American Song Contest finally set to premiere next month

Keslie Dolin will bring you to tears.

Miss. America 2016 Betty Maxwell is ready for her next crown.

The US version of the Eurovision Song Contest has secured some big-name contestants, with Michael Bolton, Macy Gray, Jewel and Sisqó all confirmed to be competing in the inaugural competition, which launches this month.

Eurovision Song Contest has unveiled its inaugural line-up.Initially announced in 2020, the new contest was due to appear on TV in February but was delayed by NBC.

Thousands of Scots workers will receive a wage rise with changes to the ‘National Living Wage’ coming into force from next month.

American Song Contest is the next big music competition series heading to TV!

Chris Willman Music WriterAs “American Song Contest” approaches its March 21 premiere date, the “Eurovision Song Contest”-inspired NBC show has announced 56 artists that will compete in representing the 50 U.S. states, along with a new deal with Atlantic Records to release the upcoming series’ original songs.Some familiar names pop up on the stage-by-state list of competitors — including Jewel (representing Alaska), Macy Gray (Ohio), Michael Bolton (Connecticut), the Crystal Method (Nevada), Sisqo (Maryland) and Allen Stone (Washington) — along with dozens not so well known outside their local territories.Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg were recently announced as co-hosts for the show.

Leah Marlene is going to Hollywood!

Emily Longeretta “American Idol” debuted 20 years ago and has since launched the careers of many budding singers. The series premiered on Fox in 2002 with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Changes to the National Living Wage will be coming into force from next month.

Luke Bryan has had the time of his life performing in Las Vegas of late, but like all good things, it's come to an end.MORE: Luke Bryan receives outpour of love as he shares bittersweet messageLuckily for the American Idol star, he will be back in June, but that didn't stop him from paying a heartfelt tribute to his time there so far.Following his last show on Saturday, the music icon posted a montage of video clips from the experience at Resort World, including photos of him meeting his fans.VIDEO: Luke Bryan calls on fans for help after incident in Las Vegas Alongside it, he wrote: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… it might be the last night of my first run at @resortworldlv, but I'll be back soon! See y'all there."MORE: Luke Bryan's home in Nashville has an emotional backstory - detailsMORE: Luke Bryan leaves fans thrilled with exciting career newsFans were quick to show their support for the country singer, with one writing: "Just WOW!" while another wrote: "You were awesome! Hope there are many more nights in Vegas." A third added: "Your show was so awesome, I so want to see you again in June!"A post shared by Luke Bryan Official (@lukebryan)Luke Bryan bid farewell to Las Vegas - for now - ahead of the start of American IdolLuke will be back in June, where he will kick off his Las Vegas residency again, but for now, he will be busy working alongside his co-judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as the new series of American Idol kicks off on Sunday night.MORE: Luke Bryan's children star in emotional new videoMORE: Luke Bryan leaves fans in shock over generous offerThe trio will be on the lookout for the next big name in music, on the show that has seen the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be down one big competitor.

invasion of Ukraine.The Eurovision organizers are the European Broadcasting Union, which announced Russia’s disqualification in a statement on Friday.“The decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute.”“We remain dedicated to protecting the values of a cultural competition which promotes international exchange and understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music and unites Europe on one stage,” they said.The Eurovision Song Contest is coming into its 66th year and is set to take place in Turin, Italy, on May 14. Ukraine will be represented by Kalush Orchestra in the music contest.Ukraine initially had implored the European Broadcasting Union to keep Russia away from the music competition amid the war and conflict between the two nations.A statement translated by NPR by the EBU was released on Thursday, noting how Russia was still eligible to compete.

Russia has been banned from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry would bring the competition into “disrepute.''“The EBU is an apolitical member organisation of broadcasters committed to upholding the values of public service,’’ the union said on Twitter.

K.J. Yossman The European Broadcasting Union, who organize the Eurovision Song Contest, have barred Russia from participating this year.In a statement, the EBU said:“The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that no Russian act will participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.The Executive Board of the EBU made the decision following a recommendation earlier today by the Eurovision Song Contest’s governing body, the Reference Group, based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU.The Reference Group recommendation was also supported by the EBU’s Television Committee.The decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute.

K.J. Yossman Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said they will not prevent Russia from participating this year.