The house was packed at the premiere of American Song Contest, NBC’s next venture into the live music competition spectrum. The soiree kicked off to a great start with a live taping of rapper Snoop Dogg and singer Kelly Clarkson hosting in what would become a phenomenal night of talent. Artists representing 11 different U.S. states were in attendance to compete using original songs in the hopes of gaining America’s vote.
First to bat was the Minnesota band Yam Haus, who performed their original song “Ready to Go.” The choice to go with Minnesota before all other states made a very apparent statement, considering that the state was also the cornerstone for the social unrest of 2020 sparked by the unwarranted death of George Floyd. Trimmed to perfection, Yam Haus did not disappoint, giving an awe-inspiring performance, easily leaving the impression that this wasn’t their first rodeo.
Following behind, K-Pop artist AleXa represented the state of Oklahoma with her performance of “Wonderland.” The petite powerhouse delivered on her promise with a high energy, dance-infused set that charged up the fans. AleXa’s appeal appeared to be on global pop star levels. The question remains why she isn’t on the stages with the likes of the Dua Lipas, Doja Cats, and Ariana Grandes? If she’s been slept on thus far, her time is coming very soon.
Another standout firepower came in the form of Mississippian Keyone Starr. She performed a fiery single called “Fire” blazoned in a red fit and backed by a rock band. Starr definitely embodies the Black rock star persona, from her long locs to her propensity to howl on the mic with an ethereally triumphant, but passionately rugged vocal ability. Starr is what the music game has been missing.
While all of the artists were uniquely eccentric, no one perplexed the masses more than the boot loving Ryan Charles from Wyoming. As his story explains, where he’s from, boots are a symbol of pride and a boost to the esteem. Along with his boots, Charles donned a complete country western getup that came complete with cowboy hat and belt buckle in tow, but surprisingly, he wasn’t there to do country. Instead, Charles broke out in a hip hop song called “New Boot Goofin,'” and what a performance it was. Even Snoop Dogg thought the song was amazing.
Other artists that performed included Kelsey Lamb from Arkansas, UG skywalkin from Indiana, Alisabeth Von Presley from Iowa, Christian Pagán from Puerto Rico, Jake’O from Wisconsin, and Hueston from Rhode Island.
Midway through the live competition, veteran music artist Michael Bolton stepped onto the stage to represent his home state Connecticut. Dressed in black, the Grammy winner flawlessly belted out an emotional “Beautiful World” in front of a clearly surprised audience.
Rhode Island’s Hueston ended up winning the preliminary qualifiers with the touching single “Held On Too Long.” Hueston’s story of surviving poverty and a drug culture in America pulled at heartstrings and magnified his song even more as he sat within a circle in the middle of the stage.
From the various set designs to the magnificent performances from each artist, American Song Contest serves a delectable entree of talent. Inspired by the cross-country competition show Eurovision Song Contest, American Song Contest will consist of 56 music artists that represent a U.S. state or territory to compete for the “Best Original Song” title.
Fans can vote for their favorite artist every week at the American Song Contest website. American Song Contest live episodes airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC or on streaming platforms Peacock and Hulu.
