On Monday, NBC’s new show American Song Contest hit the stage and sparked a new singing competition for the world to watch. In the new show, states and U.S territories go head-to-head to be crowned with “best hit song.” Hosted by familiar faces in the music industry, Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, the show will run for eight weeks.
The show that features singers from all walks of life is inspired by the hit show Eurovision Song Contest. The competition that started in 1956 was a friendly contest among countries to showcase the world’s future icons in the music industry. From the hit show, the world got ABBA and Celine Dion. Following a similar format, American Song Contest will include all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. Rather than finding the next superstar, the show will find the next hit song.
Contestants competing on the show range from those who have been in the spotlight for years and those who are just entering the music industry. More well-known individuals, such as Michael Bolton and AleXa, are a part of the competition to represent their home states. Up-and-comers are given a chance as well. One of which is Brooklyn singer-songwriter Enisa, who is making her debut while representing New York. Executive producer Audrey Morrissey says that incorporating music artists from different stages in their careers is meant to reflect the true landscape of “the actual music business.”
Listeners and viewers will experience all realms of music. Original songs performed during the premiere ranged from K-pop, country, rap and pop. Co-host Kelly Clarkson explains that this wide range of music sparks inclusivity and encourages diversity. She states, “That’s what’s cool about this show, is it’s going to open up all of this conversation and all of this diversity that I feel like we’ve been divided for in this country for quite a bit because people have their preconceived notions of who is from where.”
American Song Contest will include three rounds over the eight weeks the show takes place. The first round is the “qualifiers,” taking place in the first five weeks. The qualifiers will feature 11 or 12 singers each week with only one of those advancing to the semifinals. After the qualifiers, two weeks of semifinals take place and then 10 contestants will compete in the live finale on May 9.
Those who advance each week are decided by both a jury and viewer votes. Much like those competing on the show, the jury is comprised of 56 members who represent a state or territory. They are a mix of music industry professionals, songwriters and managers. The jury chooses one to advance. Meanwhile, in the following days, viewers can vote on specific contestants which are translated to points—the top three in points and jury rankings move forward as well.
On the night of the premiere, the new show ranked fourth in ratings with 2.5 million viewers. The first contestant to advance was Hueston, representing Rhode Island. He gave the audience an emotional ballad that illustrated his story of growing up in poverty titled “Held On Too Long.”
With seven more weeks to go, you can keep up with American Song Contest by watching it live every Monday on NBC from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT. You can also watch it on-demand on Peacock. Keep an eye out for the next hit song; there’s a good chance it comes from your home state!
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