Courtesy Photo / Jessica Steddom                                 Anna Graceman, shown in this undated photo, was among two songwriters, whose work was chosen to create a song that will help promote the 2021 Olympics. It was the first time two songwriters were chosen as winners on an episode of NBC’s “Songland.”

Courtesy Photo / Jessica Steddom Anna Graceman, shown in this undated photo, was among two songwriters, whose work was chosen to create a song that will help promote the 2021 Olympics. It was the first time two songwriters were chosen as winners on an episode of NBC’s “Songland.”

Singer-songwriter from Juneau gets golden opportunity

‘Songland’ co-winner’s music will help promote the Olympics.

A singer-songwriter from Juneau knew that she had secured a golden opportunity after performing on a songwriting competition series.

Then, the pandemic placed a pall of uncertainty over exactly what unique success on NBC’s “Songland” would mean for Anna Graceman, now based in Nashville.

Graceman was one of two songwriters, whose works were picked by “Meant to Be” singer Bebe Rexha to create the song “Miracle” intended to be used to promote the 2020 Olympics.

The song’s title and chorus come courtesy of Graceman’s co-winner Greg Scott. Its verses come from Graceman’s song “Gold.”

“It was a really crazy episode, too, because Bebe decided to pick two winners so that she could mash her favorite parts of two songs together, which had never happened on the show before,” Graceman said in a phone interview. “Being able to be a winner was really exciting and being able to have the song used for the Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

However, in the months following the January recording of the episode, a lot changed, and the Tokyo games were pushed back to July 2021.

“It was way before anything had even started to develop in the United States,” Graceman said of the episode’s recording. “We were all under the impression it would be for the 2020 Olympics when we started filming. When we heard the Olympics were getting pushed back, our episode hadn’t even aired yet. We found that out, and all of us on the episode were stressing out, like, ‘Are they even going to air our episode? Is this going to happen with the Olympics.’”

Shane McAnally, Anna Graceman, Bebe Rexha, Greg Scott, Ryan Tedder stand together. Graceman said she valued her experience on NBC’s “Songland.”(Courtesy Photo / Trae Patton, NBC)

Shane McAnally, Anna Graceman, Bebe Rexha, Greg Scott, Ryan Tedder stand together. Graceman said she valued her experience on NBC’s “Songland.”(Courtesy Photo / Trae Patton, NBC)

To add to the anxiety, Graceman couldn’t discuss either the certain win or uncertain future since the episode had not yet aired.

[Folk Festival draws singer-songwriter back home]

“There was so much unknown with the pandemic and the changing of the Olympics, so sitting on that as well as the fact that I won was very intense,” Graceman said.

However, the episode did ultimately air in June, and “Miracle will still be used to promote the 2021 Olympics.

“People all over the world are going to be watching the Olympics and seeing the promos, and it’s an honor to be a part of something that’s a global event like that,” Graceman said.

More music

In between the recording and airing of Graceman’s episode of “Songland” she released a new album, “The Way the Night Behaves,” in May.

She said she is also staying busy writing and recording music amid the pandemic, and while it took some adjusting, it’s nice to be able to record vocals at home and technology allows for relatively easy collaboration.

She expects to have new music out in the near future, too.

“I’m working on a Christmas song right now,” Graceman said. “So that will be coming out.”

• Contact Ben Hohenstatt at (907)308-4895 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Ships in Port for t​​he Week of Oct. 1

Here’s what to expect this week.

This image from House Television shows Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., the Speaker Pro Tempore, presiding as the House passes a 45-day funding bill on Saturday at the Capitol in Washington. The House vote was 335-91. The measure now goes to the Senate, which also is meeting Saturday. (House Television via AP)
On the brink of a federal shutdown, the House passes a 45-day funding plan and sends it to Senate

Peltola, still in Alaska after husband’s death, abstains from vote, but offers statement of support.

This is a photo taken at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in July. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Forest Service, Tlingit and Haida to co-steward Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

Tribe dedicated to “protection of the historic and cultural resources in the area,” president says.

Retiring Deputy Chief David Campbell, left, and City and Borough of Juneau Manager Rorie Watt, right, smile for a photo Friday afternoon during a ceremony held at the Juneau Police Station. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Juneau’s deputy and interim police chief retires after 28 years

David Campbell honored for his service during a ceremony Friday afternoon.

Violinist/vocalist Chelsey Green, seen here with her Green Project ensemble in 2022, is scheduled to perform Oct. 4 and 5 during the Juneau Jazz and Classics Fall Music Festival. (Photo courtesy of Chelsey Green)
This fall’s Juneau Jazz and Classics offers the world on a string

Cellos and violins will be playing rock, folk, baroque, fusion and traditional at five-day festival.

(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Police investigate ‘random’ drive-by pellet gun attack downtown

A person in a white SUV reportedly shot at two women Wednesday night.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Derek Bos of Colorado smiles for a photo Thursday evening outside of City Hall. Bos is one of two finalists seeking the chief position at the Juneau Police Department. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Chief finalist says building trust in schools and faith-based communities a priority

He addresses past controversial arrests of two school district administrators in Colorado.

Most Read