NBC’s new show “American Song Contest” took inspiration from the Eurovision Song Contest, and it will feature 56 vocal acts with representatives from each U.S. state and territory (per USA Today). You may recognize some of the artists right away: Jewel is representing Alaska, Macy Gray is singing for Ohio, and Michael Bolton is standing in for Connecticut.
Premiering March 21 at 8 p.m. ET, the live show is hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg (via NBC). Viewers will be able to vote for their favorite act, and their votes will be combined with votes from jury members — one from each state and territory — from the music industry (per NBC). There will be three rounds to narrow down the competition, starting with qualifying rounds for five episodes, then two weeks of semi-finals, and the grand finale May 9 will feature 10 acts battling it out (per USA Today).
Clarkson explained the benefit of a show like this and tied it back to the Eurovision Song Contest’s origins, saying the contest “in Europe was so beneficial for camaraderie, for everybody to come back together. And I think the same thing is needed now in the States. And what better way to do that, than via music” (per WRMF).
