Guitar Center's Ed Sheeran contest flooded with protest entries after Macklemore exit
Guitar Center's contest to put an unknown musician on stage before Ed Sheeran has been swamped with protest uploads.
The retailer launched "Open for Legends" on Monday, Sept. 14, offering the winner a slot opening for Sheeran in Mexico City on Dec. 11, according to Rolling Stone. That was the same day Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's The Loop Tour.
The timing turned a talent search into a flashpoint. Videos uploaded to the contest platform have reportedly included memes and non-musical clips expressing support for Palestine and criticism of Sheeran.
To enter, musicians must be over 18, hold a valid U.S. passport, have experience playing in front of a live audience and submit an original song, according to the contest site. Guitar Center describes the series as a way to lift undiscovered musicians to a global platform, starting with Sheeran. Finalists are assessed by music industry experts, including members of Sheeran's team, who choose the grand prize winner, according to Guitar Center.
The backdrop is a tour in turmoil. Macklemore said he was removed after shouting "Free Palestine!" during the Sept. 5 show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, NPR reported. His removal followed onstage statements in support of Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza. Three other supporting acts — Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe — then left the tour.
Guitar Center said the competition series was developed months before the dispute over Macklemore's removal. It also said it had received entries that were not legitimate applications, and those submissions will not be considered.
That may be difficult to police. Entertainment Weekly reported the contest website had no way to confirm whether a video features a musician who genuinely wants to compete. The official rules require each entrant to own the rights to their entry video, music and song, including the copyright in the musical composition performed.
For fans, this means two stories running at once. One is a career break. The other is a protest.
The Loop Tour is proceeding as scheduled for now despite the fallout, the Los Angeles Times reported. Listed dates include Sept. 19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Sept. 25 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
