UB Spotlight: Jesse LeProtti Talks ‘American Song Contest’
From the producers of “Eurovision Song Contest” and “The Voice,” “American Song Contest” music competition series, is hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson and airs Monday nights at 8:00 pm ET with the Grand Final scheduled for May 9th.
“American Song Contest” features live original musical performances, representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital, competing to win the country’s vote for the best hit song.
The 56 artists span a wide range of performers – from undiscovered talent, up-and-coming new artists, and rising stars to established and legendary icons. An incredible solo artist, duo, group or band will represent each location and perform a new original song, celebrating the depth and variety of different styles and genres across America.
The eight-week live competition consists of three rounds as the artists compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi-Finals and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory will emerge victorious.
Last night 12 new contestants took the stage in the live show representing their states, while performing original songs. Including the incredible Jewel, who’s representing Alaska.
One of the new faces Jesse LeProtti, from South Carolina put on a great performance last night, full of energy.
Jesse Christopher Blocker III, known professionally as Jesse LeProtti, is known for his wide vocal range, and crisp live performances and diverse music catalog that includes pop, R&B, soul, electronic and many more styles.
Jesse strives to bring back “real music,” making listeners feel a sense of deja vu while keeping it 100% authentic to himself. Being from South Carolina has played a huge role in who he is today – musically and mentally. Two of his biggest musical influences, James Brown and Darius Rucker, are from South Carolina.
He is proud to represent his home state as the people of South Carolina have the “go getter” and “never give up” mentality which has led him to where he is today.
Aries from UB caught up with Jesse last night, after his performance and he tells us what type of artist he is, and what an album from him could sound like.
In the five-week Qualifiers (March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18) at the end of each night, the jury will advance one artist immediately to the Semi-Finals. The remaining three spots will be determined through a combination of jury and fan votes.
The artists advancing to the Semi-Finals will be announced the following week.
In the Semi-Finals (April 25 & May 2), 10 artists will perform each week, with a slightly elevated performance of their original song.
To make the stakes even higher, in each Semi-Final a “redemption” song will be revealed, adding an 11th artist back into the competition to perform that week for the chance to advance to the Grand Final.
At the end of each Semi-Final, the jury awards their highest-rated artist with an immediate spot in the Grand Final. America’s votes will then help to decide along with the jury which four additional artists will advance.
In the Grand Final (May 9), the top 10 artists take the stage one last time to win America’s and the jury’s vote for best hit song.
