The Eurovision song contest is–both throughout Europe and across the rest of the world–one of the most popular entertainment events of the year. It brings together the excitement and competition of an international sporting event and the total weight of creativity found within the modern music industry. It’s a celebration of both song-writing and performance, all culminating in one night of stunning displays, in which each contestant presents the best their nation has to offer.
For almost two decades now, ideas have been floating around for an American take on the competition. After all, America has one of the most extensive and diverse music industries globally. As a result, all kinds of genres and styles, from hip-hop to folk-rock to EDM, come together in America to create new and innovative music. But has the time for ‘America-vision’ finally come?
In 2020, only a month after Eurovision was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix released the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Sage. The film was an instant hit in the U.S, taking the title for the most-streamed content on Netflix in its first weekend.
The executives at NBC were listening to the buzz because, after years of people trying and failing to float the idea. So this studio brought us American Idol finally decided the time was right for the American Song Contest.
How will the American Song Contest be different from Eurovision?
Created with the European Broadcasting Union (the company responsible for Eurovision), we can expect American Song Contest to be–at least in a general sense–a lot like Eurovision.
Of course, there are a few essential differences between Europe and America, and the competition will reflect this. Where Eurovision pits countries against each other, the American Song Contest will be a competition between artists and groups from each of the American states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the five populated U.S Territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S Virgin Islands).
Another significant difference will be in broadcasting. For Eurovision, each country has its presenters for apparent reasons. Swedish viewers will want to watch Eurovision in Swedish, while German viewers will watch the show in German. In the U.S, however, this is not a problem because most U.S citizens speak English as their primary language. Therefore, one broadcast will be set to be presented by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson.
When Will the Contest take place?
Fifty-six artists are competing, and the first qualifier aired on Monday, March 21st. The contest will continue until May 9th, slowly whittling down the candidates until artists finally go up against each other in the semi-finals in one climactic final night.
What To Expect
Expectations for the American Song Contest are high, but nobody knows quite what we’ll see. But, if it’s anything like Europe, we can expect a blend of all kinds of cultures and styles.
Indeed, many critics and musicians predict that the contest will help break away from the ‘mainstream’ of American music and bring some more niche genres into the popular eye.
On the other hand, some have predicted that political divides could affect how some participants vote. For example, the ideological gap between liberals in California and Conservatives in Texas has, at times, caused animosity between the two states.
Voting in the Eurovision song contest has often been accused of political motivations, and many are wondering whether or not the American Song Contest will face similar backlash. However it plays out, music fans from across the country can expect excitement in the coming months.
