Despite Competing Against Unsigned Talent, Michael Bolton Is an Underdog in This Week’s ‘American Song Contest’
variety.comMichele Amabile Angermiller How are we supposed to live without Michael Bolton? “American Song Contest” doesn’t have to answer that question just yet, as Connecticut-based Bolton and his song “Beautiful World” could still place next week through a combination of votes through fans and jurors.
But the early lead on night one of NBC’s U.S. take on the Eurovision Song Contest went to Rhode Island’s Hueston, wearing his heart on his sleeve with the tear-jerker “Held on Too Long.” Hueston most impressed the 56-member juror panel — which includes iHeartMedia chief programming officer/president Tom Poleman, KLOS host and former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield and artist/songwriter/producer Ester Dean.
He was the first from this group to qualify to move on from this round. Hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, “American Song Contest” premiered Monday night with competitors from the first heat taking the stage, representing 11 states.
The show will feature representatives from 56 states and territories throughout the country; Monday night’s premiere included a vast cross-section of talent that stretched from Grammy Award winner Bolton to K-Pop artist AleXa (Oklahoma) and Uganda native UG Skywalkin competing for Indiana.Hueston, who described himself as a cross between Adele and Chris Stapleton, told reporters that his songwriting comes from difficult experiences, a well of emotions he is exploring separate from his independent group, The Blancos.
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