoothies" 11
2   Montana Jonah Prill "Fire It Up" 3
3   New York Enisa "Green Light" 9
4   Nebraska Jocelyn "Never Alone" 7
5   U.S. Virgin Islands Cruz Rock "Celebrando" 10
6   Kentucky Jordan Smith "Sparrow" 1
7   North Dakota Chloe Fredericks "Can't Make You Love Me" 5
8   Kansas Broderick Jones "Tell Me" 2
9   Virginia Almira Zaky "Over You" 8
10   Maine King Kyote "Get Out Alive" 4
11   Ohio Macy Gray "Every Night" 6

Qualifiers 3

edit

The third qualifier round was held on Monday, April 4. At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Tennessee to advance to the semi-final.[56] The final results of this qualifying round was announced on the fourth episode of the contest.[57]

  Jury qualifier   Combined qualifier

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury Place
1   Texas Grant Knoche "Mr. Independent" 4 4
2   Louisiana Brittany Pfantz "Now You Do" 8 9
3   Tennessee Tyler Braden "Seventeen" 1 1
4   New Jersey Brooke Alexx "I Don't Take Pictures Anymore" 5 7
5   Alabama Ni/Co "The Difference" 3 3
6   Florida Ale Zabala "Flirt" 2 6
7   Alaska Jewel "The Story" 9 5
8   South Carolina Jesse LeProtti "Not Alone" 12 12
9   South Dakota Judd Hoos "Bad Girl" 11 11
10   Delaware Nitro Nitra "Train" 7 8
11   Northern Mariana Islands Sabyu "Sunsets and Seaturtles" 10 10
12   Colorado Riker Lynch "Feel the Love" 6 2

Qualifiers 4

edit

The fourth qualifier round was held on Monday, April 11. At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Washington to advance to the semi-final.[58]

  Jury qualifier   Combined qualifier

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury
1   New Hampshire Mari "Fly" 8
2   Nevada The Crystal Method "Watch Me Now" 3
3   Utah Savannah Keyes "Sad Girl" 7
4   Washington, D.C. Nëither "I Like It" 11
5   Massachusetts Jared Lee "Shameless" 2
6   Georgia Stela Cole "DIY" 6
7   Hawaii Bronson Varde "4 You" 9
8   West Virginia Alexis Cunningham "Working on a Miracle" 5
9   Arizona Las Marías "De La Finikera" 10
10   Pennsylvania Bri Steves "Plenty Love" 4
11   Washington Allen Stone "A Bit of Both" 1

Qualifiers 5

edit

The fifth qualifier round was held on Monday, April 18. At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Michigan to advance to the semi-final.[59]

  Jury qualifier   Combined qualifier

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury
1   Illinois Justin Jesso "Lifeline" 5
2   California Sweet Taboo "Keys to the Kingdom" 2
3   Idaho Andrew Sheppard "Steady Machine" 6
4   New Mexico Khalisol "Drop" 7
5   Missouri Halie "Better Things" 10
6   American Samoa Tenelle "Full Circle" 4
7   North Carolina John Morgan "Right in the Middle" 3
8   Vermont Josh Panda "Rollercoaster" 8
9   Guam Jason J. "Midnight" 11
10   Michigan Ada LeAnn "Natalie" 1
11   Maryland Sisqó "It's Up" 9

Semi-finals

edit

The 22 semi-finalists were split into the two semi-finals that took place during the April 25 and May 2 episodes, respectively. In each semi-final, 11 songs competed for five spots in the grand final: an automatic qualifier from each semi-final was determined by the juries, while the remaining four spots were decided by the public votes. From both semi-finals combined, a total of ten performers would advance to the grand final on May 9.[49]

Semi-final 1

edit

On April 19, NBC confirmed the first 11 semi-finalists who would compete in the first semi-final.[60] The first semi-final was then held on Monday, April 25. At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Washington to advance to the final. The public qualifiers for the final were announced at the beginning of the second semi-final, held the following week, and were Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama, and Kentucky.[50][61]

  Jury qualifier   Public vote qualifier

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury
1   Kentucky Jordan Smith "Sparrow" 2
2   Colorado Riker Lynch "Feel the Love" 11
3   New Hampshire Mari "Fly" 9
4   Washington Allen Stone "A Bit of Both" 1
5   Alabama Ni/Co "The Difference" 6
6   Wyoming Ryan Charles "New Boot Goofin'" 10
7   Rhode Island Hueston "Held On Too Long" 3
8   Montana Jonah Prill "Fire It Up" 7
9   Michigan Ada LeAnn "Natalie" 4
10   Massachusetts Jared Lee "Shameless" 8
11   Oklahoma AleXa "Wonderland" 5

Semi-final 2

edit

The second semi-final was held on Monday, May 2. At the end of the broadcast, it was announced that the jury had selected Tennessee to advance to the final. On Wednesday, May 4, it was announced on E! Network that the public qualifiers to the final were Connecticut, American Samoa, Texas, and North Dakota.[62][63]

  Jury qualifier   Public vote qualifier

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Jury
1   Puerto Rico Christian Pagán "Loko" 7
2   North Carolina John Morgan "Right in the Middle" 4
3   Kansas Broderick Jones "Tell Me" 2
4   New York Enisa "Green Light" 11
5   North Dakota Chloe Fredericks "Can't Make You Love Me" 6
6   Connecticut Michael Bolton "Beautiful World" 5
7   Texas Grant Knoche "Mr. Independent" 8
8   California Sweet Taboo "Keys to the Kingdom" 3
9   Tennessee Tyler Braden "Seventeen" 1
10   Georgia Stela Cole "DIY" 9
11   American Samoa Tenelle "Full Circle" 10

Grand final

edit

The grand final took place on May 9 and served as the season finale of the series. Ten states and territories participated in the grand final, composed of the two jury qualifiers and the eight public vote qualifiers from the two semi-finals.[64] The contest was won by the state of Oklahoma, represented by the song "Wonderland", performed by AleXa.[65] As an interval act, Jimmie Allen performed his single "Down Home".[66]

Draw State/Territory Artist Song Points Place
1   Connecticut Michael Bolton "Beautiful World" 338 7
2   North Dakota Chloe Fredericks "Can't Make You Love Me" 267 9
3   Texas Grant Knoche "Mr. Independent" 366 4
4   Alabama Ni/Co "The Difference" 285 8
5   Kentucky Jordan Smith "Sparrow" 407 3
6   Washington[a] Allen Stone "A Bit of Both" 359 5
7   American Samoa Tenelle "Full Circle" 342 6
8   Oklahoma AleXa "Wonderland" 710 1
9   Tennessee Tyler Braden "Seventeen" 251 10
10   Colorado Riker Lynch "Feel the Love" 503 2

Detailed voting results

edit
Split results of the final
Place Combined Jury Public
State/Territory Points State/Territory Points State/Territory Points
1   Oklahoma 710   Washington 105   Oklahoma 654
2   Colorado 503   Tennessee 88   Colorado 478
3   Kentucky 407   Kentucky 79   Kentucky 328
4   Texas 366   Alabama 60   Texas 324
5   Washington 359   Oklahoma 56   American Samoa 305
6   American Samoa 342   North Dakota 48   Connecticut 298
7   Connecticut 338   Texas 42   Washington 254
8   Alabama 285   Connecticut 40   Alabama 225
9   North Dakota 267   American Samoa 37   North Dakota 219
10   Tennessee 251   Colorado 25   Tennessee 163
Voting results[65]
  Public vote
  Jury vote
Total score
Public score
Lower South
Mid Atlantic
Midwest
Mountains
New England
Pacific West
Plains
Southwest
Territories
Upper South
Contestants
 Connecticut 338 298 6 7 1 6 1 2 1 2 7 7
North Dakota 267 219 4 2 7 8 5 6 3 5 4 4
Texas 366 324 3 4 10 5 3 1 5 6 3 2
Alabama 285 225 7 3 6 4 6 10 12 4 5 3
Kentucky 407 328 12 10 4 7 10 8 8 8 2 10
Washington 359 254 10 12 12 12 12 12 7 12 10 6
American Samoa 342 305 5 6 3 2 2 5 2 3 8 1
Oklahoma 710 654 1 5 5 3 8 3 10 7 6 8
Tennessee 251 163 8 8 8 10 7 7 6 10 12 12
Colorado 503 478 2 1 2 1 4 4 4 1 1 5

12 points

edit

Below is a summary of the maximum 12 points awarded by each region's professional juries.

12 points awarded by juries[65]
N. Contestant Region(s) giving 12 points
6   Washington Mid Atlantic, Midwest, Mountains, New England, Pacific West, Southwest
2   Tennessee Territories, Upper South
1   Alabama Plains
  Kentucky Lower South

National jury and spokespersons

edit

National jury

edit

The winner of the American Song Contest was partly determined by a 56-member "national jury," with one member representing each state and territory. Their duty was to evaluate each entry based on the live performance, together with its "artistic expression, hit potential, originality, and visual impression." They were then divided into ten regions, namely: Midwest, Upper South, New England, Plains, Mountains, Lower South, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, Territories, and Pacific. Jurors include:[68]

  • Alabama – Amber Parker, program director, WTXT Tuscaloosa, iHeartMedia
  • Alaska – Quinn Christopherson, singer-songwriter
  • American Samoa – Joseph Fa'avae, founder, Island Block Network
  • Arizona – Double-L, music director, on-air personality, KNIX Phoenix, iHeartMedia
  • Arkansas – Kevin Mercer, program director, KHKN Little Rock, iHeartMedia
  • California – Dan McCarroll, former president of Capitol Records and WB Records
  • Colorado – Isaac Slade, frontman of The Fray
  • Connecticut – Jaime Levine, CEO, Seven Mantels, artist manager
  • Delaware – Christa Cooper, on-air personality / assistant program director, WDSD Wilmington, iHeartMedia
  • Florida – Jose Tillan, director/producer – The POPGarage
  • Georgia – Jennifer Goicoechea, SVP A&R Sony Music, EPIC
  • Guam – Heidi Chargualaf Quenga, executive director, Chamorro Cultural Advisor
  • Hawaii – Eric Daniels, keyboardist/arranger, The Voice
  • Idaho – Shari Short, singer/songwriter/producer
  • Illinois – Mike Knobloch, president, music and publishing, NBCUniversal
  • Indiana – Nancy Yearing, talent development
  • Iowa – Taylor J., program director / on-air personality KKDM Des Moines, iHeartMedia
  • Kansas – Michelle Buckles, program director, KZCH Wichita, iHeartMedia
  • Kentucky – Ashley Wilson, director of country programming, Kentucky/Indiana, iHeartMedia
  • Louisiana – Uptown Angela, Executive Vice President of Programming, format lead custom R&B/gospel, iHeartMedia
  • Maine – Lauren Wayne, general manager, talent buyer, State Theater
  • Maryland – Caron Veazey, Founder & CEO, Something in Common
  • Massachusetts – Jamie Cerreta, EVP Hipgnosis Songs Group
  • Michigan – Shahida Mausi, CEO The Right Productions, Inc./Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
  • Minnesota – Barry Lather, creative director, choreographer, producer
  • Mississippi – Joe King the Big Daddy, program director, WZLD Hattiesburg, iHeartMedia
  • Missouri – Tommy Austin, SVP Programming, iHeartMedia
  • Montana – Stephanie Davis, singer-songwriter
  • Nebraska – Hoss Michaels, program director, KXKT Omaha, iHeartMedia
  • Nevada – Jim Vellutato, CEO, Arrival Music
  • New Hampshire – Charlie Singer, music television producer, executive producer
  • New Jersey – Matt Pinfield, nationally syndicated radio host, A&R consultant, former MTV host of 120 Minutes
  • New Mexico – Tony Manero, SVP Programming Southwest, iHeartMedia
  • New York – Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer & President, iHeartMedia
  • North Carolina – Paul Schadt, on-air personality, WKKT Charlotte, iHeartMedia
  • North Dakota – Allison Bostow, program director / on-air personality, KIZZ Minot, iHeartMedia
  • Northern Mariana Islands – Galvin Deleon Guerrero, President of Northern Marianas College, radio DJ
  • Ohio – Khirye Tyler, songwriter, producer, musical director
  • Oklahoma – Ester Dean, singer-songwriter
  • Oregon – Mark Hamilton, program director / on-air personality, Portland Audacy
  • Pennsylvania – Ty Stiklorius, Founder & CEO of Friends at Work
  • Puerto Rico – Carlos Perez, creative director
  • Rhode Island – Kristin Lessard, on-air personality, WSNE Providence, iHeartMedia
  • South Carolina – Miss Monique, on-air personality / program director, WXBT Columbia, iHeartMedia
  • South Dakota – Jered Johnson, President / CEO, Pepper Entertainment
  • Tennessee – Brian Phillips, Executive VP, Content and Audience, Cumulus Media
  • Texas – Natural, music producer
  • U.S. Virgin Islands – Ajanie Williams, music producer & author
  • Utah – Jeff McCartney, SVP Programming, Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia
  • Vermont – Lee Chesnut, A&R Consultant
  • Virginia – Justin Derrico, musician
  • Washington – Zann Fredlund, on-air personality, music director & assistant program director, KBKS Seattle, iHeartMedia
  • Washington, D.C. – Dustin Matthews, Director of Rock Programming, Washington, DC, iHeartMedia
  • West Virginia – Judy Eaton, program director, WTCR Huntington, iHeartMedia
  • Wisconsin – Shanna "Quinn" Cudeck, program director / on-air personality, WMIL Milwaukee, iHeartMedia
  • Wyoming – Ian Munsick, Warner Music recording artist

Spokespersons

edit

All 56 juries were geographically divided in the grand final and selected the following spokespersons who announced the 12-point score from their respective regional juries chronologically:[65]

Region Juries Spokesperson
Midwest   Illinois,   Indiana,   Ohio,   Michigan,   Minnesota,   Wisconsin Yam Haus (MN)
Upper South   Kentucky,   North Carolina,   South Carolina,   West Virginia,   Virginia Almira Zaky (VA)
New England   Connecticut,   Maine,   Massachusetts,   New Hampshire,   Rhode Island,   Vermont Jared Lee (MA)
Plains   Arkansas,   Iowa,   Kansas,   Missouri,   Nebraska,   Oklahoma Alisabeth Von Presley (IA)
Mountains   Colorado,   Idaho,   Montana,   North Dakota,   South Dakota,   Wyoming Ryan Charles (WY)
Lower South   Alabama,   Florida,   Georgia,   Louisiana,   Mississippi,   Tennessee Ale Zabala (FL)
Mid Atlantic   Delaware,   Maryland,   New Jersey,   New York,   Pennsylvania,   Washington, D.C. Nitro Nitra (DE)
Territories   American Samoa,   Guam,   Northern Mariana Islands,   Puerto Rico,   U.S. Virgin Islands Jason J. (GU)
Southwest   Arizona,   Nevada,   New Mexico,   Utah,   Texas Savannah Keyes (UT)
Pacific West   Alaska,   California,   Hawaii,   Oregon,   Washington Bronson Varde (HI)

Episodes

edit
No.Title [69][70]Original air date [69][70]Prod.
code [69]		U.S. viewers
(millions)		Rating
(18–49)
1"The Live Qualifiers Premiere"March 21, 2022 (2022-03-21)1012.90[71]0.49[71]
2"The Live Qualifiers Part 2"March 28, 2022 (2022-03-28)1021.88[72]0.34[72]
3"The Live Qualifiers Part 3"April 4, 2022 (2022-04-04)1031.65[73]0.28[73]
4"The Live Qualifiers Part 4"April 11, 2022 (2022-04-11)1041.44[74]0.28[74]
5"The Live Qualifiers Part 5"April 18, 2022 (2022-04-18)1051.53[75]0.27[75]
6"The Live Semi-Finals Premiere"April 25, 2022 (2022-04-25)1061.44[76]0.27[76]
7"The Live Semi-Finals Part 2"May 2, 2022 (2022-05-02)1071.61[77]0.28[77]
8"The Live Grand Final"May 9, 2022 (2022-05-09)1082.04[78]0.33[78]

Marketing

edit

NBC News produced a report promoting the casting process of the American Song Contest, which was then distributed to its affiliate stations across the U.S. and its territories. It featured an interview with supervising casting producer Michelle McNulty, stating that they were "looking for the next big hit single, like those anthem songs... that just get in your head and can't get them out."[79][80] The Italian rock band Måneskin, winners of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, performed during the Top 10 episode of The Voice season 21, in which host Carson Daly promoted the American Song Contest as "the U.S. version of Eurovision."[81] NBC released a promotional video for the American Song Contest on their Twitter account on December 15, 2021, stating that it'll be "the biggest live music event America has ever seen", with songs from all genres competing.[82] An advertisement that introduces Snoop Dogg and Clarkson as the show's presenters debuted before the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.[83] Clarkson had previously performed a cover of "Arcade" by Dutch singer Duncan Laurence, the winning song of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, at her talk show.[84] Radio stations affiliated with iHeartRadio have introduced sweepstakes in relation to the American Song Contest to listeners for a chance to win gift cards.[85][86]

International broadcasting

edit

The show was also broadcast in multiple European countries, as well as in Australia and Canada:

Reception

edit

The concept of producing an American version of Eurovision was initially met with lukewarm reactions. Andy Kryza of Time Out wrote that the American Song Contest's biggest challenge is "the relative homogeneity of the American musical landscape," that its pop stars need to be paired with colorful performers like drag queens, wrecking crews, clowns, gospel singers, and the like.[103] Justin Kirkland of Esquire predicted that the contest will be "a colossal nightmare," adding that Americans "lack the self-deprecation, campiness, and selfless energy to pull this off."[104] Chris Murphy of Vulture.com pointed out that the television landscape in the United States is saturated with singing and talent competitions, adding that "no one's gonna write a song as catchy as 'Husavik'."[105]

In an interview with BBC Breakfast in 2020, Cheryl Baker (member of the winning act in the 1981 Eurovision) opined that the competition will not translate well in the U.S., adding that the country "has got a long way to go to get the kitsch, the cheese, and the fun element" of the contest. Baker also suggested that the U.S. should bring a representative to Eurovision instead.[106]

When asked about the possibility of competing in the American Song Contest, Flo Rida explained that it would be "a dream come true." The Florida-based rapper performed "Adrenalina" along with San Marino's representative Senhit at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.[107]

Writing for The Guardian, Adam Gabbatt was excited about "the mouth-watering prospect of seeing how politically and culturally opposed states rate the musical output of their rivals." Gabbatt explained how conservative viewers in Texas and liberal audiences in New York could express their mutual dislike for one another, or how voters might turn against Florida due to the anti-mask and vaccine-skeptic crusade of the state's current governor.[34] Fellow The Guardian columnist Stuart Heritage described the list of participants as "breathtakingly starry," referring to artists who "already have their own Wikipedia page," which he took as a sign that the producers are "taking this thing seriously."[108]

Reacting to the premiere episode, Kevin Fallon of The Daily Beast commented that it was a "big ole meh," while pointing out the performances of Oklahoma's AleXa and Puerto Rico's Christian Pagán as the highlights of the night. Fallon added that while Wyoming's entry "New Boot Goofin'" was "undeniably the worst song of the night," he predicted that its irresistibility would become the show's "greatest success story."[109] Emily Yahr of The Washington Post also wrote praises about "New Boot Goofin'", adding that it "immediately stole the show's social media thunder" and it could be "the song of the summer."[110] Yahoo! Music's editor-in-chief Lyndsey Parker wrote that the first episode of the American Song Contest "failed to live up to Eurovision's wacky promise or premise."[111]

Cancellation and future

edit

Björkman announced in early February 2023 that the series was not renewed for a 2023 season.[112][113] Speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, he added that he was disappointed in the way the program was organized, specifically the promotion of it and the lack of building awareness that the event was occurring.[112][114][115] Following the event, only the winning song "Wonderland" by AleXa managed to place on the Billboard charts, with most remaining songs only gathering a few thousand streams each.[115] In a press conference held during the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, executive supervisor of Eurovision, Martin Österdahl, added that "partners in America are looking at other options."[116]

Awards and nominations

edit
Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
2022 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Variety Series Noah Mitz, William Gossett, Patrick Brazil, Rob Koenig, Matt Benson, Darien Koop, Matthew Cotter[b] Nominated [117][118][119]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ During the show, it was announced that Allen Stone was not able to perform live due to personal reasons. Thus, he competed using a pre-recorded footage.[67]
  2. ^ For "The Live Semi-Finals Premiere."

References

edit
  1. ^ "'American Song Contest' to launch on Monday 21 February, 2022 🇺🇸". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). November 12, 2021. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Snoop Dogg & Kelly Clarkson To Host NBC's 'American Song Contest' Reality Series". Deadline Hollywood. February 13, 2022. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  3. ^ Granger, Anthony (August 25, 2022). "Negotiations Regarding Season Two of American Song Contest Underway". Eurovoix World. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Tangcay, Jazz (August 6, 2020). "Eurovision Sets Sail for U.S. Shores as 'American Song Contest' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  5. ^ Adams, William Lee (May 14, 2021). "American Song Contest: NBC secures rights to Eurovision spin-off in the United States". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c White, Peter (May 14, 2021). "'American Song Contest', U.S. Version Of Eurovision, Tunes Up For NBC". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  7. ^ "'American Song Contest' on screens in 2022" (Press release). European Broadcasting Union (EBU). May 14, 2021. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  8. ^ "Kelly Clarkson, Snoop Dogg to host 'American Song Contest'". WAVY-TV. March 1, 2022. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  9. ^ Maas, Jennifer (March 21, 2022). "How 'American Song Contest' Voting Will Work Via TikTok, and Who's on the 56-Member Jury Panel (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  10. ^ "Så sänds American Song Contest på SVT". Melodifestivalen.se (in Swedish). Sveriges Television (SVT). March 9, 2022. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  11. ^ Surette, Tim (March 14, 2022). "American Song Contest: Release Date, Competitors, and Everything to Know About NBC's New Reality Competition". TV Guide. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  12. ^ Knolle, Sharon (March 14, 2022). "Kelly Clarkson Believes 'American Song Contest' Can Unite the Country: 'This Show Is for Everyone'". TheWrap. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  13. ^ "Culture and Entertainment: Eurovision". Building Brand Europe. June 26, 2015. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  14. ^ Robertson, Chris (June 1, 2021). "Eurovision: More than 180 million people watched contest - and UK recorded biggest audience in years". Sky News. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  15. ^ "A África também vai ver o Grande Prémio da Eurovisão". Diário de Lisboa (in Portuguese). Mário Soares Foundation. April 3, 1971. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  16. ^ Roxburgh, Gordon (2012). Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest. Volume One: The 1950s and 1960s. Prestatyn: Telos Publishing. pp. 482–493. ISBN 978-1-84583-065-6.
  17. ^ Barak, Itamar (May 22, 2003). "EBU press conference about the contest's future". ESCToday.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  18. ^ "EBU.CH :: 2004_05_11_ESC". April 8, 2005. Archived from the original on April 8, 2005. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  19. ^ Parker, Lyndsey (May 9, 2016). "See Kim Chi, Bob the Drag Queen, and Naomi Smalls Serve 'Realness' in Exclusive 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Music Video Preview". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  20. ^ Jordan, Paul (April 27, 2017). "Eurovision returns to the United States". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on April 28, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  21. ^ "Logo to air Eurovision 2018 Grand Final live in the United States – Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018". European Broadcasting Union. April 23, 2018. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  22. ^ Granger, Anthony (May 16, 2018). "United States: Eurovision Viewing Figures Grow on Logo TV". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  23. ^ McCaig, Ewan (May 6, 2018). "United States: Eurovision 2018 To Be Broadcast On Radio". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  24. ^ Granger, Anthony (May 17, 2019). "United States: WJFD 97.3 to Broadcast Eurovision 2019 Final". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  25. ^ "Eurovision 2019 and 2020 are coming to Netflix in the U.S." European Broadcasting Union (EBU). July 19, 2019. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  26. ^ Stojanović, Nikola (May 16, 2020). "Netflix Eurovision Movie To Be Released On 26th Of June!". ESCBubble. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  27. ^ Mendelson, Scott. "Netflix's 'Eurovision' Is Will Ferrell's Most Successful Movie In Years". Forbes. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  28. ^ Bryan, Scott (May 21, 2021). "A Beginner's Guide to Eurovision 2021". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  29. ^ "US to emulate Eurovision contest". BBC News. February 11, 2006. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  30. ^ a b Tangcay, Jazz (August 6, 2020). "Eurovision Sets Sail for U.S. Shores as 'American Song Contest' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  31. ^ a b c Bronson, Fred (March 19, 2022). "How Swedish Producers Helped Transform Eurovision Into 'American Song Contest'". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  32. ^ Lee, Kevin (May 15, 2019). "American Song Contest: Christer Björkman reveals plans to launch as soon as 2021". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  33. ^ a b c "American Song Contest Lands on NBC" (Press release). European Broadcasting Union (EBU). May 14, 2021. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  34. ^ a b Gabbatt, Adam. "Pop and geopolitics: American Song Contest aims to tap Eurovision formula". The Guardian. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  35. ^ Ausiello, Michael (May 14, 2021). "NBC Fall Schedule: This Is Us' Last Hurrah Pushed to 2022, All-L&O Thursdays, B99 Farewell Gets Olympics Launch, Zoey's and Good Girls MIA". TVLine. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  36. ^ Kreps, Daniel (August 6, 2020). "'Eurovision' Producers Set 'American Song Contest' TV Event for 2021". Rolling Stone. Penske Business Media, LLC. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  37. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 16, 2022). "Greg Lipstone Joins American Song Contest Inc. As President & Chief Operating Officer As Company Eyes Expansion". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  38. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (January 19, 2022). "NBC's AGT: Extreme Now Set for February Premiere, Four-Week Run". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  39. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 19, 2022). "NBC Delays 'American Song Contest', Slots 'America's Got Talent: Extreme'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  40. ^ "Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg to host American Song Contest 🇺🇸". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). February 14, 2022. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  41. ^ Bronson, Fred (March 15, 2022). "Why Kelly Clarkson Thinks 'American Song Contest' Is the Right Show for a 'Divided' Country". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  42. ^ Granger, Anthony (May 28, 2021). "Song Submissions Open for the American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. Archived from the original on May 28, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  43. ^ Adams, William Lee (May 29, 2021). "American Song Contest opens casting web site and teases production in Los Angeles and Atlanta". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on May 29, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  44. ^ "American Song Contest FAQ". 1iota.com. 1iota. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  45. ^ "Final Details Decided for American Song Contest, Las Vegas Possible Host City". Eurovoix World. Eurovoix. March 22, 2021. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  46. ^ a b "American Song Contest Interactive Map". NBC. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  47. ^ "American Song Contest: Michael Bolton, Macy Gray & Jewel among acts 🇺🇸". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). March 3, 2022. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  48. ^ Johnson, Lottie Elizabeth (March 21, 2022). "Eurovision is coming to America. Which state will produce the best song?". Deseret News. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  49. ^ a b Rosa, Christopher (April 11, 2022). "Here Are the Artists Going to the American Song Contest Semi-Finals". NBC. Archived from the original on April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  50. ^ a b c Stewart, Matthew; Sheehan, Paul (April 25, 2022). "'American Song Contest' episode 6 recap: Semi-final #1". Gold Derby. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  51. ^ Holmes, Martin (March 4, 2022). "'American Song Contest' Announces Its 56 Competitors Including Macy Gray, Jewel & Michael Bolton". TV Insider. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  52. ^ Terry, Connor (March 16, 2022). "What do we know about the American Song Contest prior to next week's episode?". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  53. ^ Terry, Connor (March 21, 2022). "The American Song Contest Episode One Recap: Here's What You Missed!". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  54. ^ Rosa, Christopher (March 18, 2022). "Wyoming's Ryan Charles—a.k.a 'New Boot Goofin'—Is ASC's First Redemption Artist". NBC. Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  55. ^ Griffith, Tyler (March 28, 2022). "The American Song Contest Qualifiers, Heat 2: Find Out What Happened Tonight!". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  56. ^ Terry, Connor (April 4, 2022). "American Song Contest Episode Three: Results and Recap". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  57. ^ "The Live Qualifiers Part 4". NBC. April 11, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  58. ^ Terry, Connor (April 11, 2022). "The American Song Contest Episode Four Recap: Who had the biggest impact tonight?". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  59. ^ Terry, Connor (April 18, 2022). "The American Song Contest Episode Four Recap: What did you miss on the last qualifier episode?". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  60. ^ Dixon, Marcus James (April 19, 2022). "'American Song Contest' week 6 preview: Ada Leann, Jordan Smith among first set of 11 semi-finalists". Gold Derby. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  61. ^ Griffith, Tyler (May 3, 2022). "American Song Contest: First Finalists Revealed and Semi-Final 2 Performances". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  62. ^ Stewart, Matthew; Sheehan, Paul (May 2, 2022). "'American Song Contest' episode 7 recap: Semi-final #2". Gold Derby. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  63. ^ Terry, Connor (May 4, 2022). "The final four qualifiers for the American Song Contest final have been announced!". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  64. ^ Jean-Philippe, McKenzie. "How You Can Vote for Your Favorite Artist on American Song Contest". NBC. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  65. ^ a b c d Terry, Connor (May 9, 2022). "The American Song Contest: Oklahoma's AleXa wins the very first edition of the contest". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  66. ^ Cohn, Paulette (May 10, 2023). "Find Out Who Won American Song Contest Season One". Parade. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  67. ^ Stewart, Matthew; Sheehan, Paul (May 10, 2022). "'American Song Contest' episode 8 recap: Who won the final?". Gold Derby. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  68. ^ Maas, Jennifer (March 21, 2022). "How 'American Song Contest' Voting Will Work Via TikTok, and Who's on the 56-Member Jury Panel (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  69. ^ a b c "American Song Contest Episode Listings". The Futon Critic. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  70. ^ a b "American Song Contest Episode Guide". Zap2it. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  71. ^ a b Mitch Salem (March 22, 2022). "Monday 3.21.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  72. ^ a b Mitch Metcalf (March 29, 2022). "Monday 3.28.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 30, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  73. ^ a b Mitch Metcalf (April 5, 2022). "Monday 4.4.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  74. ^ a b Mitch Salem (April 12, 2022). "Monday 4.11.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  75. ^ a b Mitch Metcalf (April 19, 2022). "Monday 4.18.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  76. ^ a b Mitch Salem (April 26, 2022). "Monday 4.25.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  77. ^ a b Mitch Metcalf (May 3, 2022). "Monday 5.2.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 4, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  78. ^ a b Mitch Salem (May 10, 2022). "Monday 5.9.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  79. ^ "American Song Contest". NBC News. June 29, 2021. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021 – via YouTube.
  80. ^ "American Song Contest". WVVA News. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022 – via Facebook.
  81. ^ Maddalozzo, Riccardo (November 30, 2021). "Måneskin steal the show at The Voice USA". ESCXtra. Archived from the original on March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  82. ^ NBC Entertainment [@nbc] (December 15, 2021). "The biggest live music event America has ever seen. NBC's #AmericanSongContest premieres after the Olympics" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  83. ^ Kress, Bryan (February 14, 2022). "Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg introduce Eurovision-inspired American Song Contest: Watch". Consequence. Archived from the original on March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  84. ^ van Lith, Nick (February 7, 2022). "Kelly Clarkson covers "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence". ESCXtra. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  85. ^ "Jodi and Bender bring you the American Song Contest". iHeartMedia. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  86. ^ "NBC's American Song Contest - Win a $500 American Express Gift Card". iHeartMedia. Retrieved March 15, 2022.[permanent dead link]
  87. ^ Knox, David (May 11, 2022). "Airdate: 2022 American Song Contest". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  88. ^ "Servus TV zeigt neuen "American Song Contest"" (in German). March 14, 2022. Archived from the original on March 14, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  89. ^ "Servus TV zeigt den "American Song Contest" zeitversetzt" (in Austrian German). March 14, 2022. Archived from the original on March 14, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  90. ^ "It's the biggest live music event of the year. American Song Contest 🎤🎶 is coming to CHCH this month". CHCA-TV. March 7, 2022. Archived from the original on March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022 – via Twitter.
  91. ^ Granger, Anthony (April 9, 2022). "🇪🇪 Estonia: TV3 Airing the American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  92. ^ AMERICAN SONG CONTEST 2022 (in Finnish), archived from the original on February 15, 2022, retrieved February 15, 2022
  93. ^ "Exclusive: The American Song Contest on ERT!". EurovisionFun. February 17, 2022. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  94. ^ "Iceland: RÚV to Broadcast the American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. February 13, 2022. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  95. ^ ""Eurovizijos" atitikmuo JAV – jau 2022 metais" (in Lithuanian). Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT). November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  96. ^ "Američki Eurosong traje osam nedjelja, prenos na TVCG2" (in Serbo-Croatian). Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG). March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  97. ^ "Norway: NRK to Air American Song Contest on Saturday Nights From March 26". Eurovoix World. February 14, 2022. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  98. ^ "The American Song Contest" (in Portuguese). Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP). Archived from the original on March 14, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  99. ^ Maja Nikolić, Olivera Kovačević (February 14, 2022). Koga šaljemo na Evroviziju? - gost Olivera Kovačević [Who are we sending to Eurovision? - guest Olivera Kovačević] (video) (in Serbian). Nova S. Event occurs at 12:45. Retrieved February 16, 2022 – via YouTube. RTS će prenositi, znači kupili smo prava da prenosimo" -"A šta, prenosite svih 8 nedelja?" "Svih 8 nedelja, da [RTS will be airing it, we bought the rights to air it" -"So you'll be airing it for all 8 weeks?" "Yeah, all 8 weeks]
  100. ^ Granger, Anthony. "Slovenia: RTVSLO Broadcasting the American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  101. ^ Alabadí, Héctor (March 9, 2022). "RTVE emitirá American Song Contest 2022, la adaptación estadounidense de Eurovisión". FormulaTV (in Spanish). Noxvo. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  102. ^ Granger, Anthony (January 26, 2022). "Sweden: SVT Secures Rights to Broadcast the American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  103. ^ Kryza, Andy (May 17, 2021). "Is America ready for its own Eurovision Song Contest?". Time Out. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  104. ^ Kirkland, Justin. "America Isn't Wholesome Enough to Pull Off its Own Eurovision Song Contest". Esquire. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021 – via MSN.
  105. ^ Murphy, Chris (August 6, 2020). "The U.S. Will Get Its Grubby Paws on Eurovision with 'American Song Contest' TV Show". Vulture Magazine. Vox Media, LLC. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  106. ^ BBC Breakfast - The American Song Contest. BBC News. August 8, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2023 – via YouTube.
  107. ^ "Eurovision Song Contest 2021 - Second Semi-Final - Press Conference". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). May 20, 2021. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  108. ^ Heritage, Stuart (March 7, 2022). "'Breathtakingly starry': is the American Song Contest about to outdo Eurovision?". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  109. ^ Fallon, Kevin (March 22, 2022). "Not Even Earthbound Goddess Kelly Clarkson Can Save 'American Song Contest'". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  110. ^ Yahr, Emily (March 21, 2022). "What you missed on 'American Song Contest,' our country's chaotic new take on Eurovision". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  111. ^ Parker, Lyndsay (March 21, 2022). "Despite a Michael Bolton performance, 'American Song Contest' fails to fulfill its campy (Euro)vision". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  112. ^ a b Adams, Oliver (February 6, 2023). "American Song Contest won't air in 2023 as organisers hope for 2024 renewal". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  113. ^ Granger, Anthony (May 10, 2023). "Partners Looking at Options For American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  114. ^ Palmström, Ola (January 9, 2023). "Christer Björkman om 'American song contest'-fiaskot: 'Kan bli jätteupprörd'". Aftonbladet (in Swedish). Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  115. ^ a b Ten Veen, Renske (January 10, 2023). "American Song Contest producer Christer Björkman says NBC still has to make decision on the show's future…as he shares his frustration over promotion flop". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  116. ^ Granger, Anthony (May 10, 2023). "Partners Looking at Options For American Song Contest". Eurovoix World. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  117. ^ "2022 Emmy Awards − 74th Emmy Awards Complete Nominations List" (PDF). Emmy Awards. July 12, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  118. ^ Rosa, Christopher (July 13, 2022). "American Song Contest Sung Its Way to an Emmy Nomination". NBC. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  119. ^ "Nominees/Winners". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wiki.x.io/w/index.php?title=American_Song_Contest&oldid=1253499238"