Interview with Jon Ola Sand are rare. Eurovision Fan House has however managed to speak to the Norwegian. During that interview, Jon Ola spoke about Lisbon 2018 and expanding the Eurovision brand… Including America.
“It is a long term strategy”
Jon Ola Sand answered a question about the EBU’s plans in expanding the Eurovision brand and he replied by saying:
“We have already launched an initiative in Asia, and this is done in conjunction with our Australian partner, SBS, who participates in the ESC.
We are working with them to stage a similar concept to Eurovision in Asia, essentially to have a Eurovision Asia. In addition, we also broadcast the ESC in several markets in that region, Australia is one of them, China has been on board to showcase the Eurovision Song Contest, New Zealand has been on board, and when it comes to the US we also have a deal there with the broadcaster Viacom to broadcast Eurovision in the US.
We also want to see if it’s possible to create an American version of the Eurovision Song Contest, although we haven’t concluded that yet. This is a long term strategy for sure to see how far outside of Europe the brand can reach.”
As everyone will recall, the EBU recently confirmed the launch of ‘Eurovision Asia‘ and the initiative has asked fans to suggest which countries and singers they would want to participate.
This isn’t the first time the possibility of Eurovision America came about. Back in 2006, it was announced that NBC was up for developing an American version which would have been the NBC’s answer to American Idol.
Momentum picking up in the USA
After years of demand, Eurovision was finally shown on American airwaves when the EBU inked a deal with Logo TV in 2016. They also aired the contest this year, with RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage as one of the commentators.
Do you think Eurovision American could become a reality? If so, who would you like to see represent each state? Leave us your comments and opinions below or at social media @ESCXTRA
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