NBC’s American Song Contest has announced the 56 artists who will compete for the nation’s vote — one act representing each of the 50 U.S. states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. The roster spans a wide musical spectrum, featuring emerging talent, rising stars and established artists who will each perform an original song reflecting their home state or territory.
The lineup showcases varied genres and styles: solo artists, duos and bands will bring new, original songs to the live-competition format. Produced by the creators behind the Eurovision Song Contest and The Voice, the series will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson and will premiere on Monday, March 21 from 8–10 p.m. ET/PT from the NBCUniversal lot.
Atlantic Records is the exclusive music partner for American Song Contest and will release the series’ original songs. Starting Monday, March 21, Atlantic will publish each week’s new set of songs at 12 a.m. ET / 9 p.m. PT.
The field includes both well-known performers and promising newcomers. Established names among the competitors include Jewel, Michael Bolton, Sisqó, Tenelle, Allen Stone, Macy Gray and The Crystal Method, along with The Voice season 9 winner Jordan Smith. The show pairs familiar faces with fresh voices to present a diverse showcase of American music.
Meet the Artists:
To explore each artist in more detail, view the interactive map on NBC’s site.
Alabama: Ni/Co – Ni/Co is a pop duo that discovered both their love of music and each other in Alabama. They gained a following in 2019 through YouTube videos that have amassed tens of millions of views.
Alaska: Jewel – Jewel rose from a childhood on an Alaskan homestead to become a multi-platinum recording artist. She represents the state and its resilient spirit with pride.
American Samoa: Tenelle – Tenelle brings a fresh, carefree presence rooted in the island culture of American Samoa. She is a Grammy-nominated, Billboard-charting artist whose music reflects her island home.
Arizona: Las Marías – Twins Maria Isabel and Maria Theresa moved to Nogales, Arizona and embraced regional styles like mariachi and norteño. As Los Marías, they have released several albums celebrating those traditions.
Arkansas: Kelsey Lamb – A country singer-songwriter, Kelsey Lamb maintains a strong connection to Arkansas. Known for her clear, emotive vocals, she has accumulated millions of streams since her first single.
California: Sweet Taboo – Sweet Taboo blends Latin influences with R&B, hip-hop and pop. The group’s energetic style and viral presence on social platforms reflect California’s diverse musical landscape.
Colorado: Riker Lynch – Riker Lynch crosses rock, reggae and pop with larger-than-life performances. He is known for bringing upbeat, good-vibe energy and previously appeared as part of the Dalton Academy Warblers on Glee.
Connecticut: Michael Bolton – Michael Bolton is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and humanitarian who has sold more than 65 million records worldwide. He represents Connecticut, where his career began.
Delaware: Nitro Nitra – Nitro Nitra emerged in Wilmington after a personal transformation and has since released an EP, a visual album and multiple singles that showcase her transcendent soul-rock sound.
Florida: Ale Zabala – Latin pop artist Ale Zabala began writing songs at 13 and has continued to produce music and hone her songwriting in Florida.
Georgia: Stela Cole – Influenced by Atlanta’s music scene, Stela Cole brings a left-of-center pop sensibility informed by hip-hop and regional innovators. She has built a strong streaming presence and a dedicated audience.
Guam: Jason J. – Jason J. blends island reggae with alternative influences. A songwriter and father from Guam, he has toured extensively and achieved Billboard chart success.
Hawaii: Bronson Varde – Bronson Varde’s sound draws from the Jawaiian island reggae he grew up with. He has developed a local following in Hawaii and seeks to share his music more broadly.
Idaho: Andrew Sheppard – Andrew Sheppard writes heartland rock rooted in authentic stories of Idaho life. His straightforward, honest songwriting connects with listeners across the region.
Illinois: Justin Jesso – Justin Jesso is a songwriter and artist from Illinois who has collaborated with top pop acts, earning billions of streams on various projects and recently releasing his debut EP.
Indiana: UG Skywalkin – Josh Kimbowa, known as UG Skywalkin, is a hip-hop artist who moved to Indiana from Uganda. He is recognized for his charismatic stage presence and high-energy performances.
Iowa: Alisabeth Von Presley – Known for pink hair and theatrical pop-rock shows, Alisabeth Von Presley is a performer and advocate for female empowerment who has made a strong impression across the country.
Kansas: Broderick Jones – Singer-songwriter Broderick Jones aims to be a leading voice from Kansas. Known for smooth vocals, his indie-pop performances have earned millions of streams.
Kentucky: Jordan Smith – Jordan Smith won season 9 of NBC’s The Voice and has released multiple successful albums while touring nationally and internationally.
Louisiana: Brittany Pfantz – Brittany Pfantz combines rock, gospel and swamp-pop influences into soulful music that evokes the rich musical traditions of New Orleans.
Maine: King Kyote – King Kyote’s music channels roots rock and folk with the atmospheric character of Maine—intimate, rugged and evocative.
Maryland: Sisqó – Sisqó, the frontman of Dru Hill, rose to solo superstardom with hits like “The Thong Song.” He remains an influential figure in R&B and pop music.
Massachusetts: Jared Lee – Boston-born Jared Lee is a singer, songwriter and producer whose soulful voice and production work have earned him millions of streams worldwide.
Michigan: Ada LeAnn – Fifteen-year-old Ada LeAnn writes emotionally resonant songs and represents Michigan while serving as a voice for teenagers navigating life and relationships.
Minnesota: Yam Haus – Minneapolis band Yam Haus, featuring Lars Pruitt, Jake Felstow, Zach Beinlich and Seth Blum, brings upbeat indie-pop with a friendly, danceable energy.
Mississippi: Keyone Starr – Grammy-nominated Keyone Starr draws on Mississippi blues and soul, performing with the intensity and presence of a rockstar.
Missouri: Brett Seper – Brett Seper learned guitar from his grandfather and creates pop music that honors his Missouri roots and family memories.
Montana: Jonah Prill – Jonah Prill blends authentic country storytelling with a modern edge, reflecting his Montana upbringing and western influences.
Nebraska: Jocelyn – Singer-songwriter Jocelyn writes introspective, uplifting songs and has toured nationally, bringing Nebraska’s prairie spirit to broader audiences.
Nevada: The Crystal Method – Scott Kirkland, performing as The Crystal Method, is a Grammy-nominated pioneer of big beat and electronic music who hails from Las Vegas.
New Hampshire: MARi – MARi delivers powerful vocals and charting music while celebrating her Latina heritage and New Hampshire upbringing.
New Jersey: Brooke Alexx – Brooke Alexx blends pop vulnerability with coming-of-age storytelling inspired by her New Jersey roots, aiming to empower young listeners.
New Mexico: Khalisol – Under the name Khalisol, Zachary Chicoine creates songs at the intersection of soul, hip-hop and rap, contributing to New Mexico’s evolving music scene.
New York: ENISA – ENISA, a first-generation American, fuses contemporary soul-pop with Middle Eastern influences and has accumulated millions of streams worldwide.
North Carolina: John Morgan – From the Great Smoky Mountains, Grammy-nominated John Morgan grew up in bluegrass and brings blue-collar authenticity to his country-infused music.
North Dakota: Chloe Fredericks – Chloe Fredericks wrote her first song at five and blends country roots with modern pop influences, creating heartfelt, relatable music.
Northern Mariana Islands: Sabyu – Matthew Sabian, known as Sabyu, mixes island reggae, jazz and soul into an eclectic sound that bridges Pacific and American influences.
Ohio: Macy Gray – Macy Gray rose to fame with the Grammy-winning single “I Try” and has sold millions of records with a distinctive, soulful voice.
Oklahoma: AleXa – K-pop artist AleXa brings high-energy choreography and a global pop sound, representing Oklahoma with international appeal after a breakout debut.
Oregon: courtship. – The indie-pop duo courtship. formed when pianist Micah Gordon met pop-punk musician Eli Hirsch. Their feel-good music reflects Oregon’s vibrant creative scene.
Pennsylvania: Bri Steves – Philadelphia MC Bri Steves blends singing and rapping into a unique artistic voice, championing independence and musical versatility.
Puerto Rico: Christian Pagán – Christian Pagán, the first winner of Idol Puerto Rico, draws on the island’s musical traditions and also contributes music for on-screen performances.
Rhode Island: Hueston – Cory Hueston’s solo work follows his time as frontman of indie-alternative duo The Blancos, with a gritty sound that reflects his Rhode Island roots.
South Carolina: Jesse LeProtti – Jesse LeProtti’s music spans R&B, soul, pop and electronic influences, informed by festival experiences and family traditions in South Carolina.
South Dakota: Judd Hoos – Judd Hoos is an independent rock band from the Black Hills that tours the Midwest and promotes their EP Not Alone alongside creative side projects.
Tennessee: Tyler Braden – Tyler Braden, a former Nashville firefighter, taught himself guitar and channels classic country influences into songs that have earned tens of millions of streams.
Texas: Grant Knoche – Grant Knoche began writing and producing music as a child. Now a touring pop artist, he represents Texas with bass-driven, crowd-friendly performances.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Cruz Rock – Frankie Garcia, known as Cruz Rock, blends Caribbean, American and Latin sounds, reflecting his Trinidadian and Puerto Rican heritage.
Utah: Savannah Keyes – Savannah Keyes gained attention after a television appearance at 13 and has pursued a country-pop career with the message of inspiring other young artists.
Vermont: Josh Panda – Josh Panda’s wide vocal range and genre-spanning approach lead him from pop to Americana to disco, all shaped by his experiences in Vermont.
Virginia: Almira Zaky – Indonesian-born Almira Zaky draws on ’90s and ’00s R&B influences and aims to empower listeners much like other Virginia R&B greats.
Washington: Allen Stone – Raised on gospel and soul, Allen Stone blends rock, folk and R&B into heartfelt performances that have earned him a devoted following.
Washington, D.C.: NËITHER – NËITHER is a multifaceted creative who blends blues, opera training and contemporary collaborations, working with artists across genres.
West Virginia: Alexis Cunningham – Alexis Cunningham began on YouTube and developed a distinctive sound showcased on singles like “The Medicine,” which draw from folk and contemporary influences.
Wisconsin: Jake’O – Jake’O’s “Nuvo-Retro” aesthetic merges vintage and modern elements across rock ’n’ roll, blues and R&B, inspired by Wisconsin’s landscapes and communities.
Wyoming: Ryan Charles – Ryan Charles brings a playful Western-rap style that mixes cowboy imagery with early-2000s rap influences for high-energy performances.