NBC’s newest reality competition series American Song Contest has only been around for one season, but the excitement and social media buzz around each episode every week makes it feel like a longtime classic.
Last week, we sat down with the first batch of semi-finalists to learn more about their time on the show and what they’ve taken away from the experience so far. This week, we caught up with the remaining ten semi-finalists — Tyler Braden, ENISA, Stela Cole, Tenelle, Sweet Taboo, Chloe Fredericks, Christian Pagán, Broderick Jones, John Morgan and Grant Knoche — to hear all about their personal experiences from ASC, how they are prepping for the grand finale and much more.
With all the contestants battling for the winning spot of the show, you would think that a lot of drama would happen behind the scenes. But as Tennessee’s Tyler Braden revealed, this group is one big family on and off stage.
“I gave away my biggest secret before, which is that I don’t drink. But one behind the scenes fact is that each episode we all got to spend a lot of time together at the hotel, just taking the time to hangout and get to know each other, and that’s been really cool that we’ve all stayed connected,” he shared with Celeb Secrets reporter Gracie Lowes during a media session. “We have a big group text going with the episode I was on originally and just congratulating each other, we kinda got split up with these two semi-final episodes but you kinda create this comradery with the episode you were originally on. So, that’s a little bit of behind the scenes but I think all the episodes have done that, hanging out at the hotel and getting to know each other.”
With 56 competitors, each performance has to stand out and be original. When chatting with Celeb Secrets, ENISA explained that her set design came from her time in New York.
“I just wanted something that represented New York which is super loud and super out there, but also has a bit of swag and you know it’s just a New York vibe,” she said. “The idea of the statue of liberty being behind me came around last second and so did my twirling my hair. I was like ‘guys we have to add all of this’ because I wanted to make it as New York as possible. New York is so loud, fun and so nonstop that I felt I needed lights, dancers and everything else to get the whole goal of the performance.”
From her glittery outfit to her backup dancers, Georgia’s Stela Cole went big for her first performance. When asked how she plans to one-up herself, she said that it will be hard but she’s up for the challenge.
“It’s gonna be tough because I feel like the first one was really go big or go home, but I will say that with the first performance I had a lot of nerves,” she revealed. “This was my first performance in awhile due to COVID-19 and also my first performance on national television and live, so I think the difference between then and now is that I’ll have a lot more energy and less nerves. I’ve also met so many amazing fans and friends through this process, that I now have a whole new support system that I didn’t have going into the first round. So, now that I have more confidence and people hyping me up, my performance will definitely be levelled up with a new outfit and more light production.”
When asked what it’s like to open up on such a global level, American Samoa singer Tenelle revealed that she feels blessed for the opportunity to share stories to the world.
“Just to have this opportunity alone is amazing. But to get this chance to share my lyrics, my song, my family’s testimonies and my brother’s story, along with all the reality of the deaths that have been going on in the Polynesian community and the entire world, I just felt honored that God gave me this opportunity to share,” she said. “All of this has never been about me and I never want it to be, there’s a bigger picture in everything that I do from what I wear to the smile I have, there’s a bigger story to it all.”
It’s no surprise that these artists have grown their fan bases since hitting this stage, but California’s Sweet Taboo revealed that the contestants biggest supporters are their competitors.
“It’s not really a secret, but I think people should know that behind the scenes all the contestants are best friends. It is technically a competition, but we’re all rooting for each other and there is so much love and support. So, when you see everyone cheering for each other it’s authentic and genuine, we all love each other so much,” the girls shared collectively.
While most contestants are focusing on their next performance, people like North Dakota’s Chloe Fredericks are brainstorming for future collaborations after the show.
“Oh my gosh, if it was Doja Cat, I would absolutely do a collab. But my dream collab will always have to be Brandi Carlile, Adele — YEBBA is someone who I’m a really big fan of right now — Doja Cat…” before continuing, “I’d love to get some bars on some music with Megan Thee Stallion, I think that would be amazing. Just 100% strong female empowerment.”
Puerto Rican singer Christian Pagá took the stage by storm with his performance of “LOKO,” but in order for this performance to wow the crowd, Pagá explained that he had to leave his comfort zone.
“To be honest, this song and this opportunity have gotten me out of my comfort zone in so many ways. Because if you look at my older songs they’re more mellow, ballad love songs, even though they have an urban and Puerto Rican feel,” he said. “But now when I get on stage I’m just trying to enjoy it, because if you enjoy it as an artist the audience will enjoy it.”
Kansas’ Broderick Jones talked to us about how he doesn’t have fear when it comes to opening up on such a global level with his music.
“I’ve always taken pride in being a truth teller and I’ve always wanted to be honest with everybody, because by being honest people can connect better with my music. So, that’s just someone I’ve always been, I’m an open book. But it is definitely scary sometimes because you don’t know how people are going to react or if they’ll make fun of you for being ‘too soft’ but I’ve learnt that it’s okay,” he shared.
So many memories have been made during the race to the finals, but North Carolina’s John Morgan told us what stuck with him from his first performance.
“It’s tough to say what I feel at the moment because I’m always scared of messing up lyrics, especially being on ‘American Song Contest,’ lyrics are the whole thing so I’m super zoned in on stage. But there was a moment during the show where I had finished the first verse and I was panning the crowd, and I saw Sisco in front of me and I hit the chorus and he sang it with me and I was like ‘what is happening’ it was such a weird and cool moment but it’s what I remember from the first performance,” he revealed.
From the flashing lights to the screams of the crowd, there is a lot for an artist to focus on. Texas’ Grant Knoche opened up to us about what goes on in his head during a performance
“It’s really crazy because right before it starts, I was laying down and all I hear in my ears is the countdown until I have to go. And honestly I think I black out a bit and my performance just happened, but I got done and the best moment was when I was just standing there and I could see all of my friends and family and people I don’t even know in the crowd cheering me on, and it was a touching and cool moment for me.”
You can watch new episodes of American Song Contest on Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 pm ET/PT on NBC, and don’t forget to let us know if you’re loving American Song Contest by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by tweeting us at @celebsecrets.
For more interviews with the contestants from American Song Contest, click here.
