'American Song Contest': Who are Las Marias? Arizona twins bring Mexican flavor to the show
'American Song Contest' combines the competitive spirit of rooting for your favorite sports team with the joy of watching a beloved singing performance. It is based on the worldwide phenomenon 'Eurovision Song Contest,' which has been held for 65 years by the European Broadcasting Union and is watched by 200 million people every year. 'American Song Contest,' the American version of the worldwide megahit, will feature live original musical performances from all 50 states, five US territories, and the nation's capital, all contending for the country's vote for Best Original Song.
A total of 56 musicians will perform their own songs, with the outcomes determined by home viewers and a jury of music professionals. The live competition is divided into three parts, with the performers competing in a series of Qualifying Rounds, Semi-Finals, and the Grand Final when one state or territory will be crowned champion. The season premiere of 'ASC' featured 11 different artists fighting for the audience and national jury votes. Hueston of Rhode Island won the jury vote for his song 'Held on Too Long' and advanced to the Semi-Finals. The following three artists also proceeded to the semis once the jury's rankings were merged with America's votes: Oklahoma's Alexa ('Wonderland'), Puerto Rico's Christian Pagán ('Loko'), and Connecticut's Michael Bolton ('Beautiful World').
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Who are Las Marias?
Las Marías is a group that will be representing Arizona. Maria Isabel and Maria Teresa, 21 years old, are twins who can sing mariachi, corridos, norteñas, cumbias, and sierreño. Their parents were deported in 2008 and relocated to Nogales, where they began taking music lessons and became more immersed in regional Mexican music and culture. Las Marias has worked with well-known regional Mexican musicians and is now opening for Paquita la Del Barrio, a legend in the genre. They've published five albums so far, and they're now working on their sixth. They're happy to represent Arizona since they've had the opportunity to live and play regional Mexican music all around their wonderful state over their lives.
The twins maintain a social media presence for the group, where they provide updates about their music and personal lives. Check out this video to hear their singing voices.
'American Song Contest' airs Monday nights at 8 on NBC.