American Song Contest: What We Know About U.S. Version of Eurovision
What do you get when you combine the camp pop spectacle of the Eurovision Song Contest along with American theatrics for every state? Why the American Song Contest, of course!
Americans are getting their very own version of the Eurovision Song Contest and it's to be broadcast in summer 2022.
Deadline reports that NBC has been developing the American Song Contest since 2019 and is set to feature live original musical performances from all 50 states, as well as five U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—and the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.
All entries will be competing to win the country's vote for the Best Original Song.
The competition will be live and consist of three rounds. The acts will compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi-Finals and the ultimate Grand Final, where one state or territory will emerge as the victor.
It will be produced by Anders Lenhoff, Christer Björkman, Peter Settman and Ola Melzig alongside Propagate's Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens and Gregory Lipstone, who have said it is "awe-inspiring to stand at the beginning of an American legacy and it doesn't get more exciting than that."
The group added in a statement: "American Song Contest is looking for the best original song showcasing an artist's style and individuality. The submissions process to represent each state or territory is already underway and welcomes all varieties of music including country, dance, electronic, pop, rap, R&B, rock and more."
Fans will no doubt be excited to see the acts submitted by each state and territory, whether it be a solo artist, duo, DJ or a band that will represent each location performing an original song, celebrating the different styles and genres across America.
"For 65 years the Eurovision Song Contest has connected people far and wide," said Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. "As owners of this hugely successful format, we have seen how it has found a place in millions of hearts across Europe and beyond."
He added of the U.S. version: "Now we are excited to have found the perfect partners to share this unique competition and its passionate celebration of music and original songs with the American people."
Though a 64-year-old institution in Europe, Eurovision may seem bizarre to those unfamiliar with the concept at first, but it is starting to slowly make its way into the American zeitgeist—thanks in part to Netflix's The Story of Fire Saga starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams.
