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Palestine Support Hijacks Guitar Center's Talent Search
18 Sep
Summary
- Guitar Center's contest launched the same day Macklemore was dropped.
- Many contest entries are memes supporting Palestine, criticizing Sheeran.
- Organizers state the contest was developed months prior to controversy.
Guitar Center's "Open for Legends" contest, designed to elevate undiscovered musicians to a global platform, is facing unexpected challenges. The competition launched on September 14, coinciding with the day rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour due to onstage remarks supporting Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza.
The contest, open to U.S. residents over 18 with live performance experience, aims to offer the winner a chance to open for Sheeran in Mexico City on December 11. However, organizers are reportedly sifting through numerous meme-filled and non-musical videos, many expressing solidarity with Palestine and criticism of Sheeran, alongside legitimate entries.
In response, Guitar Center clarified that the "Open for Legends" series was conceived months before the current controversy. They assured that submissions not conforming to the contest's purpose would not be considered, ensuring the opportunity remains focused on genuine musical talent.
This situation follows the withdrawal of other supporting acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore's stance. Finneas explicitly stated that artists should not be silenced for speaking up for the oppressed.
