Nine qualifiers into the Semi Finals so far, the contest is shaping up to be a battle of the boys, with just two females representatives so far – K-Pop queen AleXa (Oklahoma – Quarter Final 1) and country rock goddess Chloe Fredericks (North Dakota – Quarter Final 2). The remaining results announced last week from Quarter Final 2 were Broderick Jones (Kansas) and Jonah Prill (Montana), and then jury qualification from Quarter Final 3 – Tyler Braden (Tennessee) .
We are seeing the show constantly evolve, with the sheer production standards on entries ramping up, more appropriate staging choices in terms of the numbers of extras of stage, and more ambitious choreography. Beyond the songs, we have also had the introduction of split screen backstage footage airing during ad breaks, as well as the dumping of much of the host/artist chatter and state quiz questions in the green room. This has been exchanged with an increasing amount of results shown live, in particular the unveiling of jury scores as contestants left the stage. There is much to be said about it, but in the short, it removes much of the excitement element of the jury pick at the end of the show, and it would be no surprise to see this dumped in coming episodes. Additionally, given that 50% of the jury vote also determines 3 more of the qualifiers, means that it becomes more predictable who will likely go through the following week. So far, despite not knowing actual point scores and the disparity between results, no State ranked lower than 5th by the jury has qualified.
Jury Results for Quarter Final 3
With that said, it would be expected that Ale Zabala, Ni/Co and Grant Knoche will likely qualify through at the top of this weeks show to the Semi Finals, with the surprise that famous musician Jewel and her folk-schlager track will miss out. On personal assessment, if there is one song that may break through the jury ranking it would be Riker Lynchs’ party anthem ‘ Feel the Love’, which gained a lot of attention on social media last week as well as highest numbers on streams and YouTube views so far for the week.
Let’s however move on from last weeks predictions, and right along to introduce our next 11 entries…
Arizona – Las Marias
Song: De La Finikera (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Las Marías are 21-year-old twins Maria Isabel and Maria Teresa, both of whom can sing mariachi, corridos, norteñas, cumbias and sierreño. In 2008 the group’s parents were deported and relocated to Nogales, where they started taking music lessons and got more involved in regional Mexican music and their Mexican culture. Las Marías have collaborated with influential artists in the regional Mexican genre and are currently opening for Paquita la Del Barrio, a legend in this genre. To date they have released five albums and are currently working on their sixth. They’re proud to represent Arizona because throughout their lifetime they have had the opportunity to live and perform regional Mexican music throughout their beautiful state.
Things To Note: Out of this weeks’ lineup, The Marias were top of my anticipation list to bring something very different to the stage. For that element, they have delivered; this is a Mariachi-band tune with the duo wearing their origins literally in the lyrics (referring to Phoenix, Arizona) as well as their heritage. As a positive, this is so different that it cannot be compared to any other artist in the competition. The song is also colourful, happy and they of course sing well together and deliver vocally. On the negative side, the floral motif is somewhat overwhelming, they are emotionally quite harsh to watch rather than charming as you may expect, and given the musical niche there is a cultural hurdle to get over to appeal to middle American viewers and quite possibly, some members of the Latin community. Nevertheless, I am excited to see this come to the stage and liven up the proceedings – something that is much needed in this weeks’ genre mix.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084630692138765614?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Georgia – Stela Cole
Song: DIY (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Stela Cole is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Living in the ATL until she was 18, it is where she has spent the bulk of her life, and her reason for loving music. Stela formally announced herself in 2018 with her debut single, “You F O,” which Refinery 29 labeled “addictive” while Pop Dust promised “Stela Cole will absolutely blow your mind.” After 2020’s sophomore EP, “Woman of the Hour,” Stela blazed through 2021 growing her audience exponentially in the process. She enters this year with 1 million monthly listeners, 500,000 followers across her social accounts, and millions of people recognizing her vocal style and lyrics.
Things To Note: Having watched a endless number of Tik Toks since the start of the season, Stela Cole stands out for being the act with the most attitude and watching clips of her previous songs, sticks in my head for her expletive driven lyrical content. So it really had me thinking how she would present on stage, and I was picturing something akin to Ace Wilder from Melodifestivalen. What we see here is some sass on stage, but still feminine, and a much more sanitised version of her act and radio-friendly version of the song. Unlike Brooke Alexx last week where she was aiming squarely at a female audience, I could see this appealing to a broader range of younger people given some of the harder edges to her act as well as a good staging concept, and I do think this song sound has hit song potential, and the lyrics are quite pointedly written and authentic to her. My question lies though in what the jury will make of it given they skew older and male; the tendency tends to go with a much softer, adult sound than what Stela offers here.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084632477272132910?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Hawaii – Bronson Varde
Song: 4 You (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Bronson Varde is a singer/songwriter who grew up listening to Hawaiian and island reggae music termed “Jawaiian” by the locals. This style of music heavily influenced him as a songwriter and he still incorporates it in his music today. Varde has gained a local following with original music released under the band name No Pressure. He continues to follow his passion for music and songwriting in hopes that one day his songs will be heard around the world. He feels he’s not only representing himself in this competition, but a whole state and culture.
Things To Note: Just like Northern Marianas last week, we are instantly transported to an island holiday vibe, but Bronson is a much more charming and engaging artist with a beautiful vocal quality to match. Whilst ‘4 You’ is not something that immediately jumps out as ‘best song’, this is a tune I could happily put on my Sunday drive playlist which personally puts it ahead of about half of this weeks competitors. The biggest letdown though is the lack of production to really amplify its ‘island’ appeal – right now it looks just a random bunch of plastic greenery, a rock and a sky backdrop, giving it a sadly cheap feel. Bronson deserves better, but gut feel is he won’t get another chance to prove himself.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084629930969009454?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Massachusetts – Jared Lee
Song: Shameless (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Jared Lee is a singer, songwriter and platinum-selling producer who has amassed well over 80 million streams online writing and producing for a diverse group of globally renowned artists, including Jason Derulo, Jordin Sparks, TIESTO and Michael Bolton. He has been enlisted by some of the world’s top DJ’s, including Nicky Romero, Markus Schulz and Fedde Le Grand, to write and feature as a lead vocalist on their original music. Jared wrote, produced and performed the theme song “Don’t Wish Your Life Away” for the film “Fantasy Island.” His most recent collaborations include “Those Were the Days” with Midnight Kids (top 10 song on U.S. dance charts), ”Ain’t Deep Enough” with Autograf and “Afterglow” with Nicky Romero and Gattuso. He is representing his home state of Massachusetts.
Things To Note: Searching through the back catalogue and the biography, there is no doubt Jared got here on the basis of his writing chops, and I can see shades of stylistic similarities with Jason Derulo here who he has written for. My feeling is though, that as a direct performer, he is still finding his feet. On this snippet alone, he appears quite pitchy on the bigger notes, and for the production, it feels very empty. I am keen to hear the song in full (because thats what we should be judging), but given the breadth of talent on this episode, I would be surprised to see him ranked at the top of anyone’s board.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084628926865198378?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Nevada – The Crystal Method
Song: Watch Me Now (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: For nearly three decades, the Crystal Method has remained one of the most influential and well-respected acts in electronic music. Co-founded by Scott Kirkland and Ken Jordan in 1993, the Grammy Award-nominated duo defined the sound of a generation — pioneering the big-beat genre, popularizing electronic music with mainstream audiences and establishing America as a force in the European and British music scene. While Kirkland reimagined the Crystal Method as a solo act in 2017 following Jordan’s retirement, the momentum has never slowed — even during a pandemic. Now, after an unprecedented few years, the innovative musician, producer and DJ continues the evolution with the Crystal Method’s seventh studio album and his second solo outing, “The Trip Out.” Growing up in Las Vegas, Scott got to see first-hand how quickly the city and state grew in size and relevance to the broader entertainment world. So for him to be able to come back and represent the great state of Nevada for “ASC” is a thrill.
Things To Note: EDM is always a tricky issue to judge in a song contest, as the focus of production tends to be more on the creation of the music than the lyrics or singer. The fact that it does have someone upfront on stage helps, and it creates the vibe more of a live band that a DJ squirreled up on a corner of the stage. The production is given more energy with the laser show and frenetic soundwave graphics. The result does come off as both memorable and chaotic, but my biggest fear is that juries won’t see it as a song, and the public won’t have their needs (wrongly) satisfied in terms of vocal quality. As someone who has been to a live Crystal Method ‘gig’, I’m also surprised by its sound direction; it is the first song in the selection that you could say will appeal to the hard rock fans out there, and yet it had to come from an EDM artist rather than a band to get it. I would love for this to be in the semi final mix to shake things up, but I wonder how many fans of this type of music will be watching to vote for it?
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084637132526079274?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
New Hampshire – Mari
Song: Fly (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: MARi is a singer-songwriter with powerhouse pipes and red carpet-ready fierce fashion that embodies all the makings of a superstar. Her Cuban and Puerto Rican roots play a large factor in her music, as does her hometown in New Hampshire, larger than life personality and fashion (as seen in both New York & London Fashion Week). MARi is a Billboard top 20-charting artist, top 5 in the UK and has participated in mega-parades, and appeared on “Despierta America” (“Good Morning America”) and “La Voz,” the Spanish version of “The Voice.”
Things To Note: If you are coming to the American Song Contest as primarily an older Eurovision fan, this song should be a treat for you. So much pastiche – we have our drummer to the side, we have our platformed female singer in a leotard-come-dress with her big vocals, and we have what is an unmistakable Swedish pop sound. What we don’t have is MARi showcasing her Latino roots here, and from this sample, its missing her typical harder-urban-edged pop. I believe given that it doesn’t feel like its part of the American music scene, juries will potentially mark it down. Nevertheless, the tune itself is anthemic and empowering, so should see a decent amount of votes head its way from the public.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084631201750895918?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Pennsylvania – Bri Steves
Song: Plenty Love (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Atlantic Records’ new rapper, singer and songwriter Bri Steves will not fit in any societal boxes. The 25-year-old MC from Philadelphia is as multi-layered as she is multi-talented and was first inspired by greats such as Marvin Gaye and Lauryn Hill. At age 10, she began studying the viola at the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Some years later, champion lyricists like Biggie, Joey Bad Ass and J Cole inspired her to start rapping. While attending Temple University, she began experimenting with her singing voice and eventually maturated into a double threat on the mic. Before graduating, she signed with Atlantic Records and balanced her final collegiate year alongside studio time in Miami, Atlanta and Los Angeles where she worked with several high-level producers, including Sonny Digital.
Things To Note: On 20 seconds alone, this is the entry that most impresses me for the week – Bri has a beautiful tone to her voice, and whilst the snippet doesn’t give a lot away, I can see the inspiration of Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu. The track seems to promise a lot vocally, but the heartbreaking lyrics already have me emotionally engaged, and this is amplified by some excellent close-up camera work to build a further connection to the artist. Keen to see whether it meets my own now high expectations, and whether it goes somewhere different with a element of rap rather than the R’n’B flavours, but will go out on a limb to tip it an overall qualifier, and for variety sakes, hopefully prove a worthy competitor to a top jury score for the evening.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084629302670544171?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Utah – Savannah Keyes
Song: Sad Girl (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: From Utah originally, Savannah Keyes has been writing songs since age 13 after appearing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Her influences in the pop world and roots in country music allow her to bring a new mix for the country genre. After moving to Nashville, she became a radio host and correspondent for Radio Disney Country’s new show “Let the Girls Play” and released a debut EP, “I’m Not California.”
Things To Note: Comparing this directly to the likes of first episode entrant Kelsey Lamb, Savannah is perhaps the more accessible female country artist on ASC – more contemporary vocally and in concept on stage as well. Savannah seems extremely likeable with that ‘girl next door’ quality, but then she also appears quite uncertain of herself on stage (the caveat being that the snippet is from a rehearsal). The positive for her is that there is no other country artists in competition this week so it will likely take up all the votes from that market segment; something that may also boost its jury chances. Vocally she’s one of the shining stars for episode 4 as well which should be rewarded, but given the lyrics are very much tuned for female audience appeal it may also struggle to connect to enough viewers to bother sending their votes her way en-masse.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084632131921595694?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Washington – Allen Stone
Song: A Bit of Both (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Allen Stone was raised in the small town of Chewelah, Wash., and grew up on gospel music, spending much of his childhood as a pastor’s son watching his parents lead their congregation in song. By the time he was 11, he’d picked up a guitar, wrote his first song and soon began self-recording demo tapes to pass along to classmates. After dropping out of college, he moved to Seattle to kickstart his music career, often driving up and down the West Coast to play any and all gigs he could. He quickly developed a reputation for powerful live shows, playing up to 200 dates a year. In the years since, Allen has built a devoted following on the strength of his ability to channel a weight-of-the-world sensitivity into his songs while still radiating hope and promise. His easy grace in blending everything from edgy soul-pop and earthy folk-rock to throwback R&B and Parliament-inspired funk is reflected in his five full length albums – from his 2010 self-released debut album, “Last to Speak,” to 2021’s “Apart,” an intimate album recorded in a converted cabin during the pandemic. As a performer who has traveled the world, coming back to Washington has always been the only place Allen wants to call home. He is honored to be representing his state in this competition.
Things To Note: Allen here gives us what he is best known for; laidback soul-tinged tracks with smooth vocals; the very definition of easy listening – right along side the likes of John Legend and Calum Scott. I appreciate Allens’ talent even if its not my usual cup of tea, but if we are judging on bringing in new fans and hit potential, I am unsure. To me, this screams 7th track on an album without a separate single release. I have little doubt to its authenticity, and the song is well-written and well performed so it ticks a fair few important boxes. I expect given this, it will perform well with the jury – potentially its direct pick for the week, but less so with the public.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084628539802209578?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Washington DC – Neither
Song: I Like It (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: NËITHER, is a multi-disciplinary creative who has written songs alongside legends George Clinton (“Parliament”) and Ty$, developed original content for Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions (“The Chi,” “Queen + Slim”), sung background for Childish Gambino and acted in shows produced by Broadway heavyweights Charles Randolph Wright, Kenny Leon and Oprah Winfrey. This magic and mystery is what has colored him in such a dynamic way, with his music leaning into an eclectic sonic blend of R&B, hip-hop, pop and even classical elements. NËITHER wants to contribute to the new voice and history of the D.C. area and redefine what it means to be an artist from there.
Things To Note: Multi-displinary and eclectic is one way to describe Neither, or another way to call it the entry ‘confused’. From this small sample, its hard to nail down whether this is a R&B track, folk-pop or rock or dance – confusion that is further amplified by the bright red lights and open staging, female hip-hop dancers and a backing band. We really need to hear the song and see the delivery in full for a proper judgement, but what sample we have been given highlights some true issues. Vocally, it does appear quite pitchy, and there is something quite theatrical in the delivery which may prove another boundary for audiences to deal with on a live TV show rather than a Broadway musical.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084631696527723818?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
West Virginia – Alexis Cunningham
Song: Working On A Miracle (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Born and raised in West Virginia, Alexis Cunningham got her start on YouTube writing songs on her acoustic guitar and signed her first development deal at age 19. Two years later she recorded an EP with touring musician and producer Robin DiMaggio. At age 23, she wrote and recorded a folk album with music producer Eric Bazilian and toured Sweden. Together, Alexis and Bazilian have entered into a long-lasting creative partnership, writing and recording a multitude of styles. It was with Slovenian producer Martin Stibernik that they found their right sound in a new album with the first single, “The Medicine,” released early this year. Alexis is thrilled to represent her home state on “American Song Contest.”
Things To Note: Listening to this brings to mind the works of Michelle Branch – that light pop-rock feel, that even 20 years later is still a really accessible sound that works on almost everyone. ‘Working On A Miracle’ already has me swaying and tapping my feet, but admittedly I would say its more the melody that remains in my head rather than the lyrical content itself. The weakness I think may come down in part to the superfluous dancers on the stage; it is distracting, and detracting camera time from the person we should be focusing on. If I were a producer, I would like many more front face close-ups on Alexis, who does seem a rather engaging vocalist. If the song however does go further to give us a key ‘connecting’ moment, I could see Alexis rising to the challenge of qualifying.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7084630368946507050?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
It’s good to have the jury scores revealed on the night, but it would be better to leave this to the end of the show. A one by one (or two by two) reveal creates an anti-climax for those songs (and their supporters at home) that don’t unseat the act currently topping the jury poll.
For what it’s worth I thought Tyler Braden was a worthy jury winner last week. He has a captivating voice and stage presence and really elevated the song in the live performance.
This week, based on listening to the full length audios of all but two of the songs, Bri Steves and Stela Cole are my personal stand-outs.
I’ve just been listening some more to Allen Stone. He’s a real talent (and has got a pretty impressive CV). This is screaming jury winner.
Allen is excellent at what he does, and if you believe that the jury has a ‘type’ that they are rewarding every week, he’s a shoe-in for jury.
It would be nice for jury to be rewarding something different though, because at this point the semi finals will be top heavy for white male soul/blues/country/MOR singers. Whilst they are all good, I really don’t believe that they are a true representation of the very best songs in the contest.
Bri really does sound like magic – both on the snippet and full audio. Stela Cole has my full attention… there’s a lot of cursing to navigate around though based on the audio.
I really like The Crystal Methods song as well, but I am not sure its the right environment to reward it.
Sharleen, I’ve just seen the live performance of all the songs. Week 4 has been the strongest so far and, in by book, Allen Stone, Bri Steves, Stela Cole and The Crystal Method were picks of the night.