Producers of the American Song Contest are ready to slay from sea to shining sea. The spin-off of the wildly popular Eurovision Song Contest has officially launched its submissions and casting site at, appropriately enough, americansongsubmissions.com.
“Based on Eurovision Song Contest, the biggest music competition in the world with a 65-year history and 200 million viewers per year, American Song Contest will feature live performances of original songs representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital,” they write on the site. “Each original song will compete in a LIVE televised event series to win the country’s vote for the Best Original Song.”
“American Song Contest is scouring the nation looking for artists who own the stage and captivate an audience with original music.”
“From indie to pop, bands to DJ’s, rap to singer-songwriters, signed or independent, we will be showcasing a diverse array of artists in all genres from across the country.”
Producers are keen to stress the originality of submissions — a point of difference from the plethora of singing competitions that already exist. On the front page they write: “No Covers! No Tribute Bands! Original Songs ONLY.”
American Song Contest opens submissions period
The web site features an extensive page outlining eligibility for the contest. Among other things, participants must be 16 years or older and “must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States with a valid Social Security or tax identification number or be legally present in the United States and meet all requirements under United States immigration law and applicable tax law permitting you to participate in all program elements…”
Citizens of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands are also eligible.
The FAQ section stresses that people can only submit one song. Songs that have been released commercially (via iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify or a similar platform) are NOT allowed. “However, if the song has only been released or shared promotionally” — perhaps through SoundCloud, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube — it can be submitted. But if chosen, all of those posts will need to be removed.
Producers welcome artists who have — or don’t have — record and publishing deals. But they stress that if you do have existing deals, you’ll need to check with your label or publisher if they’re cool with you participating.
Submissions may not exceed 5 minutes.
In the eligibility requirements, producers also tease that filming will take place in Los Angeles and Atlanta, while leaving the door open for other locations too.
“If you are selected as a participant, you will need to be available to the production for approximately four (4) weeks (possibly longer or shorter) sometime between on or about February 11, 2022, through and including on or about April 12, 2022 (actual dates subject to change in Producer’s sole discretion), and be willing to travel to the Los Angeles, California and Atlanta, Georgia areas (and possibly other locations) as part of production.”
Contestants may not end up representing the state or territory they think they will. “As part of the application process, you must indicate all states or United States territories with which you have an authentic, deep connection, and if you are selected to participate in the Program, you agree that the Producer will have the ultimate determination of which state or territory you are selected to represent.”
Will you be applying for the show? Are you excited that producers have stressed originality and diversity of music? Let us know down below!
I really hope they make a rule on how popular the singer can be going into the contest. Cause I dont think its fair if Ariana Grande (for example) was going up against a new artist who is trying to also make it big. I really want this contest to be about small artist and not about the big stars because the US has a lot of them
Quite interesting.
The most I’m surprised of is the length of entry. Even DJ project is barely troubled to fit in ‘radio edit’ 3 minutes, and 4m would’ve made it for good build-up already 🙂
Whether producers think of semis with let’s say siding to east vs west, north vs south states or it’s randomised to avoid assumed culture bias, this seemingly leads to an interesting result.
I am from Texas, and personally would love to see it more country vs. country. I’ve lived here my whole 36 years of life, and most Americans are way too over privileged. We seem to think everything is owed to us at all times. I think it would be fantastic to send our qualifier to Eurovision instead to see where we really stand and be humbled a bit.
there is a rumor saying that the winner of this contest is going to represent the us in the real eurovision.
if so, i hope this contest flops miserably.
Ugh I can’t believe this is actually happening. I really hope it flops.
Looks good to me. Let’s what type of artists and songs enters
I’m actually intrigued to know what kind of songs would represent California and Puerto Rico. And I’m sure Texas has a diverse range of talent due to Nashville.
Nashville lies in Tennessee.
Or rather, I hope we got some Tejano songs out there. 🙂
I can think of some representatives who can represent the states:
I thought they weren’t going to pick people who are already famous?
I would LOVE to see OneRepublic participate, but I think poe-tay-toe-chips is right that the contest is focused more on rising talents, although I wouldn’t mind seeing famous artists as well
I’m lacking the most important piece of information here –
WILL WE EUROPEANS BE ABLE TO SEE IT WITHOUT A FRICKIN’ VPN?
And if so, HOW???
It makes me a bit angry, that again they pretend that America equals the USA. They should do a real American song contest, where the USA competes against the other american countries. It would also be more diverse in the music itself, which also makes Eurovision so special….
Even Asia wanted a real contest between countries…
It would be awesome if the organizers invite Måneskin for a live performance as the winners of Eurovision.
I’m pretty sure they’re going to. Didn’t they say they’d invite the ESC winner each year?
It’s a great way to promote Eurovision 2022 on Peacock and get people to sign up! I kind of hope they don’t adapt their winning song into English; in recent years Spanish language songs have become hits here with either no adaptation into English (“Dakiti” by Bad Bunny), with bilingual lyrics (“Telepatía” by Kali Uchis), or with remixes with some English lyrics added to it (“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee hit number one after a remix featuring Justin Bieber was released and stayed there for 16 weeks; “Mi Gente” by J. Balvin and Willy William became a top… Read more »
So many rules… I don’t think Americans can deal with this. This is too confusing to them.
If they can figure out the rules of that overcomplicated version of football of theirs, this should be a cakewalk in comparison.
Yeah, American football does have a lot of rules and goes more slowly. I like to call it “a cross between rugby and chess”. All the tackling and action of rugby, but instead of quick, fluid play like in rugby, the downs require teams to be more strategic in their formations and plays. I know it’s confusing to people outside of North America (Canada has its own version, Canadian football, but their version has a team with three downs, or chances to advance the ball in ten yard increments, before a turnover is forced, while the American version has four… Read more »
I’m American and even I don’t understand American football lol
Oh c’mon we’re not THAT dumb.
Is it just me or does this feel like they are testing the waters so the winner can then represent the US at Eurovision? I hope not!
Not entirely sure. You see, the United States, much like Australia, have several broadcasters that are associate members of the EBU, but NBC, which will run the American Song Contest, is not among them.
NBC is an associate member of the EBU (Same for ABC and CBS)
Is that American Song Contest open to all 35 American countries or just to a specific one in the northern part of the continent?
America the country and its overseas territories, not the rest of the Americas.
America the country? I can’t find any country called “America” on the world’s map. Did you mean Peru or Brazil? Maybe Jamaica?
The US.
Perhaps try to actually read the article next time before commenting maybe?
Perhaps try to actually call a country by its real name, and not by a name which is an appropriation of the name of a whole continent maybe?
America is the common, shorter name in English for the United States of America and is what people use, the same way in Spanish we don’t say Estados Unidos Mexicanos every time, but México. And in fact differentiating between the two “United States” is a good reason for the shortened versions existing.
For the love of god, stop whining
A country has at least two names, a long-form name and short-form one. Its full name is the United States of America. When shortened, it’s either one of four short-form names: U.S.A.,
U.S., United States, or just America.
It’s similar to how the UK is either the United Kingdom, Britain, Great Britain, or more formally the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In many languages all over the world, their term for the USA’s short-form name is a localized rendering of America and the United States.
If you’re referring to the two continents for which one contains the US, they’re collectively called “the Americas”. In some languages such as Spanish, they are simply “Americá”, as a result of how the term developed and expanded from its original coinage and its definition certainly now needing context to filly understand what you are referring to.
I am very excited but one thing make very very sad, it’s seems like the shows will be in the Eurovision national selection time which make it for me personally too close, I wanted that to be more spreeded but maybe that mean that they will join ESC…
I thought it would be in the summer of 2022.
Looking good so far. Nothing really worrying as far as I can see. NGL as an American this is pretty close to how I expected picking contestants would go down. Also good to see that they understand that a connection to a particular state is more about identity and feelings rather than presently living there. After all, many Americans live in more than one state during their lifetime.
I’m gonna watch it, but I’m a touch concerned because by the wording of ‘available for four weeks’ it seems like none of it will be live.
It more likely refers to having various semifinals, rehearsals, etc. At Eurovision, most artists need to be available for two weeks. ASC will have more contestants, therefore probably more semis + their schedule is not fixed yet.
oh ok, ty for clarifying 🙂
Interesting format. Looking forward to see how it will be realised.
they should have started by popularizing Eurovision in the United States to create a hype. With direct competition, Americans will think that they are the only ones on Earth (as usual), and that this is an original creation.
I’ll watch it. I’m just hoping against hope that it won’t be full of songs like the ones that are currently popular there. That’s unlistenable to me personally.
I just thought about how lucky I am that Eurovision songs mostly don’t follow that trend.
California wili be like Sweden with juries, Alaska like Malta with points from televote.
The article says there is no State that picks their own contestant, the producers will decide.
It depends based on the ties each artist has to a state or states. Since the affiliates of commercial networks don’t work together on a statewide level or produce entertainment programming this was the most logical way to place the participants. NBC is most likely taking on all aspects of production while their O&O and affiliate stations will just air the program which is typical of a commercial over the air network here. Only the affiliates of our public broadcaster (PBS) produce shows for PBS or license shows from UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand to show on PBS.… Read more »
I lived in California during my early 20s. California music scene is NOT Eurovision-Sweden. Like, AT ALL.
I’ll watch it
To see it flop ??
Interesting timing. Hopefully it could fill the Eurovision gap between the HOD meeting and rehearsals.
By the way, based on who’s involved, I would expect to be a US version of Melfest rather than Eurovision.
FIVE MINUTES?
They are trying to milk this for as long as possible lol
That’s the worst idea about the American song contest I’ve ever heard
Mr. Take It Away did indicate if the ASC is successful it could potentially lead to the US taking part in Eurovision. NBC is the American Olympic broadcaster who is also airing the American Song Contest and is one of 3 Associate Members representing the US in the EBU. Also people tend to describe ESC as the “Olympics of Music” to Americans, so I could see NBC accepting an invite to compete in ESC. It is not a bad/worst idea. Look at it this way the British media always says the reason UK gets little to no points is due… Read more »
So basically the 56 competing states-territories are the 50 states, Puerto Rico, DC, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa and… who else?
Oh, I guess the Northern Marianas
If this goes according to plan. Apart from airing on NBC, they should also get Telemundo on board for the Spanish broadcast (considering Puerto Rico is among the most influential Spanish-speaking “state”/territory). For the last 5 years, the Hispanic-American market is where all the money is at, the ads, music, influential positions that the Hispanic-American have obtained in the last decade should not be overlooked.
I really hope that they chose regions and not states. The contest will have to be small first. Having semis and other stuff is giving too much at once. You don’t give the spin off series before you know the movie itself will be successful. Yes. Fans of ESC wants a lot of extra. But people from US needs the competition to be explained before watching. Why should they watch? Why so many qualification rounds? Why should I care for Maine/Utah etc. California, Florida etc. will probably deliver better. Audience comes first. Then comes the complex qualifying rounds. When people… Read more »
Oh you poor sweet summer child. State rivalry runs rampant. Alabama is usually the butt of the joke amongst the states. California vs New York or California vs Texas, don’t even get me started. State rivalry runs as rampant as far as politics.
The rest of the South likes to pretend that my state, Florida, isn’t even part of the region!
For example, in this old Rhett and Link video called “The BBQ Song”, when they get to Florida…absolutely nothing. (They also replaced Florida’s outline with one of California.)
Florida is just overall weird, but I was born and raised here and it’s the only home I’ve known.
Bless your heart. Virginia did sue West Virginia twice (one in 1871 and in 1911 in relation to the split that created WV.) There is also a college football rivalry between the Virginia Tech Hokies and West Virginia Mountaineers. Those two states will want to beat each other in ASC. If you look at why they are going for Qualifying Rounds, Semi-Finals and the Grand Final for ASC it is due to inclusivity. They want everyone in the United States to feel involved with the contest. Often the five territories are absent from things like American Idol and The Voice.… Read more »
So I’m speaking from experience in ESC. The contest started with a few major countries. The exclusivity made new entering countries exiting and also they could understand what competition they were up against. If the competition started today with all present countries of today, probably people wouldn’t care for watching. The qualification rounds in Eurovision Song Contest was a CONSEQUENCE of the amount of countries who wanted to participate. There was already a hype. There was already an audience. That’s when they could hand out more content. Yes, of course it’s more inclusive with every state (+some islands). So the… Read more »
If this goes the way I imagine it will with most states sending radio friendly pop, this will likely bomb and not last very long. If states go the route of trying to send their ‘culture’ e.g. Louisiana jazz and country from the south then this could be interesting. America is a diverse place but if they don’t emphasise the cultural aspect of the contest it’ll turn out just like every other singing show as there won’t be enough musical diversity. If they’re smart, they’ll push for state pride when sending entries.
States will not be sending anything. This is not like Eurovision where various broadcasters participate, choosing entries for ASC will be solely at producers’ discretion. They already indicated they are interested in submissions from various genres, so I imagine that they will make a diverse selection out of them.
The article mentions that the applicants get to select a state or number of states with which the applicant has had a deep connection to (maybe places they’ve lived or have a sentimental connection to), so that is taken into account when the time comes for the producers to select the entries. To leave the selection decision to select NBC affiliates in each state would take up too much time and there is also the possibility that not all NBC affiliate stations have the same budget to work with. Having the producers select the songs is more in line with… Read more »
I’m not sure which part of my post are you reacting to. I was merely pointing out that the selection will be done by producers, not “by states”, thus there’s no need to worry about everyone “sending” radio-friendly songs. The choice will be made by producers who can therefore ensure the diversity, if that’s what they want.
I’m fine with it
I mean, if they want to have a competition of their own, why not? It sounds interesting and it might bring us some great new songs AND artists
Sorry, but I don’t want this.
The winner of american song contest will be an interval act in the Eurovision Song Contest and vice verse
I know a lot of people are against this idea but imo the winner should compete at the Eurovision Song Contest. It would give the artists promotion in the US (it is time that Americans and their radios start supporting EU artists. Here in Europe we are constantly bombarded with US music. It’s only fair) and make the ESC an even bigger event. If Australia can compete there is no reason why the US can’t and idc how many downvotes I get for this. I’d rather have the US in the ESC than a copy of the ESC. And it’s… Read more »
I will not downvote you ofc, but this sounds like a nightmare plan
Kirokov’s probably already buying a Wyoming residency!
We hear American music on the radio all the time. Why do we need this? Who wants this?
it’s for Americans, you don’t have to watch it if you don’t want to.
“American” music that are composed by British and Swedish songwriters and composers.
Not all American music ended up being heard on the radio overseas. Country, folk, Cajun, bluegrass, and certainly Tejano music aren’t something you’d often hear much outside the US.
It’s usually just CHR/Top 40 that get exported.
This isn’t really a copy of ESC but rather Bundevision at most, and even then the resemblance is superficial at most.
Actually I would say it would be more of a copy of Melodifestivalen (Qualifying Rounds) with ESC (Semi-Finals & Grand Final) attached at the end.
Lol this is a joke. Not interested. I’m from the states. WILL NOT BE WATCHING. HOPING FOR A FLOP ?
Agreed – let it follow X-Factor!
Sounds like one of the people who would swear in the social media handles of broadcast networks that they will not watch any show on offer for the upcoming fall season.
How about giving it a chance? Of course it won’t be like ESC, that’s not the point with it either. It’s a spin-off meaning that it will have some differences to fit the local audience and target group they are aiming for. The fact that it exist doesn’t mean the original will lose in value, it will still be there. Did ESC loose it’s value when JESC was introduced? Did Buffy loose her value when Angel got his show? It’s two different shows sharing same universe..
Why can’t they just invest more in getting US audiences interested in the original Eurovision. I just can’t help but not look forward to this at all. The same with US remakes of European tv shows, not everything has to have an American version. Some things are best left alone in the cultural sphere and rich history it inhabits.
Agree , but i do feel it’s a venture though worth a risk. Unfortunately. the Asian version of the show is now axed, in the USA they are trying it out, but as with everything in the USA its always a trial first, until people get board with it, if it doesnt bring revenue it gets axed. I hope it is successful , but USA isn’t Europe, Americans dont think like Europeans and I think its 50:50 chance of success because of the differences. For example: How many of us have been watching a fanatastic exciting series on Netflix?, and… Read more »
Every TV program has international spinoffs. Plus Eurovision will always remain a niche program here in the States because it airs at noon. What grand TV event airs at noon?
Most grand TV is sports (NFL/Olympics) however give NBC the chance and I’m sure they would promote the heck out of ESC if the United States was competing. There is a small amount of time NBC could air commercials during ESC and if they make it into a must watch afternoon event if the US ever competes in ESC imagine how much they could charge advertisers for a small, limited ad spot. If the ASC works out and NBC is invited to participate in ESC as a competitor representing the United States I could easily see ASC becoming the US… Read more »
Timeslot differences for one thing: Eurovision airs live at around 3pm on the East Coast, 2pm Central Time, and much earlier at Pacific time simultaneously.
A national broadcaster and its affiliate stations (many of which they don’t own) must be willing to air ESC for 2-4 hours worth of their airtime in the afternoon for 3 days in a year.
Of course streaming has partially solved that problem courtesy of the Peacock deal, but primetime television is still where the money is at.
NBC, ABC and CBS air a variety of sports in the afternoon especially on weekends (like a Saturday.) So there is already clauses in their agreements with affiliates to allow them to air live afternoon programming at times when affiliates usually program those slots.
Also ESC has specific points built in where European broadcasters can air ads, NBC and its 200+ O&O and affiliate base can air ads during those periods. Since the amount of ad space would be more limited during ESC that means NBC (national) and affiliates (local) could charge more per ad than normal.
Hard for Americans to hold interest that long. They won’t watch 3.5 hours and even this one seems will have at most 10 songs in any round, including the final.
it all sounds so complex . maybe it’ll work out idk
Wonder if I should just send an entry for the heck of it? lol like it would be chosen. William and Suzanne should totally host the contest though if it still follows through
please not Suzanne – she would bring her yello rubber duck on stage and would make weird sounds with it (just kidding)
and it would still be better than the 2017 eurovision hosts
The rubber duck is one of the reasons she should host lol
my optimistic side is saying this is cool, my pessimistic side is saying whoever thought of this is going to kill Eurovision and its credibility.
Personally, I give it 2 seasons the most. it won’t work because of advertising. Live Shows, sports, and events on TV in the USA revolves around advertising first and not entertaining the viewer. It s advertising first, sport event second, and the viewers and content last. If the format is \ similar to the original ESC this will go on far too long (think of a Malta selection process x load s of ads). Americans will not buy it unless they completely change the formatting. On the other hand f this becomes successful, please stay away from the European version… Read more »
Ameeicans won’t stay away. We wouldn’t have a 5th UK win if not for an American.
I hope suzanne hosts the show
You got this Ohio
Pfft. Pennsylvania forever, baby!
So there won’t be an actual host city as such?
More like the regular “You’re going to Hollywood” type tv talent show?
I hope I’m wrong, it would be interesting to see how little known cities/states market themselves and handle an event. And if this IS to work, it needs to break the mould of American Idol, AGT etc
I would like after the 1st edition that the winning state/territory has 1st refusal to host the following year, similar to Eurovision
Yeah that’s what I was thinking too.
I’m already rooting for American Samoa!
On the wiki site it says ” The program will consist of five “heats” of 10 states each competing for four spots that will advance to the next round. The 20 remaining states will compete in two semifinals, with five states in each semifinal qualifying for the Grand Finals. The 10 finalists will battle for the American Song Contest trophy.”
Yet it makes it seem like now it seems like it is much more American Idol version where each contestant is on their own and not representing their state? Doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of the Eurovision format though?
The wiki is wrong on this, just based on the maths – if we assume DC, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, USVI and Puerto Rico are part of it, as the release and citizenship requirements state, either we’re looking at 4×11 and 1×12, or the more likely 4×14. If they’re wrong from their starting point, and they clearly are, I’d be disinclined to take too much notice of the rest of their theories.
That was written before the announcement of the inclusion of the territories, but I still think the format still holds. It will be similar to Melfest or Sanremo.
Wikipedia articles’ authenticity are verified through actual footnoted links to genuine sources. Make sure what you read there regarding its format is legit.
This was based off a quote from Ola Melzig when talking with the Czech HoD so I thought it was pretty legit
That was probably at a time the show was still being pitched.
“Submissions may not exceed 5 minutes”.
.
well, so not 3, then, as it is in Eurovision? it is not really a Eurovision adaptation without bringing the most vital rule. I even have made a special playlist for it, to tell people that it is not restrictive at all: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2z2Pai7uBrwh80kDiGOdP1?si=7omVk7BeSymmjJudDEvrCQ&utm_source=copy-link .
Only for the auditions. The performances will probably be shortened as seen on The Voice.
oh so is it that the video recording and studio version that will be submitted, and then performed on the AmSC stage if it goes through the submission, will be different from one another?
Personally I find the 3 minutes rule to be one of the biggest flaws of ESC rules. It doesn’t respect structure of present-day music. After 2:30 you can’t do anything reasonable or original so everyone just adds another chorus with a key change. I really wish they would extend it to 3:30, it would be a great improvement.
*flaw*. really? I might be one of the only few who will disagree. I think the length rule right now is already good. not too short, not too long as well. it is efficient enough and it prevents unnecessary repetitive parts. and the current music industry indirectly fits the rule and unconsciously follows it. examples are:
-“Smile” of Katy Perry, 2:46
-“Montero” of Lil Nas X, 2:17
-“Run” of One Republic, 2:49
“I Love It” of Icona Pop ane Charli XCX, 2:37
-“In the Morning” of Itzy, 2:52
and many many more. so it is not really restrictive at all.
Has it ever happened to you to just hate something before it even existed? Because that’s how I feel about the American Song Contest.
Kinda like how people ever liked a show upon seeing a trailer of its pilot episode and hoping it wouldn’t make it past the first episode then canceled, only to be realized it did well enough to earn a full season backorder and a renewal.
I can’t say I get why. As an American, this sounds like it’ll be fun. We’re not trying to take Eurovision away from Europeans or force ourselves into it. Most Americans don’t even know what it is. We’re just having fun, doing our own thing. This is probably the best case scenario for a project like this, and I’m glad they’re emphasizing that songs have to be original since I think that’ll make for the most novel aspect of it over here.
I understand, but honestly I can’t see it be any better than a glorified version of The Voice US, with the difference being on the songs, which will be original. I really hope I’m going to be proven wrong though, but everything about this just seems insincere so far. Eurovision was created to reunite a war-stricken Europe. ASC is created for what?
The Voice US is no different from The Voice in every other country in the world. All our stupid reality shows are the same as stupid reality shows in any other part of the world. The only difference is, we’ve never had a Eurovision-like event for those contestants to show what they can do on original material (versus a whole load of Eurovision contestants, including the last two winners). American reality competitions have a bad rap, but however earned it may be, I bet your country has the exact same ones. Doesn’t mean your country is less legitimate a source… Read more »
i get what your saying. but it won’t be on european tv you don’t need to watch.
it’s not for you. don’t watch it