Last weeks show provided a rollercoaster ride of performances, from hyperactive indie-pop bands to big staged K-pop events, neon-lighted bangers to beautifully raw and intimate ballads. We saw the closing act of the evening – Hueston – walk away with the jury ticket to the next level (as predicted here), and we are now waiting with baited breath to hear what 3 acts will qualify to the semi-final thanks to the televote. Personally, our money is on AleXa, Christian Pagan and Ryan Charles.
This weeks episode provides a similar level of talent but whole new genres and acts to enjoy, as seen here:
Kansas – Broderick Jones
Song: Tell Me (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Broderick Jones is a singer/songwriter known for his smooth vocals and gravitating stage performances. Broderick raked up over 35 million streams alone with no backing, helping him put a spotlight on the city and move closer towards his dream of becoming the biggest artist ever from Kansas. Broderick is thrilled to represent his state and show America that if he can make it from here, than anyone can.
Things To Note: One of the lesser established artists for this episode, Broderick give us a smooth rnb vibe that conjures up much of what Justin Bieber currently delivers. Here, he comes off as he does in his other material and filmclips, a tad awkward but adorable. Whilst there is a lovely sense engagement with his dancers that he is singing his possibly unrequited feelings to, the idea of surrounding him puts a barrier between him and the viewers. So much of the focus is on them, and not him. I want to tell him that I love him, but I have to admit the song isn’t breaking any new ground – it sounds like so many other recent tracks heard that would make for a nice and comfortable Sunday summer drive soundtrack. I think viewers could really appreciate his lyrics and voice as a point of difference in this episode, but it’s the eye-camera connection thats really lacking here to establish that relationship leading to them being persuaded hitting that vote button.
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Kentucky – Jordan Smith
Song: Sparrow (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Jordan Smith is a singer/songwriter best known for winning season nine of NBC’s hit reality television series “The Voice.” The Kentucky native holds the record as the highest-selling artist in “The Voice” history, dethroning Adele’s “Hello” at #1 on the iTunes charts.
Things To Note: Jordan Smith is very much in his Christian music wheelhouse with the song ‘Sparrow’ – uplifting, inspirational and is vocally on point. For all those viewers that took issue last week on the vocals of artists, this may be the episode and the act that could claw them back. On snippets alone, this is the one that also feels most downplayed both in staging and song, personally washing over me and leaving me feel most devoid of emotion. But recognizing his status as a winner of The Voice, a show which shares that Monday timeslot on NBC and likely much of the same viewing audience demographic, I expect that he will do big things on the televote.
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Maine – King Kyote
Song: Get Out Alive (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: King Kyote is a recording artist who has toured extensively in the Northeast as well as around the country. Harken to a night of whiskey drinking in a cabin among the Maine pines, King echoes the yells of rock ‘n’ roll’s forefathers while having a deeply rooted harmony with roots rock, singer-songwriter and folk genres. He has played at iconic venues throughout Maine and local festivals, as well as shows with many local popular acts such as Ghosts of Paul Revere, Rustic Overtones and The Mallet Brothers Band.
Things To Note: Did King Kyote steal Michael Bolton’s 80s voice and Kings of Leon’s wardrobe? More seriously, watching this snippet, Get Out Alive is probably the most polished and professional of everything seen in terms of staging, delivering what one would more likely expect of a headline performance at a music awards show. The platform box not only raises him up, but elevates our focus on his star power. The song itself is a roots-based toe-tapper, and he delivers a very assured and well-balanced blues-rock vocal. This feels like it will stand out on the night for the delivering a well-rounded package. I feel like jury will avoid awarding it, not for any lack of quality, but more because it feels like an already crowded field of strong male vocalists going through to the next round. However, this should deservedly go through to the semi-final if televoters are seeking a good song done well.
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Montana – Jonah Prill
Song: Fire It Up (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Over a million people across the country and around the world were initially roped in by Jonah Prill’s cowboy charm and simple way of life with his horses, cowboy charm and Montana lifestyle on TikTok. With his account, Jonah gained a loyal following of over a million people by 2020 to see his journey to country music stardom. From rocking school assemblies in 3rd grade, singing in choirs through europe by highschool, and joining every band in college. It wasn’t long before Prill knew he wanted to release his own music and become a household name in country music. This Casanova’s ability to infuse his country music heritage and down-home upbringing into the lyrics and melodies of his music is what might make him one of the genre’s most intriguing new artists. The grandson of country artist Dean Evans, Prill seems poised to lead a new generation into a new chapter, a chapter filled with pages of an authentic life lived by a simple man from Billings, Montana.
Things To Note: Trawl any of the Eurovision discussions veering off into ASC chat, and you will soon discover that Jonah Prill’s image comes up regularly as “the good looking Country guy” from the show. He also seems to have a legion of female followers on Tik-Tok enjoying his commentary and imagery from the farm. In regards to his music though, not so much to follow. He doesn’t have the engaging voice of Luke Bryan or the personality of Keith Urban, and this is where he may just need some more time to develop. Fire It Up, is perfectly nice as song, but I don’t feel particularly fired up by this performance (whether its because he is still working on his stage skill or perhaps because he is saving his energy for the live show on the night is yet to be seen). In my eyes, the only thing that is hot about this act are the pyros. Nevertheless, I’m sure it will have its supporters, but generally speaking, nice doesn’t usually equal a lot of votes.
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Nebraska – Jocelyn
Song: Never Alone (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Nebraska native Jocelyn combines her observant outlook on life, love and music to write positive songs that both motivate and inspire. She has toured with Darius Rucker, Hootie and the Blowfish and Barenaked Ladies. Jocelyn also had the great privilege to partner with Boys Town National Hotline, a Nebraska nonprofit that is dedicated to providing a safe home for children of all races and religions, and Hope Squad on the Kindness Tour, bringing her positive music and message along with suicide prevention resources to schools across the country. She was featured on “Celebrity Undercover Boss” with Rucker and “Showtime at the Apollo” with Steve Harvey. Jocelyn wants to represent Nebraska to spread the message of Boys Town as well as her love for the state.
Things To Note: Trawling through Jocelyn’s repertoire, you can discover that she has a busking history and is a beautiful storyteller in her songwriting – very reminiscent of Tracy Chapman; so it’s a pleasure to see that she is keeping the entry authentic to that. Whilst the snippet gives little away in the actual song lyric itself, we do know its a very personal track, and this does feel like it is naturally building to an emotional crescendo. Out of all the songs, this is I am genuinely excited to see and hear in full – in much the same way as Hueston rang honest and heartfelt in episode 1. As well as some wonderful vocal tone and control, what we also have is a beautiful presentation that despite being a big space for one person gives her focus, using the LCD stage lights in much the same way that it was used to great effect for Michael Bolton and Hueston last week. There is a risk that if this ends up too early in the show, it may fly under the radar with viewers, but my gut says that there is a real chance that the jury will do it’s job to see Jocelyn through to the next stage.
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New York – Enisa
Song: Green Light (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: New York local ENISA has spent her whole life preparing for this journey as a first-generation American born to Albanian parents. Following her graduation from Brooklyn’s esteemed Edward R. Murrow High School, she attended Brooklyn College and continued to develop her unique musical vision. A series of distinctive cover versions exploded across social media, earning her millions of views and critical acclaim from the likes of Complex, XXL, ThisSongIsSick and more. ENISA continued to hone her diverse musical approach, infusing contemporary soul pop with Middle Eastern flourishes inspired by her own Muslim heritage. Track releases like Scridge and Genda’s viral smash “Karma (Remix)” and such solo singles as “Burn This Bridge” and “Wait for Love” showcased a spectacular knack for raw soul and endless attitude, earning her close to 16 million views and more than 3 million global streams.
Things To Note: There must be something in the water with Albania to produce so many pop princesses – acts like Rita Ora, Dua Lipa and Bebe Rexha. Clearly ENISA is hoping to be next, and her back catalogue proves a delightful sound of multiculturally flavoured rnb and pop playing to her heritage. Green Light is entirely radio-friendly current, but because of that Balkan beat also stands as unique in the show field. I like her engagement with the camera, and the choice of Matrix-esque green lazers and light box staging also ensures it stands out. Whilst its hard to tell from just 20 seconds, my concern is that it could get quite repetitive and potentially not find a new gear in the song to make it memorable. Additionally, I feel like we have seen many similar entries go through Eurovision in the past few years with reasonable success, but this mix of Rhianna-esque downbeat rnb with ethnic beats may not be something mainstream America is totally familiar with and ready to vote for.
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North Dakota – Chloe Fredericks
Song: Can’t Make You Love Me (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Chloe Fredericks grew up listening to some of country music’s great artists, including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Emmylou Harris, and often receives comparisons to powerhouse singer-songwriters Adele and Amy Winehouse. Her mom would always call Chloe her “little singing birdy” and some of Chloe’s fondest memories are singing alongside her dad. She was raised on a ranch in North Dakota and learned the cowboy way of living – if you get bucked off of a horse, you get right back on. It’s helped carry Chloe through the more trying times in the ever-changing music business.
Things To Note: Leading in to this week’s episode, exploring the social channels and prior music of Chloe, I get nothing but ‘nice girl next door’ vibes. This song however spins all that on it’s head – it’s a bit brash and country-rock growl and with the overuse of red colours in both the lights and the outfit feels very aggressive. The consequence is that if I ran into her on my street, I’d probably want to avoid her before I get cop an earful. Jokingly it could also be why they put the band high up in the back; but with that choice also means that the stage feels very expansive and she gets swallowed up in the empty space. I can’t help shake the doubts about whether this song is truly authentic to her as an artist – not in the fact that it’s a country sound, but the persona and delivery (as well as the whole production) just seems a bit disjointed. I’m not quite sure where the vote will come from on this one.
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Ohio – Macy Gray
Song: Every Night (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Macy Gray, the renowned artist, actor and activist from Canton, Ohio, is no stranger to saying what needs to be said and acting on her words. The musical bodies of work she has produced throughout her career are a testament to her exquisite vision and unyielding devotion to her craft. Her sleek, sultry and mature take on R&B draws from decades worth of history. Yet, her ability to still sound forward-thinking and fresh is what reaffirms and reasserts her as a signature rarity in music. Since Macy broke into the music scene in 1999 with the release of her debut triple-platinum album, “On How Life Is,” she has become a powerhouse of R&B and soul, amassed a devoted global fan base and sold more than 25 million total albums globally. A five-time Grammy Award nominee, Gray won for Best Pop Vocal Performance in 2000 for her iconic song “I Try” and has received two BRIT Awards. Macy’s latest album, “The Reset,” will be released later year. The album is primed to create further discussion about what is happening in today’s world and will help redefine what pop music should be while still providing music lovers with good times and a great message. The daughter of a math teacher and a steel factory worker, Gray grew up in a house next to the local farm – a place still near and dear to her heart where she received the encouragement to become the star she is today.
Things To Note: Just as we saw last week with Michael Bolton, Gray is not represented in the preview snippets, keeping the song and staging a secret until the day of the show. There is a part of me that feels again it’s more an element of getting an artist to draw the audience in from name recognition rather than truly vying in the competition. That said, she is a captivating performer with a unique gravel voice, and as seen on the Australian version of The Masked Singer last year, can own the stage and make any song her own. On that same show, she also famously refused to leave when voted out – so, will she stay or will she go this time? Given this weeks competition, she at least has a fighting chance of the semi final.
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Oregon – courtship.
Song: Million Dollar Smoothies (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: The best things in life usually happen by accident and the genesis of courtship. is no exception. Micah Gordon and Eli Hirsch were both session musicians in Los Angeles who met at a gig. During their downtime on the first day, they instantly realized they had something special. Micah is a classically trained jazz pianist and was influenced by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Miles Davis. Eli grew up with the likes of Blink-182, Passion Pit and Weezer and together they’re the Larry David of indie pop. The boys spent the last few years on the road touring with artists such as Dayglow, Passion Pit, the Hunna, Weezer, the Wombats, Magic City Hippies and Night Riots all while garnering millions of streams. The duo’s sophomore album is set to release in 2022 and is a testament to everything that courtship. is – authentic, witty and feel-good. To courtship., Oregon is a magical place where they first started playing in bands and exploring music.
Things To Note: This hipster indie duo tick the boxes of everything one could expect from the likes of Oregon state – colourful, quirky and a little self-deprecating, and that is exactly what they bring to the show with the song and performance as well. If ‘New Boot Goofin’ was meant to be the ear worm/viral song from last week, I could see Courtship being this weeks equivalent. Million Dollar Smoothies pokes fun at consumerism, celebrity and superficial Instagram culture, a world where looking good and appearing healthy and happy means more than actually feeling good within yourself. The risk is though that they could come off looking smarmy, rather than smart. I personally enjoy the sentiment and would like to see this go through, but like Yam Haus last week, I feel a focus distraction from the band and, from this snippet, a lack of connection to the audience at home which may affect their voting potential.
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US Virgin Islands – Cruz Rock
Song: Celebrando (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Cruz Rock (born Frankie Garcia) is a Latin Caribbean singer, songwriter and producer whose heritage traces back to Trinidad and Tobago as well as Puerto Rico and Vieques. Born to a Trinidadian mother and a Puerto Rican father, he’s very influenced by these cultures so his music fuses Caribbean, American and Latin styles.
Things To Note: Cruz Rock brings his a-game to the competition, with a Caribbean dancehall-reggaeton track that will bring a summer festival feel to the proceedings. By the time we reach it in the episode, it will feel like a much needed relief to the viewers, the one true up-tempo track for this episode. Given the celebratory style, it should engage the audience, as well as hitting home with the Hispanic diaspora. Whilst not as accessible as ‘Loko’ from episode 1, the beat is hypnotic making one want to dance, plus Cruz comes off as charismatic- clearly experienced in how to hold your attention, and the presentation is one of the best on display – an fine example of how stage a party atmosphere whilst still keeping focus on the key artist. Weighing up the whole show’s songs, this one feels most like a certain qualifier.
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Virginia – Almira Zaky
Song: Over You (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Almira Zaky’s journey as a vocalist began at a young age when she would perform for thousands all around the Washington, D.C., area at several venues including World Bank, the Embassy of Indonesia, University of District of Columbia, University of Maryland, and events such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival. Almira is inspired by artists such as Kehlani, Jhene Aiko, Jojo and Ariana Grande and attributes her rhythmic R&B/pop influence to ’90s-’00s music. Her vibrant presence, outspoken lyrical skill, soulful tone and ability to relate to audiences all over the world has inspired others to become the boss of their own life. Almira, who is Muslim and proud of her Indonesian heritage, is very honored to represent her home state of Virginia, as it is the home to so many hip-hop/R&B musical legends, including Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Chad Hugo and Missy Elliot.
Things To Note: Two weeks in, and two Asian pop princesses showing how truly diverse and multicultural USA is. Firstly you had AleXa with her k-pop last week, now Almira whose flavour comes straight from the book of Ariana Grande. And just like AleXa, this is memorable; but for all the wrong reasons. Firstly, she has seemingly surrounded herself with her girl pals to tell her man she’s dumping him (yet another example of too many dancers on the stage overwhelming the key performer), but there is no sass like you would hope, instead this mid-tempo track has a real sense of plodding melancholy about it. More problematic – and something I can’t tear my eyes away from – is that someone in production has appeared to put up a screensaver of Hellraiser on the back screen. Truly frightening. These bewildering choices lead shamefully to not a great showcase for this emerging artist whose charisma and powerful voice is normally on display.
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So, who do you think will be the lucky 4 to make it through the next round? Let us know your opinions and feedback on who caught your attention from this next selection.
Sharleen, I’ve actually managed to watch two full shows on Youtube and I must say I was generally impressed. I don’t think they’re doing that much wrong and the standard of song in Episode 2 was some way higher than in Episode 1.
It just seems to be a case of America not ‘getting it’, with a loss of 1 million viewers between Episodes 1 and 2. 2 million may be the show’s base audience, which is probably nowhere near high enough for the Network, and I can’t see how they will easily regain the viewers having lost them.
One positive note is that the number of Youtube views for songs in Episode 2 is way up on the figures for Episode 1.