Kentucky's Jordan Smith soars into final round of 'American Song Contest' with 'Sparrow'
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A popular guest and performer at the star-studded Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala won't be able to make it this year, but he has a pretty decent excuse.
Harlan, Kentucky, native Jordan Smith has moved onto the finals of "American Song Contest" with his powerful original song "Sparrow."
Although all of Europe apparently understands the format of the hugely popular and long-running "Eurovision's Song Contest," we've just been introduced to the Americanized version of the reality show contest here in the United States.
One contestant from each of the 50 states plus five territories and Washington, D.C., competed with an original song they have written.
"American Song Contest" is an elimination-style show hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, so over a series of weeks, contestants have been sent home by a combination of viewer votes and judges' decisions.
More: It's back! See the star-studded Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala celebrity list
Smith, who won Season 9 of NBC's "The Voice" and subsequently released four best-selling albums, is once again shining a spotlight on his home state of Kentucky. He is by far one of the most famous of the 56 participants to take part in Season 1 of this “Eurovision Song Contest” spin-off. Other big-name celebs who appeared in different weeks include Michael Bolton (Connecticut,) Jewel (Alaska,) Sisqó (Maryland,) The Crystal Method (Nevada,) and Macy Gray (Ohio).
"It is such an honor to be part of the first season of this new show and if I could win, it would be an amazing thing I could do for the state of Kentucky," Smith said. "I learned during 'The Voice' that competing on national television isn't just about me, it's about focusing a spotlight on all the amazing talent we have in Kentucky."
In an interview with the singer-songwriter from California, where the show is produced, Smith told the Courier Journal he said woke up one morning with the idea for "Sparrow" in his mind, went straight to his piano, and composed the entire song in seven minutes.
"It felt like it was a moment where the music came through me, not from me," he said. "It was truly an inspired moment."
He also revealed he tends to perspire a lot on stage (who wouldn't!) when he performs on national television, which resulted in the costume department cutting the armpits out of the sweatshirt he wore under his jacket during his most recent performance.
"I also had absorbent pads stuck to my back, under my clothes of course," he laughed. "They were just trying anything to keep the sweat from showing."
Background: Will Kentucky's Jordan Smith win NBC's 'American Song Contest' with his song 'Sparrow?'
If you watched Smith's powerful performance in the semi-finals, you know he had nothing to worry about. It was impossible to notice anything other than his compelling lyrics and dynamic voice.
Catch Smith for his final performance in the "American Song Contest" Grand Finale, which airs Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC. And don't forget to vote, Kentucky.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: NBC 'The Voice' star Jordan Smith competes in 'American Song Contest'
