Meet the 56 Artists Competing on ‘American Song Contest’
NBC Reading Time: 10 minutes
American Song Contest is set to premiere March 21, and we finally know who’s competing for each state and territory. There will be 56 artists in the competition — some of which are duos or groups. Many of the names will probably be new to you, but you’ll definitely recognize a few of them. Hint: One of them just won The Masked Singer.
Meet All the ‘American Song Contest’ Artists
1. Ni/Co, Alabama
This duo, made up of Dani and Colton, posts covers on their YouTube channel, which has over 250,000 subscribers. Colton previously appeared on Season 2 of the NBC show The Sing-Off.
2. Jewel, Alaska
Jewel is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has released 12 studio albums in a career spanning nearly 30 years. Recently, she won Season 6 of The Masked Singer as the character Queen of Hearts.
3. Tenelle, American Samoa
In 2013, this singer gained attention with the release of a song called “Flava,” which was written by Meghan Trainor. The track reached No. 1 on iTunes, and her album For the Lovers later topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
4. Las Marías, Arizona
These twin sisters moved to Nogales, Arizona after their parents were deported to Mexico. They started out playing mariachi music and have since released five albums together.
5. Kelsey Lamb, Arkansas
This country singer released her first single, “Little by Little,” in 2018. The singer has racked up more than 2 million streams since then.
6. Sweet Taboo, California
These three women are a throwback to girl groups of the early 2000s, with a sound that mixes pop and hip-hop. The group is popular on TikTok, with over 400,000 followers.
7. Riker Lynch, Colorado
This singer is versatile in his genre influences, drawing from rock and reggae. His 2020 cover of “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” has racked up over half a million views on YouTube.
8. Michael Bolton, Connecticut
This Grammy-winning singer has sold more than 65 million records in his career. He’s known for songs like “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “When a Man Loves a Woman.”
9. Nitro Nitra, Delaware
This singer just started performing last year and has since released two singles, an EP, and a visual album. She’s being described as a soul-rock artist.
10. Ale Zabala, Florida
This Latin pop singer started songwriting when she was 13 years old. She released her first single in 2019 and has since dropped several more tracks, including “Ocean Drive.”
11. Stela Cole, Georgia
This pop singer is inspired by Atlanta hip-hop stars such as Outkast. She shows off a soulful, sultry sound on the single “Love Like Mine.”
12. Jason J., Guam
This touring musician and father of two blends island reggae and rock into his unique sound. He’s released two EPs, in 2017 and 2019.
13. Bronson Varde, Hawaii
This singer grew up listening to island reggae, known as “Jawaiian” music. This sound influences his own music, which has attracted a following in his hometown of Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
14. Andrew Sheppard, Idaho
This singer’s genre is being described as “heartland rock.” He released his most recent album, called Steady Your Aim, in 2018.
15. Justin Jesso, Illinois
Justin co-wrote the Kyogo song “Stargazing,” which he was also featured on. He’s written songs for the Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin, and he released his debut EP in 2019.
16. UG skywalkin, Indiana
This is the stage name of hip-hop artist Josh Kimbowa, who is originally from Uganda. He’s released several singles, including “Big Stones” and “Crush.”
17. Alisabeth Von Presley, Iowa
This pop-rock singer incorporates messages of female empowerment in her music. With pink hair and flashy costumes, Alisabeth definitely makes a strong impression.
18. Broderick Jones, Kansas
This singer wants to be one of the biggest stars Kansas has ever produced. He’s released three albums, including the most recent title Maybe Tomorrow in 2021.
19. Jordan Smith, Kentucky
You might recognize this singer as the winner of The Voice Season 9. He’s released four albums since his time on the show, and he co-wrote the song “Ashes” for Celine Dion.
20. Brittany Pfantz, Louisiana
Brittany’s sound is influenced by New Orleans, with elements of rock and gospel mixed in. Since 2017, she’s released a number of singles, including last year’s track “Even If I Knew.”
21. King Kyote, Maine
This artist is influenced by early rock and folk music who compares his sound to drinking whiskey in a cabin. In 2020, he released an EP of songs called Quarantine Sessions.
22. Sisqó, Maryland
You might know this artist for his 2000 release “Thong Song,” or for his involvement in the R&B group Dru Hill. His most recent solo studio album was Last Dragon in 2015.
23. Jared Lee, Massachussetts
Jared is a singer, songwriter, and record producer who grew up singing along to James Taylor. He’s released several singles, including the recent track “Afterglow.”
SEE ALSO: WHICH GENRE WOULD YOU SING ON ‘AMERICAN SONG CONTEST’?
24. Ada LeAnn, Michigan
This singer is just 16 years old and hopes to be an inspiration to other young people. Ada posts covers and original songs on her YouTube channel.
25. Yam Haus, Minnesota
This Minneapolis-based band is made up of vocalist Lars, drummer Jack, bassist Zach, and guitarist Seth. Earlier this year, they released the new EP WHATEVER IT IS.
26. Keyone Starr, Mississippi
This artist was nominated for a Grammy for her involvement in Mark Ronson’s album Uptown Special. The soulful singer is featured on the track “I Can’t Lose.”
27. Brett Seper, Missouri
This artist learned to play guitar from his late grandfather, whom he honors through his music. His latest single is called “Distance.”
28. Jonah Prill, Montana
This singer is the grandson of Dean Evans, who also recorded country music before becoming a cowboy. His Instagram profile describes him as a “singer / hunter / photographer.”
29. Jocelyn, Nebraska
This singer-songwriter shares her inspiring outlook through music. She released the album Different in 2020.
30. The Crystal Method, Nevada
Scott Kirkland was born and raised in Las Vegas and creates music in the genre of big beat. Scott originally performed electronic music with Ken Jordan before the latter’s retirement.
31. MARi, New Hampshire
This artist, whose full name is Mari Burelle-Valencia, performs Christian EDM. She released the album Treasure in 2016.
32. Brooke Alexx, New Jersey
This singer writes songs about coming of age. She released the EP I’m Sorry, Tokyo earlier this year and performed at Lollapalooza in 2021.
33. Khalisol, New Mexico
This singer, whose full name is Zachary Chicoine, started out as a ghostwriter and producer for other artists. He released two albums in 2020.
34. ENISA, New York
This first-generation American incorporates Middle Eastern sounds into her music. Earlier this year, she released the EP Fake Love.
35. John Morgan, North Carolina
This artist grew up playing bluegrass in his family band, which toured at summer music festivals. He’s written eight songs for Jason Aldean, including the star’s Grammy-nominated duet with Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You.”
36. Chloe Fredericks, North Dakota
Chloe has been writing songs since she was just 5 years old. She grew up with country music but is also influenced by Adele. Chloe released a self-titled EP in 2019.
37. Sabyu, Northern Mariana
This artist is a songwriter and producer who plays multiple instruments. He combines island reggae, jazz, and soul into his unique sound.
38. Macy Gray, Ohio
This Grammy-winning singer released her debut studio album in 1999, featuring her well-known song “I Try.” Her most recent album, Ruby, was released in 2018.
39. AleXa, Oklahoma
This K-pop artist released the single “Bomb” in 2019. She also recorded a rock version of the song with the Korean band Diablo. Her most recent release is “TATTOO.”
40. courtship., Oregon
This duo is made up of classical jazz pianist Micah Gordon and pop-punk artist Eli Hirsch. They released the album Denial in Paradise in 2018.
41. Bri Steves, Pennsylvania
This singer and rapper was born in Philadelphia and signed a deal with Atlantic Records. She released the EP TBH last year.
42. Christian Pagán, Puerto Rico
This singer was the first winner of the show Idol Puerto Rico. His first album, De Miles a Uno, reached the top of the Latin Pop Albums chart.
43. Hueston, Rhode Island
Cory Hueston is the frontman for indie duo The Blancos. Last year, he released the singles “Derek’s Song” and “Nick Cage 93.”
44. Jesse LeProtti, South Carolina
This artist mixes genres such as R&B and electronic. Last year, he released the single “Rid of Me” with an accompanying music video.
45. Judd Hoos, South Dakota
This indie rock band has toured the Midwest to promote their EP Not Alone. They also have their own IPA called Hoos Joos.
46. Tyler Braden, Tennessee
This country singer worked as a firefighter in Nashville and taught himself to play guitar. He released the EP What Do They Know last year.
47. Grant Knoche, Texas
This pop artist taught himself to make music when he was 11 years old. He’s toured at venues such as Woodstock.
48. Cruz Rock, U.S. Virgin Islands
This artist, whose real name is Frankie Garcia, combines Latin, Caribbean, and American styles in his music. Last year, he released the single “Like This.”
49. Savannah Keyes, Utah
This singer appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show when she was 13. Her debut single, released last year, is called “I’m Not California.”
50. Josh Panda, Vermont
This singer has a four-octave vocal range and loves to play around with different styles, including Americana and disco.
51. Almira Zaky, Virginia
This Indonesian singer is influenced by R&B music from the ’90s and ’00s. Her latest single is called “Clarity.”
52. Allen Stone, Washington
Allen is the son of a pastor who grew up listening to gospel music. His own music combines various genres, including rock and funk.
53. NËITHER, Washington, D.C.
This artist grew up listening to blues music, playing violin, and attending the opera thanks to his grandmother’s influence. He’s worked with Ty Dolla $ign and Childish Gambino.
54. Alexis Cunningham, West Virginia
This singer got her start posting folk music on YouTube. Her newest single, released earlier this year, is called “The Medicine.”
55. Jake’O, Wisconsin
This artist started the “Nuvo-Retro” style of music, blending rock, blues, and R&B.
56. Ryan Charles, Wyoming
Ryan is a rapper with a cowboy flair. Earlier this year, he released the EP Gettin’ Western, featuring the song “Old Dirt Fancy.”
