Guitar Center has been caught in the growing fallout after Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran‘s tour following the Seattle rapper’s statements onstage in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza. The company’s “Open for Legends” contest launched on Monday, Sept. 14 — which happened to be the same day Macklemore was removed from The Loop Tour. The competition is open to anyone over 18 with a valid U.S. passport and experience performing in front of a live audience.
Per the website, it’s a “brand-new competition series elevating undiscovered musicians to a global platform” with the opportunity to open for Sheeran on his stop in Mexico City on Dec. 11. Contest organizers will have their hands full, however. Entertainment Weekly previously reported that the current iteration of the contest’s website has no way of confirming whether or not a video contains a musician who genuinely wants to compete — many of the videos uploaded have reportedly been memes and non-musical videos showing support for Palestine and criticism for Sheeran.
On Thursday, Guitar Center addressed the debacle in a statement to Rolling Stone and said the “Open for Legends’ competition series was developed months prior to the controversy. We’re continuing to review and manage the program in accordance with its intended purpose and look forward to recognizing and supporting talented musicians through the initiative.” Trending Stories Robert Kraft Responds to Macklemore’s Invite to Match $1 Million to Palestinian Support Groups Cher’s Son, Elijah Blue Allman, Indicted on Felony Criminal-Mischief Charge in New Hampshire Watch Julia Stiles Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Duncan Sheik, Tony Award-Winning Singer-Composer of ‘Spring Awakening,’ in Critical Condition Following Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s trek, supporting acts on The Loop Tour withdrew from the roster including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe. I stand with Palestine and its people.” With Sheeran currently left without opening acts, it looks like he’ll need the assist from the contest winner — assuming Guitar Center can sift through all the memes in time.
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