Well, next week is the last round of qualifiers which means we are two weeks away from the semi-finals and also just one week away to see who will be representing California. This week though had a lot of heavy hitters. Not as country heavy as last week was, this week though had a lot of pop and rock influences and two grammy-nominated acts. As with the previous weeks, the show started out with the results of the judges voting and then the results of the combination of America’s vote. Here’s how it played out:
TENNESSEE – Tyler Braden (Judge’s Pick)
COLORADO – Riker Lynch
ALABAMA – Ni/Co
TEXAS – Grant Knoche
Looks like one of my favorites, besides the top runner, actually made it! Let’s just hope that “New Boot Goofin’” still makes it in the redemption vote. Here’s the overview and breakdown from this week’s round of qualifiers:
NEW HAMPSHIRE – Mari
Song title: “Fly”
She calls herself the Latin Lizzo, great energy with a personality as big as her hair. I loved the lyrics, they sent a great message, the beat of the song was amazing and what a set of pipes!
NEVADA – Crystal Method
Song title: “Watch Me Now”
Pre EDM techno duo now solo that have been nominated for two Grammys, The song itself is an incredible mix of rock and techno, a huge strong chorus which reminds me of when wolf mother first came on the scene.
UTAH – Savannah Keyes
Song title: “Sad Girl”
Savannah has a great voice, but unfortunately sounds just like all the other female country singers out there. The song itself is a good one though, although Even with her strong performance of the song I just don’t think it’ll possibly move on.
WASHINGTON DC – Nëither
Song title: “I Like It”
Bringing the official music of DC, Go-Go music, to the stage is Nëither. It’s a multicultural melting pot of song styles. This song is fun. Great beat, great lyrics, it sounds like a mix of reggae with a splash of RnB and hip hop.
MASSACHUSETTS – Jared Lee
Song title: “Shameless”
Jared brings strong vocal prowess to his song shameless, the song about being shamelessly in love. An interesting mix of r&b beats with pop-like vocals.
GEORGIA – Stella Cole
Song title: “DIY”
A fun mix of Pop, hip hop, and rap, Stella came out strong with her singing. You can definitely see that soer of her influences are Ciara and TLC.
HAWAII – Bronson Varde
Song title: “4 You”
What happens when you mix island vibes with a lil pop and RnB beat, you get Bronson Varde and his song 4 You. It’s a fun, bright song anyone would enjoy sitting on the beach watching the waves crash or even at a family bbq.
WEST VIRGINIA – Alexis Cunningham
Song title: “Working on a Miracle”
Alexis says her style of music is a mix of retro rock with a dash of punk. She brings a great song to the stage with a great beat and tune. Super strong melody and vocals with her performance.
ARIZONA – Las Marias
Song title: “De La Finikera”
Mariachi music has made it to primetime! The twin sisters bring their heritage to tell their story of dual citizenship and the hardships of dealing with our current immigration system. They didn’t mix it in with a popular style; they were 100% mariachi and I loved it!
PENNSYLVANIA – Bri Steves
Song title: “Plenty Love”
A beautiful and awesome song from the artist representing and from my wife’s home state of Pennsylvania, Bri Steves. Very melodic with a great mix of hip hop and loved the rap breakdown.
WASHINGTON – Allen Stone
Song title: “A Bit of Both”
Allen Stone should be up there on the Mount Rushmore of soul. His song A Bit of Both penetrates your soul and flows through you. His vocals are sharp and strong and the melody becomes part of you when you hear it. Until I hear next week’s last group of artists, this is my front runner.
JURY SELECTION THIS WEEK: Allen Stone
JOE HAWK’S PICKS: Crystal Method, Mari, Alexis Cunningham
American Song Contest airs Mondays 8pm on NBC.
