By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The American Song Contest is entering its home stretch. Tonight, the remaining semifinalists competed for the five spots in the finale. Who joined Allen Stone in the show’s grand final as the last jury qualifier? Plus, which artists from the first round of the semifinals did America decide to advance to the show’s finale? Read on to find out!
After reminiscing about last week’s semifinals, hosts Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg revealed that America sent AleXa (Oklahoma), Riker Lynch (Colorado), Jordan Smith (Kentucky), and Ni/Co (Alabama) would advance to the show’s grand finale.
Puerto Rico’s Christian Pagán kicked off the night with “Loko.” This song is indeed what is missing on today’s Top 40 radio and steaming services playlist. Christian made me dance in my seat, and I hope to see him in the finals. A-
After watching a montage of Snoop Dogg’s teleprompter fumbles, North Carolina’s John Morgan returned to the American Song Contest stage. He received a video message from Jason Aldean and told the audience about the message behind his hit: “Right in the Middle.” The song belongs on country radio, and I got chills once again. Well done, John. B+
My fellow Kansasn, Broderick Jones, once again represented the Sunflower State on the NBC singing competition. He sang his song, “Tell Me,” and I was thrilled that he represented our home state so brilliantly. A-
New York’s Enisa received her second chance to perform her song: “Green Light” on the American Song Contest. Enisa’s loyal fanbase helped her grab this second chance. “Green Light” is a hypnotic pop song that could be nominated for several music awards. A
North Dakota resident Chloe Fredericks’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a strong song. But the problem that I have with it is that it is very middle of the road to tonight’s previous performances and what was coming next. Plus, I thought I heard a pitch issue somewhere in the middle of the performance. C
After Kelly tested several of the performers’ knowledge of their states’ barbecue, music legend Michael Bolton took the stage to perform his song: “Beautiful World.” I did not know that he co-wrote the song with his fellow competitor, Justin Jesso. Once again, “Beautiful World” gave me chills, and Mr. Bolton showcased why he is one of the world’s best recording artists. A
These next two rounds were personal for the hosts. Up first, Texas’ Grant Knoche represented Kelly’s home state. I am still not a fan of the song “Mr. Independent” or Grant; I would have buzzed him during his performance. D
California’s Sweet Taboo hoped to make Snoop Dogg and the rest of the state proud with their song: “Keys of the Kingdom.” The song is incredibly catchy, and I believe that Sweet Taboo is one of the underdogs in this group. I would be happy if they made it to the American Song Contest finale. B+
Tennessee’s Tyler Braden’s “17” bored me to tears, and I wanted to unleash my buzzer on him. D
Before Georgia’s Stela Cole performed “DIY” on the American Song Contest, she worked on a D-I-Y project in her pre-performance package. Once again, Stela Cole delivered a knockout performance. No matter what happens, she has a solid potential to dominate the music industry. A-
Tenelle concluded the evening as she represented American Samoa with “Full Circle.” It was a stunning performance. A-
At the end of the evening, the final American Song Contest Jury Qualifer of the season belonged to…Tennessee’s Tyler Braden (BOO!)
Next week, the American Song Contest concludes!
