NBC’s music competition series American Song Contest, featuring live performances representing the fifty states, US territories, and the nation’s capital, first premiered over a month ago. Boasting both new and established artists, the series is based on the international series, Eurovision Song Contest. Legendary singer and songwriter Michael Bolton took to the stage in the first round to represent Connecticut with his song “Beautiful World.” Last night, he performed once more during the semi-finals.

According to the Grammy winner, who spoke with SciFi Vision recently, when he was asked to represent his state, he knew right away he wanted to do it. “It was a no brainer,” said Bolton. “Connecticut is where I was born and raised and where I still live today. I have so many vivid memories of growing up there, trying to get my cassette tapes into local record stores, playing gigs at bars I was too young to be in, busking on the streets to get a slice of pizza and a soft drink. There was a very supportive community for young artists there, and I am grateful for the support I received over the years.”

The series reminded him of his roots. “It’s such a great platform for singer songwriters to be able to share new music to a large audience and for people to embrace such a diversity of styles and genres. It reminds me of how much great creativity there is out there,” said the musician about the competition.

Last night, Bolton once again performed his song “Beatiful World” that he wrote with fellow contestant Justin Jesso during the pandemic. What were his plans to change it up? “The goal [is] to allow the stage production to match the spirit of the song, which is hopeful, colorful, aspirational,” said the artist.

For more, read the full transcript of the interview below, and if you haven’t already, check out the video of our previous discussion with Bolton where he talked about how he’s always learning from his experiences, even now.


What made you decide to do the show?

When I was asked to represent the state of Connecticut, it was a no brainer. Connecticut is where I was born and raised and where I still live today. I have so many vivid memories of growing up there, trying to get my cassette tapes into local record stores, playing gigs at bars I was too young to be in, busking on the streets to get a slice of pizza and a soft drink. There was a very supportive community for young artists there and I am grateful for the support I received over the years.

How has the experience of American Song Contest changed you?

I wouldn’t say it’s changed me so much as reminded me of my roots, as a songwriter and aspiring singer. It’s such a great platform for singer songwriters to be able to share new music to a large audience and for people to embrace such a diversity of styles and genres. It reminds me of how much great creativity there is out there. It’s inspiring.  

What’s the best piece of advice you gotten over the course of your career?

To believe in yourself and not give up. I had a lot of starts and stops, from when I was signed to Epic Records at sixteen and then dropped a year later. Multiple production deals came and went, along with a few records that never saw the light of day, but there was always someone reminding me to just keep going. The breakthrough was really finding my lane through songs that fit my voice and me as an artist. It took eighteen years to find it, but I’m glad I never gave up!

What you are doing to elevate your song in the semi-final round?

The goal [is] to allow the stage production to match the spirit of the song, which is hopeful, colorful, aspirational. 

You obviously are an inspiration to a lot of people, but who has inspired you throughout your life?

I am inspired by so many whose impact drives me to do more, not just with my music but with my charity. Leaders like Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, and more recently Malala Yousafzai, have so much to teach us through not just their words but their very actions. I remain committed to the work we do at Michael Bolton Charities to create programs like Beyond Trauma music therapy for kids at risk. There is so much to do on our mission to help and heal those impacted by domestic violence. 

Who on the show would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Of course Kelly Clarkson and Snoop! I also love the voice and style of Allen Stone and Hueston. I’ve already been collaborating with Justin Jesso, who co-wrote “Beautiful World,” and Jared Lee for my new album and plan to continue writing with them more in the future.