Now staring at the final week of qualifiers, we are most eagerly awaiting the shape of the 2 semi finals, with our final 7 acts to be chosen and 2 wildcards to be announced. Last week saw no solo females make it to the next round, leaving it very much a male-dominated domain, with Grant Knoche (Texas), Riker Lynch (Colorado) and the duo Ni/Co (Alabama) making it through from semi-final 3. The jury qualifier for semi-final 4 was also no surprise, with our highly-tipped Allen Stone (Washington) taking that crown.
The jury result announcements remained through this episode, again killing any real suspense for who would be selected at the end of the episode, but also visible disappointment for the artists who were ranked low. In particular, many took to their social media accounts to complain about the low placement of Las Marias after giving us a fantastic and unique live show with their female mariachi band and performance from the catwalk in the middle of the audience. There were also some very pointed comments about the rankings of both women and people of colour mostly down the bottom end of the ladder. It will be interesting to see if this changes with the next 2 qualifying announcements and the wildcards.
Jury Results – 4th Qualifier
Riker Lynchs’ qualification, as we predicted, did break the mould of mid-table jury cracking the public vote – no surprise to us due to streaming numbers in the week leading up. Therefore, continuing this trend, we predict that Stela Cole (Georgia) should also qualify from the week 4 lineup. Joining her we predict, Jared Lee (Massachusetts) and Bri Steves (Pennsylvania) also making it through. This should start to address the balance of females at the semi finals, but would mean that the Crystal Method (Nevada) will shamefully just miss out after giving us a rocking performance that even the production team were excited about.
Can the women break through to the semi-finals this week? Let’s assess the chances of our last 11 songs…
American Samoa – Tenelle
Song: Full Circle (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Tenelle Luafalemana has been described by many as “a breath of fresh air.” Tenelle isn’t exactly sure when her love for singing first started, but suggests that growing up with a big family, where talent shows are more competitive than the “X-Factor” itself, may have well done it. Tenelle describes her home of Samoa as magical and as a child, recalls listening to artists such as Lauryn Hill, Fiji, Whitney Houston, Betty Wright and Aswad. Tenelle is now a Grammy Award-nominated and Billboard-charted artist. She’s honored to represent American Samoa, her family and the entirety of her people. Her music video “Shine” was shot on her grandmother’s property, where her grandmother lives, and where her ancestors are buried. She’s honored to share their story.
Things To Note: I am very happy to finally see an Island competitor act get a full stage production that doesn’t entirely rely on a somewhat cliched view of what their home is. I also get much more personality from her, which I think may stem from the fact her song takes inspiration from her favourite artists rather than any traditional music concept. Doing this means it likely broadens its appeal to an audience, those looking for some r’n’b lite sounds, good vocals and a charismatic performance. Tenelle also gives me shades of Australias’ Jessica Mauboy, so if she brings her A-game to the live show, she could be a standout.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086924010734374187?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
California – Sweet Taboo
Song: Keys to the Kingdom (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Sweet Taboo is a Los Angeles-based Latina group consisting of Jen, Sami and rapper ICP Bre. Their sound is described as a mix of R&B, hip-hop and pop with a Latin flare. Their songs have a little bit of English and a little bit of Spanish, and a whole lot of boss bitch. Sweet Taboo’s song covers have gone viral, garnering millions of views on TikTok and have been reposted by DJ Khaled, Kehlani, Russ, and Bia. All born and raised in California, they are proud to represent their state.
Things To Note: If you had a checklist for what makes a girl group, Sweet Taboo ticks all the boxes – choreo, harmonies, costuming with a unique flair to make each girl standout but also fit together. This feels very in the vein of TLC meets Destiny Child; r&b with a modern pop flair and then a taste of Latino thrown in for good measure. But with all that heavy influence, and surrounded by a lot of dancers flipping around them, I don’t feel like I am getting enough focus for them to carve their own unique way to standout in the crowd. They are one of the more colourful acts for the week, but it still feels quite borderline to grab enough public votes for the next round.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086923106572438830?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Guam – Jason J
Song: Midnight (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Jason J. is an independent artist, songwriter and father of two known for his distinct vocals and blend of island reggae and alternative music. Since Jason first started writing original music in 2004, he has now gone on to play multiple national tours and large reggae festivals. He made the top 10 of the Billboard reggae chart in 2017 with his first solo release, “Luminosity EP.” Jason come from a traditional Filipino family and spent the first 23 years of his life surrounded by Guam culture and its musical influences.
Things To Note: When I was saying above about Tenelle benefiting from getting away from cliched Islander staging and sounds, this is unfortunately is the opposite. Whilst I don’t doubt that Jason is delivering something authentic to his style and the reggae vibe is well produced, it does play on people’s beliefs of what Guam is and it also feels very niche. It’s a lovely tropical, relaxing tune, not a competitive one. Last weeks’ performance from Hawaii was more accessible in style, but still struggled to make much of an impact with the jury and with the public on social media; so it’s for that reason alone I can’t see this being at the top of leaderboard for the week.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086919188157107502?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Idaho – Andrew Sheppard
Song: Steady Machine (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Andrew Sheppard is a singer, songwriter, and musician who started making albums in 2009 and has been touring and recording ever since. His last album, “Steady Your Aim,” was released in 2018. Andrew’s music is often described as heartland rock. No matter how his music hits you, it’ll give you a glimpse of where you’ve been and where you’re going.
Things To Note: From even the smallest of snippets I get two immediate vibes from Andrew – firstly, he is extremely passionate in his performing, but also that he draws at least some inspiration from Bob Dylan – both in vocal delivery and songwriting. This heartland, gritty storytelling style clearly appeals to many in the US, and I can also feel attached to it in the right circumstances (see Rhode Island’s Hueston) but with ‘Steady Machine’ I feel personally very disconnected from it because it is driven by so much anger rather than pain. I have little doubt that he will impress the judges and feature on or close to the top of their list this week, but just like his face and his song, I may feel a bit of discontent simply because at this point it feels they are rewarding similar artists each and every episode thus far.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086913689051270442?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Illinois – Justin Jesso
Song: Lifeline (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Justin Jesso grew up in the relatively small village of Glencoe, Illinois – just under 30 minutes from Chicago. His family’s musical roots run deep in the state of Illinois, with his great grandfather being a bandleader in Chicago in the 20’s. As a celebrated artist and songwriter, Justin has over a billion streams for his collaborations with international pop greats such as Ricky Martin, Maluma, the Backstreet Boys and Norwegian producer Kygo (co-writing and featuring on his global smash “Stargazing”). Signed to Sony, Justin released his debut EP, “Let It Be Me,” in 2019, featuring singles “Getting Closer” and “Let It Be Me” (featuring Nina Nesbitt). His most recent DJ collaborations with Alle Farben, “As Far as Feelings Go,” peaked at #3 on the German radio charts, and his follow-up single, “Bigger Than,” with Norwegian producing duo Seeb (Pill In Ibiza) has over 60 million streams.
Things To Note: Justin has had ample recent experience on the live stage so it’s no wonder that this performance – with his front man appeal and high production values – feels like the headlining act of the episode. The snippet really prefaces what I expect is a high energy act, matched with a big vocal delivery, but the song itself not matching the same quality. My gut feel says that his record company is pushing to break him as the next big thing, and the Song Contest is part of that process, rather than showcasing the song by itself. It won’t matter – this song, or should I say Justin, is sailing through to the next round.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086929811121147178?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Maryland – Sisqo
Song: Its Up (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Sisqó, longtime frontman of the multi-platinum group Dru Hill and a Grammy Award-nominated solo artist, is a 25-year music veteran whose hits include “Tell Me,” “Incomplete,” “In My Bed,” “5 Steps,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “We’re Not Making Love No More” and the smash single “The Thong Song.” In 2000, he won six Billboard Music Awards, including Male Artist of the Year. He was born Mark Althavean Andrews in Baltimore, a city synonymous with drugs and extreme violence, and it served as the rearing site for an artist who has exceeded expectations throughout his life. At a time when charismatic singers who can really sing and dance is a rarity, Sisqó shines as the consummate showman fearless in his pursuit to push the limits of creativity.
Things To Note: The ‘well-known’ act for this weeks episode Sisqo gave us The Thong Song – a ridiculously melodic, singalong tune that easily got stuck in your mind within seconds. People loved that vibe. Skip 20 years on, and it feels like he has lost that ability to find what really can work on a first listen. The snippet has only appeared on the long-form YouTube sneek peak (at the top of this article), but it’s enough to get the sense that what we have is a song that is rather lowkey on the singing and more focus on the dancing and ‘stage package’. Whilst I am sure he still has his fans to likely get him to the next round, I don’t see right now a strength in what’s needed – a great song.
Listen to another example of their music
Michigan – Ada LeAnn
Song: Natalie (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Ada LeAnn is a 16-year-old singer and songwriter from Michigan and known for her ability to write emotional lyrics about relationships that are real and relatable to her audience. Ada strives to be a voice for teenagers like herself to show them that they are heard, understood and not alone. She has released two EPs and multiple covers with a discography of 18 songs.
Things To Note: Our youngest performer of the contest sets a high bar for her other female competitors of the week, and as her own songwriting betrays her years with this rather mature relationship song. Her breathy vocal delivered on beat I find utterly compelling, and the lyrics leave me wanting to hear the whole story. For the detractors complaining the show is over-produced or acts are lip-syncing, this is also something that could really appeal. I would hope that the jury also sees that this is someone to rank up towards the top, because the contest lineup moving forward could benefit from having another female that can write, sing and deliver a simple song done as well as on display here.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086909994309930282?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Missouri – Halie
Song: Better Things (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Singer, songwriter and model HALIE was born and raised in Thayer, Mo., where country music was prevalent. After graduating from high school, HALIE moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. As a distant relative of country music legend Jimmie Rodgers, music is in her bloodline, inspiring her dream to become a musician. One of her greatest opportunities so far was becoming a winner on NBC’s “Songland” after Martina McBride chose to record her song “Girls Like Me.” HALIE is thrilled to represent her home state of Missouri on “American Song Contest.”
Things To Note: Upfront we must first mention that Halie replaced the originally announced Brett Seper for Missouri in past fortnight (reasons still undisclosed), so would have had less preparation time for the competition, and she has admitted online that this song was written in just the last month. Therefore, for the staging, it is understandable and fair to say it doesn’t appear a fully formed idea to amplify her performance. However, given she has a history winning songwriting competitions already the bar should be set high in terms of the song itself, not only in my eyes but the jury. With the snippet below I honestly don’t feel it matches up to the expectations set. Her closest in competition – Ada LeAnn – also appears to do a better job of delivering lyrics, both in vocals and in connection to the song.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086917881195285802?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
New Mexico – Khalisol
Song: Drop (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Zachary Chicoine, also known as Khalisol, is a 26-year-old from New Mexico who has found success in the music industry through ghost writing for various K-pop groups while also producing and releasing his own music. His music, which can be found on all major platforms, is a breath of fresh air, mixing soul and hip-hop to create a very distinct sound. He delivers lyrics that speak on his life and view of the world around him as well as within his spirit. It has earned him double platinum, platinum and gold certifications in K-pop with groups Super M and NCT Dream. Khalisol has also created a successful streetwear clothing brand and is offering musical workshops.
Things To Note: Out of all the acts presented over the five weeks, Khalisol possibly embodies best what I envision when talking about the hip-hop scene in the US. Whilst I am not a fan, I can appreciate the style if I feel the rap tells a story, which may be the reason why I am not entirely sold by what is seen here. On the plus side, he is very engaging as a performer, capable of delivering his lyrics well, and using the fish eye lens to a cool effect to ensure he stands out in the show. I’m going to say that given how we have seen the jury rank such acts in past weeks, I don’t believe it will be at the top half of the leaderboard, and whilst I think the public will be kinder, I don’t see this being in contention.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086920542778838315?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
North Carolina – John Morgan
Song: Right in the Middle (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer. More than a year after selling everything he had to follow his dream, an only-in-Nashville story involving an Uber driver named John Edwards and impressive demos led to a writing session with Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy — two incredible songwriters and longtime bandmates of country superstar Jason Aldean. That session led to Aldean cutting eight songs written by John, including his Grammy Award-nominated #1 smash hit with Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You” and Aldean signing John to Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group. John’s debut track, “Coldest Beer in Town,” was released in 2021 while he toured the nation as part of Aldean’s “Back in the Saddle” tour. John is proud to represent his home state of North Carolina.
Things To Note: Hand on heart, whilst I have nothing against what is on offer here, I feel like we have already seen at least one version of this performance so far each week. And with that, we can compare and I would say that John is not the best of the singers, nor the most captivating in terms of performance. I think there are other male acts this week who have more charisma on display that will draw more of a public vote on balance. However, also going on the trend, it appears the jury does favour this adult contemporary, country-lite sound, and the song does have a rawness to it that is likely to cut through more than the competitor pop tunes.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086920704918097194?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
Vermont – Josh Panda
Song: Rollercoaster (Listen via Spotify or Apple Music)
Official Bio: Josh Panda is known for his passionate stage performances, booming four-octave vocal range and for playing in a wide range of musical styles, including pop, Americana, country, soul, blues, disco and rock. Josh has currently released three studio and one live albums, and has toured throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Josh is thrilled to represent Vermont as he feels its people have always embraced him as he is, and he is proud to call the state home.
Things To Note: Watching Josh, he clearly knows how to give a great vocal, and Rollercoaster is a toe-tapper of a tune, something that I can enjoy enough to keep listening to. But, but with this performance I feel somewhat confused by the artist he wants to portray. Is he rock? pop? Even in this 20 seconds I can’t focus on the screen because there is a lack of energy and a showman quality from him to sell it more. Nevertheless, that can be turned around live on the night. Right now the song though just has a very generic feel to it, something that feels more at home on a soundtrack for movie credits than perhaps a song contest.
Listen to another example of their music
https://www.tiktok.com/@americansongcontest/video/7086922675389599019?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7083235936921880107
And with that, we have now heard all 56 songs competing at the first American Song Contest. Which song has stuck with you most? Do you have a favourite to take the crown?
Based on the full audios of all the songs, Week 5 is a disappointment compared to Week 4. The only stand out song for me is Ada LeAnn’s, but I’m not as entirely convinced as you, Sharleen, that she is going to be one of the best lives. Khalisol’s track is also interesting but I’m in no position to judge if it is any good.
Re ‘pointed comments’ around low rankings of women/people of colour, there will always be those whose ‘go to’ position is to see some sort of racist/sexist agenda at work. In this case I believe it’s more that the jury have been misinterpreting the initials ASC as the ‘American Singing Contest’ and it is hard to dispute that so far the best vocals each week have come male soloists.
Finally, I wish I shared your confidence about Bri Steve’s qualification.
Just finished watching the show live, and very happy to see that the jury went my way and decided that Ada LeAnn deserved to top the scoreboard. There is something quite special about her, and wasn’t disappointed with what she performed live. Also entirely thankful to see jury bucking the trend and rewarding a number of females beyond her. Sad to not see Bri Steves move onto the semi from last week, but I think we can all be surprised and happy that Mari took her place.
This is my last ASC preview piece – the remaining articles will be editorial, including discussions on the production, the jury and the future of the show.
I am just about to head to the airport to fly to the USA where I will be at next weeks 1st semi final, so I might just say that I expect our 5th lot of qualifiers to join Ada will be Sweet Taboo, Tenelle and Justin Jesso. This also goes someway to balancing the genders, as well as the genres. Also very happy to hear that Ryan Charles and his ‘New Boot Goofin’ will be on the stage for me to dance along to next week. It is honestly the song that whilst feels so wrong, gets deep under your skin. I predict our last wildcard to either go to Yam Haus or Enisa based on streams and internal decision making – there are good arguments for both being in the mix.
Talk about ‘hot off the press’! And you being there in person next week is beyond fantastic. I hope you can get some interviews with the producers to find out their take on the plusses and minus of show and what they have learned from Season 1.
Having just watched the Week 5 performances, you may well be calling the qualifiers correctly. I was most impressed with Sweet Taboo. Girl bands are not my thing but every aspect of this performance – song, vocal, staging, charisma – was there.
On Week 4, I’m certainly surprised that Mari qualified. Happy is quite another thing. Bri Steves, The Crystal Method and Alexis Cunningham were all far more deserving. At least Stela Cole made it. Her entry is one of the strongest in the competition.
As for New Boot Goofin, firstly, on what basis has it been given a wildcard practically before all 56 songs have been aired? If there is to be a Series 2, there needs be more transparency or at least consistency. Secondly, what’s so funny about this entry? Yes, he’s wearing boots that are so new that the rattlesnake is alive. Beyond this, I can’t make out any of the lyrics. Maybe you’ve got to be American (or Australian 😊) to get it.
I don’t know that I view New Boot Goofin as funny. At least not now – initially I was amused by Ryan Charles when I watched his other material as he is quite the character, but the song is genuinely now a constant earworm for me. It’s very easy to pick up and it’s catchy. Not sure any other song in ASC has the same ability.
He has been the 2nd most streamed artist in the contest behind AleXa, which gained him the wildcard. Also, the song has been featured more than 3 million times on Tik Tok so far, so its practically viral.
I am excited to see if any changes will happen with the performance next week – I predict there will be a new boot scootin routine to go with it.