A brand new American version of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to launch in 2021 as the country's different states go head to head to win in the ultimate Grand Final.
The American Song Contest will welcome entries from any act whether they are a famous artist who is already signed to a major label, or a total amateur.
Music professionals from all over the US will come together and form the American Song Contest Academy, who alongside regional audiences, will select who will represent each of the 50 states taking part.
These representatives can be anything from solo artists, duos or bands with up to 6 members.
The European version of Eurovision attracts millions of viewers every year, with 182million tuning in to the 2019 show, and has launched the careers of artists including ABBA and Celine Dion.
Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, explained: “The Eurovision Song Contest’s unique legacy dates back 65 years and its worldwide popularity is still rising.
"It’s time for America to experience this spectacle, through its sister competition, the American Song Contest. Love of music is universal and celebration of music in different genres and styles can transcend boundaries and unite people.
"We are excited to have found the right partners to offer another series that our fans across the globe can fall in love with and to share this unique competition with the American people.”
American Song Contest producer Anders Lenhoff added: “Imagine if music was an Olympic sport and artists from all over the world came together to compete for the gold.
"That’s the Eurovision Song Contest .
"The American version will be different than anything seen before on U.S. television, marrying the fanfare and excitement of March Madness and the NFL playoffs with the artistry and beauty of world-class performances.
"The American Song Contest is a competition that happens to be televised, rather than a contest created to make a television show.
"And it’s open to all singers with a song, whether they are amateur artists or already signed to a major record label.
"No one is excluded from the competition.”
A date has not yet been given, but the series will take place after the Eurovision Song Contest which takes place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in May 2021.
The 2020 version of the show was sadly cancelled due to the coronavirus, so the UK's entry, James Newman, missed out on his chance to win.
