It’s the American spin-off for the Eurovision Song Contest we’ve been promised for years. Now, the American Song Contest has finally been confirmed and is due to make its debut in the 2021 holiday season — late in the year.

While American audiences have been enjoying the depiction of Eurovision in the Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, now they will have a chance to experience the magic firsthand.

American Song Contest 2021

Variety magazine confirmed that the American version of the contest, which has been in the works for years, will debut in 2021. While a specifc date has not been set, the magazine says the contest will screen in the American holiday season period — which suggests some time from late November to early January.

The American Song Contest will take its cue from the Eurovision Song Contest. Instead of each European country sending a song, each of the 50 US states will a representative.  Like Eurovision, the entries can be solo singers, duos or groups of up to six members.

Variety says that the American Song Contest’s format will be similar to that of Eurovision, with semi-finals and a grand final. However, one notable change is that there will also be qualification rounds preceding the semi-finals. With 50 acts competing and no automatic qualifiers, there are a lot of acts to get through!

And unlike Eurovision, where the competing acts are selected by each country’s national broadcaster, the American version is doing things different. California-based production company Propagate Content will create the “American Song Contest Academy”, made up of professional musicians from across the United States. The academy — along with public votes from regional audiences — will select all 50 participants of the contest.

There’s no word on now voting will work in the contest. The 50 competing states involve six different time zones, with a range of five hours between them.

Another big unknown is where the show will screen. The American Song Contest team had previously been pitching to big American networks, however the streaming service Netflix currently has the strongest Eurovision connection, with both the Eurovision film and having the US broadcast right to the contest.

While the proposed version of the Eurovision Asia Song Contest was directly connected to the EBU’s Eurovision format, the American Song Contest does not use the Eurovision name and appears to be shaping up as its own unique format.

Behind the scenes

Sweden’s Christer Björkman will produce the show. He has long been involved with both Sweden’s national final Melodifestivalen, as well as with recent productions of Eurovision itself. Björkman is due step down from his role as Melfest producer in 2021, so he’ll have a new gig ready in the United States.

The Swede was enthusiastic about the American Song Contest, saying “To have a chance to use everything you know about the format and redo it from the beginning and to bring it to an audience that has no history with it is such a privilege.”

The show’s executive producer will be the American Ben Silverman who says he’s spent 20 years trying to nab the Eurovision format. The experienced produced has previously been involved with American versions of UK imports “The Office”, “Big Brother” and “The Weakest Link”. Of Eurovision, Silverman says, “I just love the format.”

But news of the American Song Contest comes in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. There’s no word on how the pandemic might affect the song contest, but with the production essentially starting from scratch, producers have plenty of time to build any pandemic restrictions into the show.

The Eurovision Song Contest itself was formed to unite a war-torn Europe after World War II. The contest could play a role in bringing America closer together. As Silverman says, “When America is more fractionalized than ever and we are dealing with so many issues that divide us, the one [thing] that truly unites us is our culture. … It can unite it by celebrating its diversity, its distinctions and in pulling everyone around its love of music and its love of song.”

What do you think of the American Song Contest? Will you be watching it if it airs in 2021? Let us know in the comments!

Read more American Song Contest news here

165 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Nikos
Nikos
3 years ago

Some thoughts as an American:

The powerhouse tier: CA, FL, GA, MI, NY, TN, TX.
The San Marino tier: AK, AR, DE, ME, ND, NE, NH, NM, RI, SD, VT, WV, WY

I can see the two main competing blocs being the country music bloc, and the urban (hiphop/rap). Pop and Rock would have more widespread but less reliable support. State rivalries could be influential here too! Ohio and Michigan, NC vs. SC, etc. haha

I’d rather DC just compete as part of MD to make things more straightforward.

Stephanie
Stephanie
3 years ago

You know what they say the original is always better. But never the less, I am actually curious how this will turn out.

Evan
Evan
3 years ago

I posted the same on the YouTube video, but wanted to share the same thing here. As an American Eurovision fan, I’ve been dreaming about this for years. My biggest concerns with this though are: How will politics be able to stay out of it and focus on the unity of music? How will we be able to get people interested in watching since our culture is so obsessed with watching prime time TV? Along with that, if Netflix picks it up, potential viewers would need to buy a subscription rather than having it readily available on network television which… Read more »

Emkay
Emkay
3 years ago

I doubt this will go well. The American public’s interest in singing/song competition shows has really waned in recent years.
Although there is potential to show just how man American ESC fans there are out there. But more likely this will go the way of Asiavision.

Adam
Adam
3 years ago

Everyone’s hating on this idea but I’m actually looking pretty forward to it. (And that’s coming from a Brit!) The U.S. has arguably the best music industry in the world and most of us here probably listen to a lot of music exported for America. Personally, I’m excited to see what each state as to bring in terms of musical styles and it’ll be great to promote lesser-known artists and bands. Still, like everyone else, I’m glad this is staying separate from Eurovision.

Jake
Jake
3 years ago

As long as they are far away from Eurovision, good.

vangelis vt
vangelis vt
3 years ago

Three years ago they anounced with great fanfare that Eurovision Asia would be taking place “late next year” (no specific dates were given then just like is the case now). Just like today they did not anounce which specific broadcasters were interested in that project. The similarities are glaring. This is probably a publicity stunt in the middle of a dead year and wishful thinking on the part of Melodifestivalen executives that are now running Eurovision and think that giving everything to Netflix will result in the “brand’s” worlwide expansion. But Eurovision is not a commercial but a political project.… Read more »

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

Could they invite places like American Samoa and the US Virgin Islands? That would be pretty cool.

Rom
Rom
3 years ago

I’m gonna figure out how to do an entry and compete. Obviously I’m a nobody but it would be fun to give it a try to represent my state. Obviously lots of people will want to enter and stuff.

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
3 years ago

I just hope that each of the fifty states are represented by a person or group who is actually FROM the state they represent. Our popular music industry is very heavily saturated within the state of California and it would be really nice to hear musicians from the other 49 states. Like, for example if we had a Californian representing the state of South Dakota, then what is the point? I’m expecting to only have like a 50% resemblance to the European contest at most, but I don’t really care. I’m excited either way. There’s no point in complaining either.… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by poe-tay-toe-chips
Sebxavier
Sebxavier
3 years ago

Damn American fans can also vote now, leaving us Asian fans again just to be viewers 🙁

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

‘tide me over until ESC season starts again’
But you’re forgetting Junior Eurovision. Some rly good songs have come out of that show

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
3 years ago

Africa is not a country…

Nils
Nils
3 years ago

But you do know that Morocco already participated and Lebanon almost would have as well? I agree that Eurovision should always remain a predominantly European thing held in Europe and meant to unite the continent. But as the main goal has always been to bridge the gaps between countries and cultures and peacefully share the enjoyment that music brings us, there simply isn’t any logical reason to limit the ESC to the European borders. Imho, anyone who says the ESC is just for European countries behaves like a little child that doesn’t want to share his toys with the other… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

It’s for full members of the EBU, the people who pay for it.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

So Australia’s SBS doesn’t have to pay? 😉

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

No, they don’t have to pay for full membership. That’s what keeps the EBU going.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

They just get one of the high-profile perks for a nominal fee. Unfairly and exclusively.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Okay, I see. But this could be easily fixed if associate and non-member’s fees would be raised substantially.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Another way to look at it is that everybody pays the same. Like tax, one person’s % may work out to be a lot more than another’s – but it’s the same rate. It doesn’t make them any more important. It’s the same with the EU.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jonas
Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

SBS are tiny, so not very much.

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Not true. SBS is one of the biggest and most well-known broadcasters in Australia, but sure.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

They’re the least-watched of the five main channels. By far. They’re a not-for-profit government-funded public broadcaster, not a corporate giant. Tiny may have been an exaggeration, but I was talking in the context of how much $$$ they can afford on fees. Which I believe they got a record company to cover. This is not a criticism – in fact, they are to be commended.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
3 years ago

I’m excited for this! Just give me a bit of good country music (the one that happens to win The Voice US with Blake Shelton regularly xD). I’m watching TVUS cause of Kelly Clarkson on YouTube. My absolute dream would be seeing Maelyn Jarmon winning the American Song Contest 😀

Jai
Jai
3 years ago

I’m really hoping this doesn’t lead to the U.S competing in Eurovision. That being said, I’m not positive that this will even be successful. American channels are saturated with singing/talent competition shows and not all of them find an audience.

Jai
Jai
3 years ago
Reply to  Jai

On top of that this isn’t going to be produced by a public broadcaster, its going to be produced by a big TV network or Netflix. Those companies really only care if a show is able to make money, if it doesn’t then its cancelled

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Jai

Ain’t the case for public broadcasters in Europe when they can’t always rely on taxmoney to stay afloat?

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

It does get me wondering (based on comments below) what a revamped Festival OTI would look like. I could see it being something like this: North America and Caribbean: Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA Central and South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru Europe: Andorra, Portugal, Spain (if you’re feeling crazy you could also throw in the Catalan-speaking parts of Italy or Israel’s Hebreo-Spanish speakers) Africa: Equatorial Guinea, for diversity’s sake maybe a Portuguese-speaking country like Angola or Cabo Verde Asia: The Philippines (everyone forgets that tons of people speak Spanish over… Read more »

Bimbamboom
Bimbamboom
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

OIF (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie) gathers no less than 88 countries. But that would be really interesting, to see states from all continents together in a competition with the goal of celebrating their language and culture and show it to the world.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Bimbamboom

Oh dang.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Bimbamboom

Would OTI not borderline be the same thing, except switch France and Belgium with Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands?

Andrés
Andrés
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Actually, Canada and Equatorial Guinea did participate in OTI before it faded out in 2000. The Netherlands Antilles as well, before they ceased to be an entity.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago

I regularly dream of a third semi-final reserved for non-European countries. This way the contest could grow and give more countries the chance to represent themselves and their culture, while the eurocentric DNA of the ESC would still remain intact.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

If they become full EBU members, fine. Otherwise, sorry, not for me. The EBU’s primary function is to support their members, not to dilute their chances at the flagship broadcast.

kor
kor
3 years ago

I just really hope this isn’t a prequel to having the US join ESC. That would be a disaster for ESC in my opinion. We are already all so spammed with American music and influence, ESC is our holy grail for giving light to interesting European talent. Please don’t ever include the US.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  kor

Well, it would be one out of 40+ entries, so what’s the big deal?

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Just to compare the downvotes: I’m also hoping Kazakhstan will join soon.

kor
kor
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Tbh I would be happy to learn more about Kazakh music. I value ESC the most for the spotlight it gives to different cultures and different music scenes that we can learn more about. I already cannot spend a day without being bombarded with American content, so it’s not comparable. The Americanization of everything is already too high.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  kor

Folk Americana music is actually you don’t really hear on the radio. I suggest you check that out.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  kor

You’re absolutely right, yet for the same reason one could also argue there wasn’t a place for the UK or Sweden in the contest, considering the airplay their artists get on European radio stations. 😉

Also, it’s not like Europeans are forced to eat at McDonald’s or watch American tv shows, they’re doing it because they want to. Cultural imperialism can hardly be a valid point in this case.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  kor

Switch Sweden with US and everybody will be happy

Andrés
Andrés
3 years ago

Hasn’t EBU ever thought of making a joint venture with OTI and revive the OTI Festival (discontinued in 2000)? Of course, things are no longer as the used to be back in the day. In many editions, OTI had nothing to envy about Eurovision. (But by the turn of the century, it was the Mexican mumbo-jumbo that ruined it all, in my opinion…). Today, it would be hard for some Latin American countries to host such a big event, mainly for political and economic reasons. Anyway, there are the powerhouses: Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and the USA.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
3 years ago

Who said all 50 countries even want to take part?
Anyway, I hope it’ll be a great show 🙂

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

*states

Vladimir P.
Vladimir P.
3 years ago

This is good. I am glad USA is having their own contest and that they don’t plan to join Eurovision Song Contest. Eurovision Song Contest should remain European. Good luck, America

sangfreudx
sangfreudx
3 years ago

Hello to Joe and Crystal from Aaron in Michigan! I’m super interested to see how this shapes up for the US, but it will be very unlike Eurovision for lots of reasons. First, Eurovision exists as it does because it was born from the ashes of war. If somebody tried to start it today, even Eurovision wouldn’t be “Eurovision.” Launching a show like this in the US in 2021 makes it one competitor among thousands for the attention of people who have no investment in the show, or its success. The longest running TV event in the US is the… Read more »

Nils
Nils
3 years ago

… which would also be the only proper way to do it.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

I’d be totally in for that!

sam
sam
3 years ago

and who’s to say it wont be one of the best things that happened the the us? i mean come on, we’re on the verge of civil war… drop the anti americanism

Nils
Nils
3 years ago

If, say, Hawaiians can’t pick their representative on their own — why should they even bother watching?

Basically, it’s just Stefan Raab’s misguided Bundesvision Song Contest on steroids. Split into not just one but three or more boring shows no one really cares about. I doubt this show will enjoy many editions.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

This isn’t intended to replace Eurovision. This isn’t our country saying we should participate at Eurovision. But like with every time the topic of Americans and Eurovision comes up, it leaves me feeling very dismissed and unwanted by the fandom I’m proudest to be a part of. I’m not saying this idea is guaranteed for success, but I feel very sad seeing the idea of Americans getting into Eurovision-type events dismissed so easily. Makes me feel like we aren’t wanted around here even as fans.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

And this isn’t acting like my country doesn’t have a ton of problems with it either! It’s still my home. I’d love to say I’m from a country everyone loves, but I’m not.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Respect to u! 🙂 I would be against the idea of USA participating at Eurovision, but havin your own contest doesn’t bother me at all!, I actually like it, it will fill up the gap (if successful of course, I really don’t want it to be similar to talent shows)

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

I agree that we shouldn’t compete at Eurovision, but I like this new idea

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Don’t feel like it’s anything personal. American culture has a stranglehold on so much of the world, some people may feel that this is one thing they can’t touch. This is ours! Also don’t forget that the USA’s reputation is not good right now due to the utter cretin that is leader. Surely you can understand why people might be wary. As for Eurovision fans like yourself, I love to see them – it is a great reminder that not all Americans are like that, and gives us hope for the future!

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I think most Europeans that are not hard core ESC fans would be fine with the USA participating. Just like they were fine with Australia. Really most Europeans don’t get emotional about ESC formalities and traditions. Give the USA a place in a semi final. If they suck, the won’t make the final. Adding one of 40+ countries is not a threat to ESC and would make the contest more interesting.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  gilpgilp

I see where you’re coming from, but optics-wise there are a lot of reasons why the USA participating wouldn’t be a great idea.

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Optics? Australia was added without issue. Lebanon was added (and then withdrew) without issue. Morocco was in one year. Most Europeans would welcome the increased interest in the contest. This blog’s fans do not represent the average European, who does not even listen to the songs until the final.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

It looks it will be more like a talent show rather than Eurovision tbh

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

I wonder though… if USA will participate in ESC, the winner of American Song Contest might represent them.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Might be an unpopular opinion, but I’d love to see them enter the ESC. The more countries, the better.

Normunds
Normunds
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

As much as everyone saying US shouldnt be involved in Eurovision(including me), put as that, I think that would be a goog concept tbh

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
3 years ago
Reply to  Normunds

I agree. The hard core fans on this forum do not represent the attitude of average Europeans, who do not take ESC that seriously would be amused by the USA participating.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  gilpgilp

Amused? You mean they’d take it even less seriously? Great! Whoever these people are…

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

They would take it equally not seriously, with or without the USA. Ask the average European in Italy or UK or Poland or wherever and they would shrug at the notion of adding the USA. The hyperfans of wiwibloggs do not represent the attitude of Europe for the ESC.

Jakeyboy
Jakeyboy
3 years ago

I really hope that they don’t make this a panel show like every other reality TV competition America and the UK do. I feel it would give the wrong atmosphere and I also hope that Simon Cowell doesn’t try to stick his nose in this. As long as neither of those things happen though, I am excited to see what will happen and it could prove to be entertaining.

Leo M
Leo M
3 years ago

It’s gonna be a car crash isn’t it?

MartyMcCu
MartyMcCu
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo M

Definitely…. our Eurovision embraces a range of genre of music and whether your in Portugal to Azerbaijan, Iceland to Israel your target audience will watch and enjoy the different range in genre of music and song. This is has gone on for over 60 years. It’s a European thing. Americans will not embrace ‘a range of genre’, they either like one style or one genre only. As for original songs, it wont be well received. No appeal whatsoever. The idea and concept is good, let them try it, but I think the likes of Christer and co have a tough… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
3 years ago

It will be funny when American Song Contest airs in late in 2021 with success and uncultured Americans think Eurovision 2022 is a copy of “their” idea. No doubt there will be some buzz in Twitter, if Twitter is still a thing by then.

And yeah, they are calling it “American Song Contest”. Is Canada, Mexico, or any other country form Central America, South America or the Caribe there? It’s not that I care at all, but you know, it could be missleading.

Last edited 3 years ago by Héctor
Normunds
Normunds
3 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

The first one will only have the US states, but I can see them involving Central America/South America/Caribbeans in the future, if the first one will be a success.

dxi
dxi
3 years ago

I didn’t know it was April Fools today?

Nate
Nate
3 years ago

Americanization ugh. Also it would have been nice to come up with a different name since you know, there are like plenty other nations in the American continent

Last edited 3 years ago by Nate
Denis
Denis
3 years ago

Actually think it could work. US has many genres and artists unknown for the mainstream audience. Like bluegrass, I hope someone sends bluegrass. Or that Hawaii send something from their Polynesian culture

arrivederci
arrivederci
3 years ago

I wonder if I could submit a song for Florida.

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  arrivederci

You should rather leave Florida to Flo Rida and aim for one of the other states imo.

arrivederci
arrivederci
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

LOL i guess utah because of family history, and California will probably send billie.

MartyMcCu
MartyMcCu
3 years ago

My opinion the concept will be tried in a format that will revolve around so much commercial advertising, if it’s not a money making scheme it will be dumped before the second season. Like many new and live initiatives in the USA they either work or they don’t. Ratings and advertising go hand in hand. All the major sports events revolve around advertising , not the other way around in the USA. I doubt if the format we all know and love in Europe will be the same in the USA, the format , the voting , the genre, its… Read more »

arrivederci
arrivederci
3 years ago

Florida’s gonna be interesting. country/folk in the north, latin in the south, and pop in the central region.

Sniper K-Wolf
Sniper K-Wolf
3 years ago

So weird to imagine a contest with 50 contestants singing in spanish (probably 70-90% of spanish-language songs per year), the second language more speaking in USA now (Like in Europ for english language after the russian). Obviously, who would have thought in 1956 that today almost every european country will sing in english every year ? Btw did they planned an live orchestra ?

Last edited 3 years ago by Sniper K-Wolf
Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Sniper K-Wolf

I mean, it’s not actually that unheard-of to have orchestras at big events here in the States even now. The Oscars, the Grammys, the Tonys, the Emmys, pretty sure The Voice has at least a house band. Not totally impossible to imagine, unless they’re trying to save money!

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
3 years ago

Personally, I’d love to get to know various American states and their music better, but if this contest is actually going to happen, the next big question will be if anyone interesting or good is actually interested in participating.

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
3 years ago

Also, yes, the name of the producer doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in me. But who knows. Frankly, I’d already like him back in charge at MF instead of the horror that replaced him.

Natalie
Natalie
3 years ago

So excited honestly. I think it could be really good If Americans get behind it. As an American I’m all for it. There are musicians all across the States that could be discovered here. Imagine having someone singing in a Native American language. It could be amazing and powerful.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Natalie

I’m totally with you! And more than that, we ought to have some music in Spanish! We have the most Spanish speakers in the world, I believe!

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago

Even though I’m an American I don’t want this to happen because I feel it would be a substandard contest compared to Eurovision, which has a much bigger audience and profile.

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago

This is just for fun, my fellow American Eurovision Fans, but I got a couple questions for you all–where should the first ASC be hosted and who should be the first host? I think D.C. should be the first host location and my personal choice for host or emcee should be John Barrowman.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Verizon (MCI) Center or Lincoln Center 2021.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

If we do it in NYC, the option for a smaller-capacity but elaborate venue would be Radio City Music Hall or Lincoln Center. If we really wanted a Eurovision-style venue, it’d be Barclays or MSG. D.C. would be a good neutral-party choice, I suppose (Kennedy Center, perhaps?). It’d be nice to maybe give the gig to a smaller state with a good venue, but kicking a giant event like this off in a major city (Vegas could also be a good option, lots of suitable venues there) would probably feel more grandiose than launching in, say, Wisconsin.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
3 years ago

Looks like we won’t be seeing any high-profile artistes joining this.

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago

I don’t want any high profile artist to participate. I feel unknown and up-and-coming artists should be given priority to compete at contests like Eurovision or American Song Contest.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Well I don’t want to see Beyonce or Lady Gaga, but I also don’t want to see karaoke bar singers. Some indie, pop and country singers.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Why not? That’s not an opinion I share, or even understand. It’s a contest that should reward the best, it was not designed as a launchpad for amateurs. You seem to have it on a par with The Voice, or The X Factor. It is miles above those.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jonas
Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

And don’t forget those rare ‘big names’ like Bonnie Tyler, Timbaland, Engelbert Humperdinck, Katrina & the Waves, Blue, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cascada or Patricia Kaas also give the ESC (or any other contest they’d compete in) a lot of credibility – although they apparently might not always be the best option for their respective countries.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Right, as well as diluting quality, to make the show just for newcomers would completely ignore the contest’s history. The UK, for example, used to send its biggest stars. Cliff Richard. Sandie Shaw had already topped the charts twice before she topped it a third time with Puppet on a String. Matt Monro had already done a James Bond theme before he lost to Gigliola Cinquetti. He later recorded Born Free which won an Oscar for Best Song. Lulu had already had a No. 1 in the USA in 1967 before she won the contest in 1969. If they sent… Read more »

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

and a lot of big names started out on eurovision before their major breaks or broke out because of eurovision.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Correct! Quality alone is the decider. Everybody is equal, everybody is welcome. Status is irrelevant, nobody gets priority.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

A US version of Melodifestivalen, basically? But, with state boundaries. Does Alaska even have any musicians? (Joke.)
The selection process should smooth over the admin cracks, but it is also a difficult call to make in the bigger states with bags of talent. A very exciting challenge though. I might see if there’s a job going there next year. 🙂

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago

Okay this sounds very messy, but I’m excited to see how it works.

Jacob S
Jacob S
3 years ago

It’s not going to have the same excitement as Eurovision does, all of the songs are going to be in English. No ethnic vibes or anything…

Jacob S
Jacob S
3 years ago

As an American…I’m scared for some reason :))

AdD
AdD
3 years ago

Watch how this never happens….

Marseille
Marseille
3 years ago

How self absorbed on a national level do you have to be to compete WITH YOURSELF rather than with the other countries in the continent? lmao I’m sure there’ll be amazing diversity

Nils
Nils
3 years ago
Reply to  Marseille

Still this isn’t nearly as disgusting as Erdogan’s slightly fascist Türkvizyon thing.

poe-tay-toe chips
poe-tay-toe chips
3 years ago
Reply to  Marseille

The 50 states have more differences than similarities. Each state has it’s own laws, culture, and history. Unless you live in one of the states you would not understand. The only things holding the states together as a singular nation is federal law and government (separate from the governments of each individual state ) the English language, and our pop culture but that is NOT the same as regional culture. For example, the state I live in was historically populated mainly by german and polish immigrants. So we have a regional culture influenced by our german and polish ancestors. It’s… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

I really want this to do well as it would be cool if it actually worked. However, using an “academy” to pick entries as opposed to state broadcasters being responsible for their own entry kills it for me. The songs selected are not truly going to represent the state so already, I think they’ve missed the point of what makes ESC actually work.

American ESC Fan
American ESC Fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Here in the US we don’t have state broadcasters.

Crystal
3 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Yeah, the closest thing we would have to that would be “network affiliates”; each state has at least one media market (centered on a major city) and each media market has a network affiliate for each of the major broadcast networks, usually identified by a four-letter call sign (stations located east of the Mississippi River usually have call signs starting with a W and those west of the Mississippi River usually have call signs starting with the letter K) and the channel number on which that affiliate usually appears (though the actual number can vary between cable and satellite providers).… Read more »

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

I’m excited for this 🙂

Last edited 3 years ago by Ashton
Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Sounds messy
But best of luck to them.
Hopefully Netflix air it so we can stream it here in Europe.

Btw I wonder will Washington D.C compete.
They could have been the automatic qualifier if they decided to take that route.

poe-tay-toe chips
poe-tay-toe chips
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

It probably won’t since it’s statehood is pending and not likely to happen because the senate will not go for it.