Representing Texas in the NBC music reality competition television series 'American Song Contest' was Frisco native Grant Knoche. One contestant from all 50 U.S. states, five territories and Washington, D.C., competed for the title of Best Original Song. Grant confirms he was super enthused to represent his home state of Texas, although he currently resides in Los Angeles. He made it all the way to the finals!
Grant, 19, confides that he taught himself to write and produce music in his childhood bedroom. He previously was a part of KIDZ BOP, an American children’s music group that produces family-friendly cover versions of pop songs and related media.
Apart from being a singer, he is also a self-taught piano player, saying he learned how to play by watching YouTube tutorials online. He's also a dancer who's been performing since age 7, and notes that his favorite style is hip hop.
The American Song Contest took place between March 21 and May 9, among the 56 top contestants. The live competition consisted of three rounds as the acts competed in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by Semi-Finals, and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory emerged victorious: XX.
The hosts and executive producers of “American Song Contest" were Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson. Snoop is a multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon with three decades of experience in the music industry. Kelly, a talk show host and the first-ever winner of “American Idol,” officially joined the NBC family in 2018 as a coach on “The Voice,” winning the competition in Seasons 14, 15, 17 and 21.
How Fans Know Grant
Grant's synth-driven, deep bass and intimate pop songs have all been written and produced by him. On his way to gathering more than 900,000 followers, Grant has spent most of his life on the road performing more than 160 shows across America, including on "Today," at Radio City Music Hall, Woodstock and other locales.
Grant Qualified For Semi-Final Round
Grant opened the live round three qualifying show with his original song, "Mr. Independent." He says the song has a great message behind it that really represents Texas in a great way. Grant's debut EP, "Color Me Blue," was featured on multiple top playlists and he was recently called out by Ones to Watch as "One of today's finest rising pop stars." He competed on May 2 in the semifinals.
What Grant Enjoyed Most About The Contest
"Honestly, one of the best parts of the experience was getting to meet all of the other wonderful talented artists in the competition! I’ve gotten to bond with and make so many new lifelong friends. Being with such amazing people throughout the process has really helped me soak in the experience even more. It’s been a great time."
Mr. Independent's Future Plans
"As for future plans, I’m planning on releasing a ton more music. I have over 20 songs in my pocket at the moment, so I"m figuring out the release plan for all of them. The thought process is that I’ll release singles and build-up to the release of my second EP in mid/late 2022."
Frisco roots
"I’m so grateful to have grown up in Frisco," says Grant. "I spent the majority of my childhood in Frisco, which shaped and molded me into the person I have become. Frisco is family-orientated, homey, real, and has provided me a strong foundation to pursue my passions."
Next Step Dance, Elevate Life Church, and Creativation are a couple of places that really inspired him to be independent, driven, and strong, he asserts. "I’m so blessed to have been raised in a city and state that's so proud and independent, and I hope to share that with others through my song, MR. INDEPENDENT!"
to follow Grant's journey and music:
Instagram @grantknoche
Spotify verified artist Grant Knoche
Apple Music artist/grant-knoche
Twitter @GrantCKnoche
Hoo.Be/GrantKnoche
“American Song Contest” is a reality TV show based on the worldwide phenomenon “Eurovision Song Contest," which has been a mega-hit overseas for the past six decades.