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America’s next big singing competition is almost here. American Song Contest, NBC‘s spinoff of the hit European competition called Eurovision Song Contest (a.k.a. Eurovision), will bring together more than 50 artists later this month in a musical battle between the states. Here’s everything we know about American Song Contest, including its hosts, artist lineup, release date, and more.

American Song Contest hosts Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg ahead of the release date
‘American Song Contest’ hosts Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg | Chris Haston/Dave Bjerke/NBC

What is ‘American Song Contest’?

Eurovision has become one of the world’s longest-running TV series, dating back to the 1950s. Each year, several artists and bands come together to represent their European countries in a songwriting competition. The representatives have three minutes to perform their songs with often elaborate presentations, including themed decor and special effects. Then, Eurovision’s participating countries can vote for their favorites. Eurovision has kickstarted the careers of many famous acts, including ABBA and Celine Dion.

American Song Contest will take on a very similar format. However, instead of competing with other countries, the 50 states and six territories in the U.S. will compete against each other.

The competition will air weekly, with several qualifying rounds leading up to the semi-finals in a bracket format. Up to six people can represent each state as a group. Finally, the winning state will receive the title of Best Original Song.

‘American Song Contest’ release date on NBC

American Song Contest has an initial release date of March 21, 2022, on NBC. The premiere episode will run for two hours, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. NBC has scheduled the competition for eight weeks, so the finale will air on May 9. In addition to watching live each week, fans can stream the episodes the next day via NBC’s website and app.

Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg will host the competition

In February, NBC announced that The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson and rapper Snoop Dogg would host American Song Contest. In a press release shared by Deadline, Snoop Dogg said he felt “honored” to host the competition with his “lil sis.”

Meanwhile, Clarkson revealed she’s a longtime fan of Eurovision.

“I have been a fan and love the concept of Eurovision and am thrilled to bring the musical phenomenon to America,” she said. “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.”

NBC also released a promo with Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, as seen above. The video teased the “biggest televised music event you’ve ever seen.”

NBC announced 56 artists that will compete in ‘American Song Contest’

Related

How ‘Eurovision’ Launched the Careers of ABBA, Celine Dion, and Olivia Newton-John

In early March, NBC unveiled the list of American Song Contest artists, featuring a few established names like Ohio’s Macy Gray and Connecticut’s Michael Bolton. According to Variety, the competition will work with Atlantic Records to release a batch of original songs every week.

Here are the 56 artists who will compete in American Song Contest:

  • Alabama: Ni/Co
  • Alaska: Jewel
  • American Samoa: Tenelle
  • Arizona: Las Marias
  • Arkansas: Kelsey Lamb
  • California: Sweet Taboo
  • Colorado: Riker Lynch
  • Connecticut: Michael Bolton
  • Delaware: Nitro Nitra
  • Florida: Ale Zabala
  • Georgia: Stela Cole
  • Guam: Jason J
  • Hawaii: Bronson Kane’Opio Varde
  • Idaho: Andrew Sheppard
  • Illinois: Justin Jesso
  • Indiana: UG skywalkin
  • Iowa: Alisabeth Von Presley
  • Kansas: Broderick Jones
  • Kentucky: Jordan Smith
  • Louisiana: Brittany Pfantz
  • Maine: King Kyote
  • Maryland: Sisqo
  • Massachusetts: Jared Lee
  • Michigan: Ada LeAnn
  • Minnesota: Yam Haus
  • Mississippi: Keyone Starr
  • Missouri: Brett Seper
  • Montana: Jonah Prill
  • New Jersey: Brooke Alexx
  • Nebraska: Jocelyn Anderson
  • Nevada: The Crystal Method
  • New Hampshire: MARi
  • New Mexico: Khalisol
  • North Carolina: John Morgan
  • North Dakota: Chloe Fredericks
  • New York: Enisa
  • Northern Mariana Islands: Sabyu
  • Ohio: Macy Gray
  • Oklahoma: AleXa
  • Oregon: courtship
  • Pennsylvania: Bri Steves
  • Puerto Rico: Christian Pagan
  • Rhode Island: Hueston
  • South Carolina: Jesse LeProtti
  • South Dakota: Judd Hoos
  • Tennessee: Tyler Braden
  • Texas: Grant Knoche
  • U.S. Virgin Islands: Cruz Rock
  • Utah: Savannah Keyes
  • Vermont: Josh Panda
  • Virginia: Almira Zaky
  • Washington: Allen Stone
  • Washington, D.C.: Neither
  • West Virginia: Alexis Cunningham
  • Wisconsin: Jake’O
  • Wyoming: Ryan Charles

Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for more updates on American Song Contest.

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