Guitar Center Says It Will Disregard Invalid Submissions in Sheeran Contest
Guitar Center responded to reports that its 'Open for Legends' contest, which offers a chance to open for Ed Sheeran, received non-musical and meme entries. The company stated that such submissions will not be considered, as they are not legitimate applications. The contest launched the same day Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour, adding to the controversy.
The contest's launch coincided precisely with Macklemore's removal from The Loop Tour, creating an unintended association between the promotion and the controversy. The open-submission format, which lacks video verification tools, allowed the platform to be flooded with protest content rather than musical performances. Guitar Center maintains the competition was planned months in advance and frames the situation as a routine filtering process.
The company's response emphasizes that only legitimate musician applications will advance, with the December Mexico City show still serving as the prize. The episode highlights how open-call contests can become vulnerable to organized campaigns when they intersect with politically charged cultural moments, forcing organizers to publicly clarify their vetting procedures.
This episode may affect how brands structure open-submission contests, potentially prompting stricter verification measures that could disadvantage emerging artists. Musicians seeking legitimate opportunities may face increased scrutiny, while audiences might interpret corporate responses through a political lens. The controversy could also influence how artists and fans engage with tour-related promotions during sensitive cultural moments, with companies becoming more cautious about timing and platform security.