Cedar Rapids competitor grateful for ‘American Song Contest’ lessons

The show’s judges and viewers didn’t vote Alisabeth Von Presley of Cedar Rapids into the semifinals after the first round of “American Song Contest.” But Von Presley, of Cedar Rapids, remained upbeat in a video she posted on Facebook after Monday night’s second episode, in which the results from episode one were revealed.

The judges ranked her anthem, “Wonder,” eighth out of the 11 contestants. Rhode Island contestant Hueston was voted through to the semifinals at the end of the March 21 launch episode, and when judges’ and viewers’ votes were combined, Connecticut’s Michael Bolton, Oklahoma’s Alexa and Puerto Rico’s Christian Pagan advanced in the competition, as well.

Posting a video on social media from her hotel room in Los Angeles, Von Presley, 35, thanked everyone who has supported her on her career journey, including those who watched her debut on NBC-TV’s search for the best original song in the country.

“I just left the results show, and I just want to say thank you to everybody who voted for me across America, in my hometown, in my home state — people that have never heard of me and decided, ‘I’m gonna take a chance on this pink-haired chick from Iowa.’ I really appreciate the love,” she said.

“Am I upset? Absolutely not. This experience has been remarkable. Everybody says this, but the people that you meet truly do become friends.”

Thrilled also to meet hosts Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, she was elated when told she could keep all the costumes she wore on the show — including the thigh-high pink boots she wore onstage.

“That’s also a reason I’m not super upset,” she said. “ ... Overall, the entire experience — NBC, ‘American Song Contest,’ all of the production crew, and the staging and the lights — everything was so professional that this has truly changed my eye on live television. ...

“I am ecstatic to have all of the information that I have now about the music industry, and just the whole thing, and to be educated by all of these people that are professionals and doing this full time, that have committed their lives to the performing arts.”

She ended with a shoutout to the contestants moving forward, saying all their songs “truly were magnificent.” She hinted that she has lots more in store for the coming year, calling this show “the perfect way to kick off 2022.”

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