On Monday night, on NBC, the American Song Contest officially premiered. If you think this is some brand new idea then you are wrong. ASC is America’s answer to the Eurovision Song Contest that puts countries in Europe and Australia against each other with artists representing their countries respectively. Many may not know, well maybe BDB, but the band ABBA actually gained notoriety from the contest when they won back in 1974! So even before American Idol, the Voice, America’s Got Talent, Eurovision started it all.
Eurovision Song Contest didn’t really become known to the USA until Will Ferrell’s Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, but I found out about it during my time bartending at Freewheel Brewing when an ex-pac of the UK asked to stream it onto one of our TVs. So far only 11 artist have performed in the Live Qualifiers (the contest involves all 50 states, 5 US territories, & Washington DC) and already I am hooked. One of the best parts of the show is that it’s hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson whose chemistry is perfect and matches that of the Eurovision’s hosts. The big difference between ASC and Eurovision is that instead of just a country delegation vote, there is a live fan vote going on. So far there will be a state delegation vote pushing one artist straight to the semis but the top three fan votes will also move on.
I figured each week I would give you a synopsis of the artists who performed and give you some artists to keep an eye out for, because who doesn’t love trash TV mixed with a contest and new music!? Here’s all you need to know from the first round of the American Song Contest:
MINNESOTA: Yam Haus – This four-person band kicked off the night with their song “Ready To Go”, which they truly were. They brought a fun Indie Pop Rock sound that reminds you of Arcade Fire with a mix of The Strokes and Jet. All-in-all a fun dance-inducing pop anthem.
OKLAHOMA: AleXa – Did you know that Oklahoma was known for K-Pop!? I don’t think Chasta knows either but Alexa who was born in Tulsa has embraced her Korean heritage and has kicked off a very prominent professional career in Korea. Her song “Wonderland” was everything you would expect in a K-Pop song, upbeat, catchy, and a lot of choreography.
ARKANSAS: Kelsey Lamb – Bringing the country sound is Kelsey Lamb who says her sound is a mix of Blake Shelton meets Avril Lavigne. Her song “Never Like This” was a very mellow, love song. Unfortunately, I did not think her vocals were strong enough and I do not think she’ll be making it to the next round.
INDIANA: UG Skywalkin – Now time for some hip-hop. The son of Ugandan immigrants, UG Skywalkin brought an old school sound mixed in with the sound of current rap. Though the beat was tight, the highlight was his on stage partner who rapped the bridge which I wish UG did instead.
PUERTO RICO: Christian Pagán – Our first territory was represented in the form of Christian Pagán, hailing from Puerto Rico! Christian has been in the business for sometime, he has been listed at #1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Charts and #1 on Puerto Rico Latin Pop Radio. His song “LOKO” had the whole crowd, and even Snoop Dogg, dancing!
CONNECTICUT: Michael Bolton – That’s right, Michael Freakin’ Bolton! Even though he has been in the game for quite some time, Michael Bolton can still sing and bring the women to their knees, especially with his new song “Beautiful World” which is a perfect anthem for the whole world with what we all have been through in the past two years.
IOWA: Alisabeth Von Presley – What happens when Joan Jett, Pat Benetar, & P!NK ran head first into each other, came together, and learned how to play the Keytar? You will get Iowa’s representative, Alisabeth Von Presley. Her performance of her song “Wonder” was full of energy, girl power, and colors, so many bright colors.
WISCONSIN: Jake’O – You would think you were watching Elvis Presley performing. With his iconic hair style and the 1950’s Rockabilly look, Jake’O brought some old school rock to the stage. His song “Feel Your Love” is a true representation of the style of music he created called “Nuvo-Retro” where vintage rock meets futurism. All I can say is that the King would be proud.
MISSISSIPPI: Keyone Starr – Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Keyone Starr brought to the stage her song “Fire” which she says is a representation of the history of music from her home state. That is blues, gospel, and rock and roll. I never knew the tambourine could rock so hard, but this was a great performance nonetheless that had the crowd cheering her on.
WYOMING: Ryan Charles – You can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the rap out of the boy! Ryan Charles is a Western Rapper combining the spirit of his home state of Wyoming with the heart of ‘00s rap. His song “New Boot Goofin’”, which is titled after when his uncle would get a new pair of boots, might bring on a new dance, it was such a banger it even had Snoop Dogg dancing.
RHODE ISLAND: Hueston – Cory Hueston, or simply Hueston, brought one of the most powerful performances of the night with his song “Held on Too Long”. Hueston brings a dark and soulful voice to his performance that was so powerful that it had the whole crowd standing and applauding him.
THE JUDGES PICK: Hueston
JOE HAWK’S PICKS TO MOVE ON: Ryan Charles, Jake’O, Alisabeth Von Presley
The American Song Contest is on NBC Mondays at 8pm.
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Joe Hawk
