Eurovision Song Contest set to have its own North American version
The rumoured show is set to air in 2021
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
The Eurovision Song Contest is set to have its own North American version.
The popular song contest – which is set to air this Saturday (May 18) is Tel Aviv after Netta won last year’s competition – has long been rumoured to be adapted for American audiences and now the Hollywood Reporter has revealed the American Song Contest is in development.
With a launch date in 2021, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has allowed Swedish production company Brian Academy for the format to be shopped in the US.
Peter Settman, CEO and creative director of Brian Academy, said: “Outside of sports, the Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest TV show on Earth, it unites a continent and everybody gets to vote.
“We can’t wait to introduce this wonderful competition to the biggest TV market in the world. TV/video audiences are getting bigger every year so this is the perfect time to bring this exciting show to the American public.”
Although not much else is known, the show will reportedly put American states head-to-head as they compete over several shows until the final.
“For over six decades the Eurovision Song Contest, powered by public service media, has brought audiences together with its values of diversity, universality and inclusivity,” Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of Eurovision for the EBU said.
“As part of the EBU’s overall strategy to grow the brand it’s time for Eurovision to go stateside to reach even more viewers.
“We’re delighted that this growth will be overseen by some of the people that have created some of its’ brightest moments.”