The Eurovision Song Contest is going stateside as NBC secures the American Song Contest.
Based on the world’s largest music event, the American Song Contest will feature live original musical performances, representing all 50 states, five US territories and the Nation’s capital. In the best Eurovision tradition, they will be competing to win the country’s vote for the Best Original Song.
The live competition consists of three rounds as the acts compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi Finals and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory will emerge victorious. In addition to fan votes, a jury of music industry professionals will also lend their expertise to the competition.
Anders Lenhoff and Peter Settman, alongside Christer Björkman and Ola Melzig, Producers who have worked on over 20 Eurovision Song Contests between them, acquired the American format rights for Eurovision Song Contest from the EBU and partnered with Propagate to bring Eurovision to the states.
“For 65 years the Eurovision Song Contest has connected people far and wide. As owners of this hugely successful format, we have seen how it has found a place in millions of hearts across Europe and beyond.
Now we are excited to have found the perfect partners to share this unique competition and its passionate celebration of music and original songs with the American people.”
Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest for the EBU
“’American Song Contest’ combines the competitive spirit of rooting for your home team along with epic performances that will introduce viewers to the musical cultures that make up America,” said Jenny Groom, Executive Vice President of Unscripted Content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “We are excited to showcase the universal power of music in a spectacular multi-week live musical event.”
With the entire series airing live, American Song Contest is a co-production between Propagate and Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, with the executive producer of ‘The Voice’ at the helm.