NBC has been announced as the broadcaster for the upcoming US version of Eurovision, the American Song Contest.

The competition will see representatives from all 50 states, five US territories and the nation's capital battle it out with their original songs to be crowned the inaugural champion.

The whole series will air live on NBC - tentatively in early 2022 - and will comprise several qualifiers, semi-finals and a grand final, with the Eurovision format of viewer votes and jury votes being used to determine the winner.

"For 65 years the Eurovision Song Contest has connected people far and wide," said Martin Osterdahl, executive supervisor of Eurovision. "As owners of this hugely successful format, we have seen how it has found a place in millions of hearts across Europe and beyond.

"Now we are excited to have found the perfect partners to share this unique competition and its passionate celebration of music and original songs with the American people."

This year's Eurovision is taking place in Rotterdam, with the first of the semi-finals being staged on Tuesday.