While the US couldn’t compete at Eurovision, our American cousins finally got their own contest through the spin-off, the American Song Contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest announced the news yesterday (March 14) after NBC acquired the rights to broadcast the American Song Contest, indicating that the competition will begin next year.
In the competition, players from all 50 stadiums and five territories in the United States and Washington, D.C., will compete for the nation’s vote for the Best Original Song in a series of qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and grand finals.
A solo artist, duo, DJ, or band will be selected to represent each region in the United States, with only one winner at the end of the process.
NBC announced during the 2021-2022 previews that the American Song Contest will be held mid-season sometime next year alongside shows like This Is Us and Kenan.
In a statement, Martin Osterdale, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “For more than 65 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has connected people on a large scale. As the owners of this hugely successful format, we have seen it find a place in the millions. Hearts in Europe and beyond.
“Now we are delighted that we have found the perfect partners to share this unique competition and emotional celebration of original music and songs with the American people.”
The application window will soon open for promising entrants, with anyone from the 50 states, Washington, D.C., the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands allowed to apply.
The Eurovision Song Contest, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, is currently taking place, and the final competition is on May 22 in the Netherlands.
The American Song Contest will be broadcast on NBC in 2022. Eurovision Song Competition 2021 will be broadcast on BBC in May. See the full list of Eurovision winners here. If you’re looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV guide.
