Kelly Clarkson Says Well-Known Artists Need to ‘Work Harder’ on ‘American Song Contest’
Chris Haston/NBC Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Song Contest co-host Kelly Clarkson recently shared her thoughts on the show’s format, as she prepares to join Snoop Dogg for the premiere on March 21. Clarkson believes that it’s actually the big artists who are at a disadvantage against the lesser-known contestants.
Kelly Clarkson Talks About ‘American Song Contest’
When the 56 artists competing in the songwriting competition were announced, we were surprised to learn that several big-name celebrities would be going up against relatively unknown competitors. These “legacy artists” include Jewel, Michael Bolton, Macy Gray, and Sisqó.
You might think that the bigger stars would have an unfair advantage against artists most viewers don’t recognize. However, Clarkson thinks it’s actually the other way around.
“The legacy artists are going to have to work harder,” Clarkson said during a virtual panel, according to The Wrap. Showrunner Audrey Morrissey chimed in to add that everyone has an “even playing field,” sharing, “People love an underdog.”
One famous artist who won’t be performing on the show is Clarkson herself, who said, “I perform five days a week on television. I’m actually second-guessing that idea for my talk show. This isn’t about me; this is about these other artists. I’ve had my moment.”
SEE ALSO: MEET THE 56 ARTISTS COMPETING ON ‘AMERICAN SONG CONTEST’
Clarkson Thinks the Show Will Bring the Country Together
Clarkson also shared that she thinks American Song Contest comes at a time when Americans “need to be lifted up,” adding, “We’ve been divided in this country for quite a bit, but we’re all more similar more than not.”
“I think feeling like you’re not isolated and that you are a part of something bigger than your everyday world… it sounds cheesy but it’s so important,” she continued. “It makes us happy: That’s what this show is gonna do for people. No one is left out. This show is for everyone.”
Clarkson will co-host the show with Snoop Dogg, with whom she previously worked on The Voice. She was impressed that he “took the time to invest, and he really cared” during his stint as a Mega Mentor.
The American Song Contest premiere will air Monday, March 21, at 8/7c on NBC.
