AMERICAN Song Contest returned Monday night after fans slammed the show last week.
In Monday's episode, Jewel, Tyler Braden, and RIker Lynch were among those who were praised for their emotional performances.
Fans also praised Jordan Smith and Grant Knoche.
Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg host the show, proving to be a hilarious pair as they emcee the performances of artists from each of the 50 states.
However, after last Monday's episode, some fans dubbed the show "unfair" because it allows up-and-coming contestants new to the stage to perform in competition against seasoned professionals like Michael Bolton and Macy Gray.
The show is designed to be America's answer to the Eurovision Song Contest, with musicians from all 50 states, five surrounding territories, and Washington, DC competing in the contest.
Read our American Song Contest live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Forrest McFarland
How can I vote?
There are five Qualifying Rounds of the American Song Contest, with 11 competitors featured in each episode.
A jury made of 56 music experts – one from each state and territory – will choose one artist to advance immediately to the Semi-Finals during each Qualifying Round.
A total of three more spots will open up for the Semi-Finals, set to be chosen by the jury and fans.
Fans are able to vote through the NBC website, the NBC app, and TikTok.
- Forrest McFarland
Tyler Braden continues
The jury voted for Tennessee's Tyler Braden to continue on to the semifinals.
The three other contestants continuing on from this episode will be announced in next week's episode.
- Forrest McFarland
On to the rankings
The final rankings of the night are being revealed after all the performances.
- Forrest McFarland
Riker feels the love
Riker closed out the night with his song "Feel the Love."
He performed a classic pop song in a fun, floral outfit.
"I feel the love right now. It feels so good to be alive," he sang lightheartedly.
"Such a great vibe to end to," Kelly said.
- Forrest McFarland
Riker Lynch starts a new journey
Riker, who is the brother of actor Ross Lynch, said he grew up playing music with his siblings.
He was even in an American pop band with his siblings called R5.
Riker also has worked as an actor, briefly starring in the television series "Glee."
- Forrest McFarland
Sunsets and sea turtles
Sabyu gave a relaxed performance of his original song "Sunsets & Seaturtles."
He represented his culture by playing acoustic guitar and delivering smooth vocals.
- Forrest McFarland
Northern Mariana Islands
Sabyu is up next representing the Northern Mariana Islands.
He said they "like to chill but also know how to have a good time," in his native region.
- Forrest McFarland
'First state for a reason'
One Twitter user gave a shout out to Nitro Nitra saying Delaware is the "first state for a reason."
- Forrest McFarland
Delaware performs
Nitro Nitra performed a climatic rock and roll number titled "Train."
She showed off energetic and impressive vocals alongside a killer band.
The performance included theatrical sparks and flashing lights alongside a "Grace Jones" outfit.
- Forrest McFarland
Meet Nitro Nitra
Nitro Nitra said she is a soul singer but "rock and roll is freedom."
She is representing Delaware tonight with her song "Train."
- Forrest McFarland
Gifts for Snoop and Kelly
Representing the Northern Mariana Islands, Sabyu brought necklaces that his brother hand carved for the hosts.
He said he hopes they remember the islands after his performance.
- Forrest McFarland
South Dakota plays 'Bad Girl'
Judd Hoos represented their state with a full band and an upbeat rock song.
The group of men gave a fun and energetic performance, singing "all I need is a bad girl that's good for me."
- Forrest McFarland
Meet Judd Hoos
Judd Hoos is an American rock band from South Dakota.
They said live music is a big part of the midwestern state, and they will even shut down streets in South Dakota cities with their shows.
- Forrest McFarland
'Not Alone'
The South Carolina native made a big production with his upbeat R&B song.
The performance featured hype music and a stage full of dancers that added to the electric energy.
- Forrest McFarland
Meet Jesse LeProtti
Jesse LeProtti said there's a lot of old-school charm in his home state of South Carolina.
He said his song "Not Alone" is dedicated to his mother.
- Forrest McFarland
Classic Eurovision
Several people on Twitter said that Jewel's performance hearkened back to the show's Eurovision roots.
- Forrest McFarland
Jewel performs 'The Story'
The Masked Singer winner performed her original song while playing guitar and donning a cowboy hat in front of a tree.
During the performance, she said the song is dedicated to anyone who feels like their "magic is gone."
"The story isn't over."
- Forrest McFarland
'Music is the great leveler'
Jewel praised her Alaskan background saying that it taught her to be different.
Though she has a much more successful background than other contestants, she plans to "reintroduce" herself through her song "The Story."
- Forrest McFarland
Ale Zabala takes the stage
Zabala danced around a stage washed in pink while TikTok videos played in the background.
She matched the playful lyrics of her song "Flirt" with fun choreography and a sassy attitude.
- Forrest McFarland
Welcome to Florida
Ale Zabala said she "lives her happiest life" in Miami.
She said the millions of Latino people who live in the state bring a lot of different cultures.
She continued saying her song "Flirt" is a Latin pop song.
- Forrest McFarland
Alabama saved room for the song
One Twitter user said they liked Alabama's "no gimmicks" performance.
- Forrest McFarland
Ni/Co performs
The two Alabama singers performed their song "The Difference."
The couple performed the emotional song alone on stage and sealed the performance with a romantic kiss.
- Forrest McFarland
'We represent Alabama today'
The duo Ni/Co said they represent what Alabama looks like today.
The two are an interracial couple who rose to fame with their online covers of famous songs.
- Forrest McFarland
Tennessee is ahead
Kelly and Snoop gave an update on the jury's thoughts as well as viewer voting records.
Tyler Braden from Tennessee was ahead on both.
- Forrest McFarland
'Mixture of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo'
One Twitter user said Brooke Alexx reminded him of two famous artists.
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