From Rolling Stone · Charisma Madarang · · 1m 10s
Guitar Center's Ed Sheeran Contest Flooded With Political Memes
A tour-opener competition launched the same day Macklemore was dropped for pro-Palestine remarks, and the contest website is now drowning in protest submissions.
In brief
A tour-opener competition launched the same day Macklemore was dropped for pro-Palestine remarks, and the contest website is now drowning in protest submissions. Guitar Center says the contest was planned months ahead, but the timing and flood of political entries have tied the competition to the Macklemore…
Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
The Seattle rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestine statements onstage during Israel's war in Gaza.
Guitar Center launches contest same day
On September 14th, Guitar Center announced its 'Open for Legends' competition offering a chance to open for Sheeran in Mexico City on December 11th.
Contest flooded with protest videos
Instead of genuine musician submissions, the contest website received memes and nonmusical videos showing support for Palestinians and criticism of Sheeran.
No verification system in place
Entertainment Weekly reported the contest website has no way to confirm whether uploaded videos actually contain musicians wanting to compete.
Guitar Center says contest was planned ahead
The company stated the competition was developed months before the Macklemore controversy and will disregard non-legitimate submissions to focus on real musicians.
“Those submissions will not be considered so that the opportunity can remain focused on musicians who are seeking to showcase their talent.”
The takeaway
Guitar Center says the contest was planned months ahead, but the timing and flood of political entries have tied the competition to the Macklemore controversy.
