'Thong Song' singer Sisqó performed his new single 'It's Up' while surrounded by fire-breathing dragons, and actual flames, on 'American Song Contest'
Sisqó represented his home state of Maryland on Monday's episode of "American Song Contest."
Best known for his 1999 single "Thong Song," he performed his new single "It's Up" on the show.
He didn't automatically advance into the competition's semifinals, but could still move on by vote.
On Monday night, Sisqó took the stage on "American Song Contest" to perform his new single "It's Up," his signature dragon pendant in tow.
The Grammy-nominated singer, whose real name is Mark Andrews, is best known for his 1999 single "Thong Song," off of his debut album "Unleash the Dragon." He represented his home state of Maryland on the live show, which is modeled on the European competition "Eurovision Song Contest" as singers from different US states battle it out.
Sisqó's performance of his new single was fire — quite literally. Accompanied by a host of backup singers wearing red jackets, and occasionally backlit by images of a flaming house and, of course, a fire-breathing dragon, the stage featured pyrotechnics that framed the solo artist and his dancers in actual flames.
In addition to his solo career, which encapsulates three full solo albums that were released in 1999, 2001, and 2015, along with several EPs and mixtapes, Sisqó was a founding member of the R&B group Dru Hill. Prior to his appearance on "American Song Contest," Sisqó had most recently released the single "La Thong" alongside Mexican artist JD Pantoja.
On Monday's episode, Sisqó competed against acts like girl group Sweet Taboo of California and Halie of Missouri. The show's jury of music industry professionals ultimately chose 17-year-old Ada LeAnn of Michigan to move directly on from Monday's qualifying round into the semifinals following her performance of her song "Natalie." She'll compete against artists like AleXa, the K-pop star representing Oklahoma in the competition, and former "Glee" star Riker Lynch, who's representing Colorado.
Voting is currently open to determine the three additional artists from Monday's qualifier — potentially including Sisqó — that will advance to the semifinals, and will close Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. ET. The first round of the live semi-finals will air on NBC on Monday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
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