On March 21 NBC will add American Song Contest to its roster of unscripted series. Inspired by the hugely popular international Eurovision Song Contest (an annual Olympics of songwriting that sees nations of the world competing for the best song), American Song Contest pits artists (each representing a state that forms the United States) against each other, all vying to win the title of greatest song. Long before American Idol set the benchmark for singing competitions in the U.S., series producer Ben Silverman had been percolating the idea of an America-centric Eurovision; sadly, few others shared that vision. "I've pursued the rights for this for over 25 years," he recently explained while promoting the show. "I've always loved this incredible show, [it's] the granddaddy of all music competition shows.
How Kelly Clarkson's Love of "Eurovision" Led Her to NBC's "American Song Contest"
