The format of the Eurovision Song Contest, the world's most popular music festival, has been sold to the USA. After the Asiavision Song Contest, which is due to be held later this year, the first edition of the Americavision Song Contest is expected to take place in 2010.
The format was sold to the US American television network ABS. A spokesperson revealed how the contest will take place: "Two semi finals will be held and the top twelve of each semi final will be chosen by televoting to reach the grand final. All 50 states will have one entry in the running. Yes, even Alaska! In the final, televoting will decide the winner. Every state will give 1-8, 10 and 12 points to the other contestants. If it turns out that the East (coast) is more successful than the West (coast), we will consider jury voting for the second edition."
The announcement has caused an uproar not only in the United States, but also in Europe. There are rumours that German composer Ralph Siegel (Ein bißchen Frieden, Laß' die Sonne in dein Herz, Sing sang song) has announced that he will submit entries in Utah, Kentucky, Rhode Island and North Dakota. It is also said that Swedish composer Thomas G:Son (Ven a bailar conmigo, Tango Tango, Samba Sambero) stated he would like to write a song with Gloria Estefan, the Queen of Latin music. She has yet to accept the offer.
Some singers have already revelaed their interest. Americal Idol winner Kelly Clarkson might perform a duet with Metallica singer James Hetfield. The song is expected to be about "love and peace and stuff". Kid Rock is rumoured to represent his home state Michigan while Kevin Federline might wave the Californian flag. The latter is said to have answered to the question why he would take part: "I have always loved the Eurovision Song Contest but never got the chance to take part. Americavision would be the perfect opportunity!".
The first edition of the contest is expected to be held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood in 2010. Among the possible hosts is Canadian singer Céline Dion, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988. Apart from her Eurovision experience, she is also a hot favourite because she would host the shows in English and French, which "would be pointless but could give the event a 'European flair'". Of course, nothing has been confirmed yet.
Update
Although wecould hardly believe that there is someone out there who has not noticed it by now, we want to make clear that this was our April fool's joke. Of course, there is no television network called ABS (unless ABC and CBS decide tomerge one day, which is unlikely to happen). The Eurovision Song Contest formatwasalready sold to the US years ago – you can read more about that here and here. However, we are delighted to see that the Americavision Song Contest was picked up by wikipedia on its English, Dutch and Spanish version.
