Eurovision America: Michael Bolton, Cisco, and Macy Gray contest

Michael Bolton, Macy Gray, Jewel, and Cisco will all-star in the American version of Eurovision when it starts this month. The musicians, who have 25 top 10 hits below them, will represent their country against amateurs, newcomers, and rising stars. Pop star Kelly Clarkson and rap icon Snoop Dogg will host the show for eight weeks.

Clarkson said he was "excited" to bring the Eurovision concept to the United States. "I'm so excited to be working with Snoop and can't wait to see every state and territory the artist represents sing their song," he added in a statement. Michael Bolton, who has nine number-one singles in the United States, including How I Should Live Without You and Loving Someone, said he was "so excited" to represent his home state of Connecticut.

Jewel, who won The Masked Singer Season 6 in the US, will represent Alaska. Macy Gray handled the award for Ohio, while star Thong Song Sisqó meant Maryland. The band also includes former Glee star Ryker Lynch and dancer The Crystal Method - often referred to as America's answer to The Chemical Brothers.

Keyone Starr of Mississippi is Mark Ronson's 2015 album Uptown Special vocalist. Meanwhile, Oklahoma singer Alexa has had a successful career as a K-pop artist in her second home, South Korea. Other actions are greener around the gills. Hawaii contestant Bronson Varde has only one song on Spotify with an 18-month-old listener.

Soul singer NËITHER, who represents Washington, has more songs to his name but only 71 listeners.

There are 56 acts representing all 50 US states, five US territories, and national capitals. Each action will compete for the audience's votes in the hope of winning the Best Original Song title. Unlike the Eurovision Song Contest (officially a spin-off), the competition will have several stages, including a qualifying round and a semifinal.