US Eurovision Song Contest: Michael Bolton, Macy Gray, Jewel, Sisqó All Set To Compete In First US Version

With his signature track Grace Kelly, infectious energy and bouncy curls, Mika was one of the standout stars of the noughties.The popstar, now 38, was hailed as the "next Freddie Mercury" and topped the charts both in the UK and the US. His most famous hits include Love Today, (Big Girls) You Are Beautiful and We Are Golden. However, more recently the singer had slipped off our radar until the news arrived that he would be hosting this year's Eurovision song contest in Italy.

Michele Amabile Angermiller How are we supposed to live without Michael Bolton? “American Song Contest” doesn’t have to answer that question just yet, as Connecticut-based Bolton and his song “Beautiful World” could still place next week through a combination of votes through fans and jurors. But the early lead on night one of NBC’s U.S.

The United States finally got its first look at its own version of the Eurovision with NBC’s American Song Contest, which made a two-hour debut on Monday night. The new singing competition on the block, however, fell behind the latest episode of American Idol on ABC.

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterNBC’s “American Song Contest” series premiere was topped by a new episode of ABC’s “American Idol” Monday, according to early Nielsen data.The two-hour debut of NBC’s U.S. adaptation of the European mega hit “Eurovision Song Contest” averaged a 0.5 rating among adults 18-49 and 2.892 million viewers while airing live from 8-10 p.m., per Nielsen’s fast-affiliate ratings. Meanwhile, “Idol” averaged a 0.7 key demo rating and 5.1465 million viewers during that same window.“American Song Contest” is a live show for the East Coast, but airs tape delayed for the West Coast.

As the very first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson is bound to have advice for the contestants of her new show, American Song Contest, but her words of wisdom are actually what she tells every musician in the industry.

American Song Contest premieres tonight!

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterWith the 65 years “Eurovision Song Contest” has under its belt, NBC’s U.S. adaptation of the worldwide phenomenon has a lot to live up to on day one. Luckily, “American Song Contest” also has the full-backing of the OG show’s production powerhouse  and a team of Eurovision fanatics preparing for its weekly two-hour live shows hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, beginning with Monday’s 8 p.m.

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer“American Song Contest” has revealed its detailed online and TikTok voting procedures and the 56 members of its expert jury panel, including Isaac Slade, Matt Pinfield and Jose Tillan, ahead of the U.S. adaptation of “Eurovision’s” big two-hour debut Monday on NBC, Variety has learned exclusively.Hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, the all-live “American Song Contest” will feature 56 artists representing the 50 states, five U.S.

Things are about to get territorial on NBC. Kelly Clarkson — a Texas girl at heart — and Snoop Dogg — straight out of Long Beach — will play host to the network’s new competition series, “American Song Contest”, where it’ll all boil down to home pride.

Kelly Clarkson -- a Texas girl at heart — and Snoop Dogg -- straight out of Long Beach — will play host to the network's new competition series,, where it'll all boil down to home pride.In a supertease of the new show, the Southern California-bred rapper represents his hometown while the  legend echoes her home state's rallying cry of «go big or go home.» She adds, «And every musician in this country feels the same way about where they come from.»And therein lies the premise of the new series — eight-weeks of live original musical performances from performers representing all 50 states, the five U.S. territories as well as the nation's capital.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeFormer Propagate president Greg Lipstone is making the move over to oversee American Song Contest Inc. as its president and COO, just days before the ambitious NBC competition series launches on March 21.An offshoot of the long-running global phenomenon Eurovision, “American Song Contest” will attempt to try something similar in the United States, via song writing and performer competitors representing 56 U.S.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Propagate President Greg Lipstone has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of American Song Contest Inc., one of the companies behind NBC’s upcoming music reality competition series of the same name, which premieres March 21.

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.

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.

The Rasmus are set to represent Finland at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest after winning a televised competition over the weekend (February 26).The band won in a landslide victory with their song ‘Jezebel’, which was co-written and produced by previous collaborator Desmond Child (KISS, Aerosmith). It was announced last month that the band were hoping to represent their country at the ceremony.Speaking after winning Finland’s selection process event – Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) – on Saturday night, vocalist Lauri Ylönen said: “We did it! We are so happy.

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.