September 1, 2009
Arcadian Broad Calls Out America’s Got Talent Producers and Piers Becomes a Shill
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Normally you’d find a nice discussion of the various contestants in the America’s Got Talent season 4 semi finals. Instead, you’re going to get a nice rant or two that just need to be said.
Arcadian Braod Calls Out America’s Got Talent Producers
First up is Arcadian Broad calling out the producers of America’s Got Talent for basically forcing him to do the High School Musical themed dance. This really is nothing new for those who read the site. We’ve long known that the producers basically force the contestants to do a certain song that they think will play well on the show. I hear they actually suggest a couple pieces, but there’s usually one that they really want you to do.
The funny part is that Arcadian Broad actually started to talk about this on the show. You could tell he wasn’t happy that he was doing High School musical. I’m glad he did. The producers should be held accountable for the choices they make if he’s going to be ripped by the judges. I think the mistake for Arcadian was actually having other dancers on stage with him. It basically showed that there are a lot of other dancers his age that are just about as good. Sure, he has a bit of the it quality in his face and performance, but it wasn’t all that different than the other dancers on stage. Maybe he should go back to the piano;-)
All of this said, Arcadian isn’t really the story here. He’s just the one who brought it up. I thought he performed well with what he was given. I wonder what the show will do now to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again. I don’t think they like for America to know what involvement the producers actually have in the acts.
Now Piers Morgan the Shill…
In the past, I’ve always felt like Piers Morgan did a pretty good job of responding with his actual and natural feelings towards contestants. However, this show Piers felt like an absolute shill of the show. It was like the producers had written the script of their favorites and he was highlighting those favorites. Sure, Sharon and Hoff are going to pretty much say nice things about everyone. That’s felt scripted for a long time. However, I always use to feel like Piers could really say what he thinks. Too bad that ended tonight.
Let me give you some examples…
Piers can’t really like the 3 tenors. Once they all start singing together they don’t mix well at all. The blonde guy is a star and the other 2 are just ok. Piers would have pointed this out usually.
Voices of Glory would have been buzzed if they weren’t the most hyped story ever on America’s Got Talent. The brothers just aren’t good enough and Piers would have happily buzzed them if they were anyone else.
Kevin Skinner gave his worst performance and one of the worst performances by a singer in America’s Got Talent history. Yet, Piers raved about how he draws people in. That’s basically Piers trying to say something nice since he can’t actually say Kevin’s a good singer since he’s not. Piers knows he’s not, but felt like he was muzzled and couldn’t say it the way it was.
I could keep going. Let’s just say that tonight was a low point for me in America’s Got Talent. I’d like to say it jumped the shark. However, I’ll say that the judges have more than jumped the shark. Normally I’d hate to keep watching a show like this. If the performers weren’t so talented and entertaining I’d have switched the channel long ago.
Woo…
Glad I got that off my chest!!
Also…
The Fab Five were the most underrated by the judges. They were dead on and I hope they make it to the next round.
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82 responses to "Arcadian Broad Calls Out America’s Got Talent Producers and Piers Becomes a Shill"
I second this, it make me vomit every time Morgan opens his mouth. The show is rigged so badly that it has become hard to watch. Everybody is thinking already about Kevin Skinner selling tons of CDs, so no one really points out that he is just another below average singer with absolutely zero star quality.
But then again, I guess the typical member of the audience is not intelligent enough to understand the true nature of the show. And there is indeed some good talent in the competition, which keeps up watching it.
I was surprised about the producers having that much control, although I did begin to wonder when clips show how they are rehearsing/costumes, etc. (guess I’m naive and try to believe the best). But I do agree about Piers – when I think he’s going to rant, he raves, and vice versa. I think that Kevin Skinner did give his worst performance – he was off key most of the time and that the Fab Five was very underrated. I do a little dancing, so I know how difficult their routine was and they were right on – timing and precision were perfect.
Oh my gosh! I told my boyfriend last night after hearing what Arcadian said about the producers that people would be talking about it in the tabloids today. I, however, believed up until last night that the contestants actually were able to pick their own songs! What the HELL! I can’t believe that this show is rigged! I’m glad he spoke out about it. So the people that kept an optimistic idea about the show can know that its not just based on raw talent. What a joke. So the people that should win, won’t. And the people that have the best sob story, will. Is that what America is about? Cheating someone out of winning for better ratings?! I don’t know why it comes as such a suprise to me. I just actually thought that I could watch a show that wasn’t driven on someone else’s opinion of what is the best choice. I thought my vote actually counted. What about the guy that quit his job to follow his dream? He should sue for financial loss. After all, he wouldn’t have won anyway…. Because the freaking show is RIGGED!
SHeesh can nothing be void of crookedness caused by money and politics any more?!?!
Kricert,
Looks like we’re on the same page. I just still laugh at how Kevin Skinner was compared to Garth Brooks at the beginning. How shameful is that?
Sharon,
Exactly right. What a shame. I like when the producers bring something extra to people’s performances, but they’ve gone too far.
Carly,
I’d stop just short of calling it rigged myself. Rigged would mean that they ignore the audience vote and then just choose who they want to go through to the next round. I don’t think they do that. I think they manipulate the results through whatever other options they have available to them, but I also see them doing this to try and produce the show. I don’t think it’s personal.
For example, I think the producers think that a high school musical number would get good ratings and it probably was a good idea. Well, at least until Arcadian decided to talk;-)
Based on talent, I don’t think Arcadian is going to win. I do think he does have a good future ahead of him.
It was nice seeing Arcadian call out the producers for his performance. AGT is not about the best talent. It’s about managing the best talent (and not so best).
My definition of rigged would be preventing someone from winning by doing things to effect the vote.
Not everyone is into High School Musical, and by the way Arcadian called it, he isn’t into it.
I would feel like a sell out if someone obligated me to play a part I didn’t want to play.
It is rigged because instead of getting to do something original, like Arcadian probably wanted to (atleast that seems like his personality) he had to sell himself short and do some corny, teenie bobber, sell out high school musical act. I applaud him for doing it with a smile on his face. But I think it will definately effect his votes and not for the good.
Rigged: 1. to manipulate or control usually by deceptive or dishonest means
2 : to fix in advance for a desired result
The definition seems to fit to what’s going on in the show to me : )
Besides it being borny, I did think that it had a good meaning behind it though.
We are all in this together song
with the ballet and basketball outfit was kind of ironic.
You know how schools are these days. Kids can be very cruel. So I think that it sent a good message. But I seriously doubt that the producers even saw it at that level. A lot of cheese for such a talented young man to have to deal with.
I have enjoyed AGT ever since it premiered 4 years ago. And in the first 2 years the people I wanted to win, won. I love watching the talent, although this year I was puzzled by some of the acts that got sent home (the 9 year old guitar player, the little Hawaiian singer, both of whom were fantastic) vis a vis some that got put through.
After Arcadian Broad’s remarks, I figure no matter how many people vote for him, he’s probably going to be out on his can, because I figure there is some contractual clause that prohibits contestants from mentioning the man behind the curtain. In fairness though, I’m glad he defended himself because he has great talent but last night he was seemingly limited to performing a couple of pirouettes, which, while very well done, are not particularly amazing. I’m sure the producers suggested what they thought was best but there is something to be said for letting people like Arcadian cut loose and do what they can do, and not be packaged in some silly artificial musical number.
I agree re: what people are saying about the judges’ comments, esp. regarding Piers (who btw I think inadvertently sunk Bri when he mentioned how much she was like Amy Winehouse, which is probably an uncomfortable image for the public at large). IMO the judges’ comments are becoming repetitious and therefore tiresome (i.e. Sharon: I LOVE you.., Hoff: YOU are what this show’s ABOUT…) Can’t they come up with new stuff to say? I imagine they’re being paid enough to be there.
I hope Arcadian gets to go through, and if he does, Nick Cannon is now on record saying he can choose to do what he wants, so if Arcadian gets voted through he should take the bit in his teeth and go for it.
Carly,
Of course, we’re talking about semantics. My point is I don’t think they rig the votes. Although, I won’t be surprised if Donna is right and there is some contract violation by what Arcadian said.
Point is that the producers of AGT crossed to far over the line and they got exposed.
The judges have been useless this season. Which is disappointing, because the judges on Britain’s Got Talent were awesome this last season (except for their love affair with Susan Boyle). Maybe Simon needs to come out from behind the curtain and be a judge on AGT. Although, maybe his American Idol contract won’t let him do that.
Absolutely 100% agree. It’s especially sickening on how they criticize singers for song choice when the singers aren’t the one who chosen the song. How many a fine performer have been eliminated or even didn’t get through the first audition because of this?
Three specific cases with singers I mentioned before I believe, so I will not repeat them here. It really makes me mad. In 2 cases I can think of the contestants were asked to sing stuff completely wrong for them and got eliminated at first audition. Last year, producers meddling probably influenced the results.
I agree with John: I don’t sing the voting is directly rigged. But they do use every other trick in the book – act choice, extra exposure given to some acts, judges comments – to influence the votes.
kitty,
I think the first auditions are the person’s choice. So, that one I can sometimes hold against them. However, once they get to the live shows, then you can’t.
I too am beginning to wonder about those judges. Lesseee…
1. Texas Tenors. They are painful to listen to. When they sing at the same time they’re nothing but a hot mess.
2. Kevin Skinner keeps getting worse with every performance. He was off key almost the entire time, especially the ‘big’ notes, and slow. I closed my eyes and imagined I was listening to him on the radio. Awful. Why ever would anyone think he’s the next great talent? Are they deaf?
3. Voices of Glory – eh. Nothing to write home about. Boys are not very good singers.
4. Grandma Lee’s still funny but not as much as her first two sets. Needs to move on from the Piers/Hoff gig. She certainly wasn’t as funny as the Judges made her out to be.
5. Fab 5 were really great and I love that they smile through their entire performance.
My votes were for Acrodunk (fun), Fab 5 (fun), Magician (not his best set but he’s done amazing stuff) and Arcadian just because they made him do that cheesy dance piece.
Oh and Nick Cannon as a host is annoying. I liked Jerry much better.
Yes and America is made to think that these people have some kind of desire to sing these songs or perform these acts, when really it was not even their choice.
But the song and performance are HUGE factors that determine which way the vote goes. If the producers are messing with that, then I feel they are contributing to the final voting results. That is how, in a round about way, the show is rigged.
Personally, I thought Arcadian was a great dancer and that his performance didn’t do him justice. And he reaffirmed that he felt exactly that way when he spoke up for himself.
I think Arcadian’s voice will be heard and even if he is only recognized for standing up for what’s right in the end, he will have won. No one else was brave enough to stand up for that. That deserves a vote, especially in todays society from someone so young.
I am very impressed by Arcadian. He’s only thirteen years old for christ’s sake, anyone with a 13 year old, like me, can attest to the fact that very few have his level of maturity and artistry.
To have the courage to stand up for himself in the face of all these powerful adults deserves a lot of respect.
and p.s. he’s an incredible dancer.
It might e rigged it’s still interresting to watch. Better than a lot of the shows.
Arcadian is a great lyrical dancer and the bubble gum crap they forced him to do is a disgrace. It didn’t cater to his talents. The producers saw a young boy and thought about that stupid routine with all the pirouettes (sp?) and none of his expressive dance moves applied there. It was shameful. Watching it, I couldn’t IMAGINE what the hell that kid was thinking when he did that routine and then came to find out it wasn’t his idea at all. Bravo to you Arcadian for saying something. I was floored when he said what he did. He was pissed and well he should have been.
I’m sorry to say Kevin was just awful last night. I was really concerned that they’d bash him bigtime and when they didn’t and told him he nailed it, I began to wonder if we were watching the same performance. I really like Kevin so if I am saying he was completely off key, then he was! I was almost embarrassed for him.
But….I still put in 50 votes for him because I wanted to (10 each on my cell, my son’s and my husband’s, then the land line and then the computer).
Stop it everyone. Stop throwing rotten vegetables at me. I couldn’t help myself. aaaaaaahhhh!!
John – this isn’t what I heard.
This is what I read about Dorothy Bishop audition here (http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/you-gotta-have-a-gimmick/)
“She was forced to use an arrangement of the Bizet “Carmen” Habanera that the AGT people cooked up for her and submitted to her less than 48 hours before she went on. The opening part (not seen here) was pretty traditional opera and the audience seemed impressed. Then came the awkward and badly written transition into the disco section which Dorothy didn’t have in her voice really (the glissando is kind of rough). It wasn’t what she would have chosen, had she had a choice.”
Now, obviously this is just a poster I don’t know at a blog – no proof. But it gives enough details for me to believe in its being a truth especially when combined with everything we hear about this show. Try going on YouTube, type in Dorothy Bishop and compare her AGT audition with any other of her videos. Doesn’t matter which one – you can select “I dream a dream” if you don’t want to hear arias. See how striking the difference is. Keep in mind, that at least based on her website this is an experienced performer who sung at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher hall and small regional opera. Not someone who could just have a case of nerves.
Also, remember during the 2nd season auditions there was a little girl, 9 or 10 – I don’t remember her name. She came in and sung “And I am telling you ” – the same song Bianca Ryan did a year before. Pierce told her how she was trying to be another Bianca Ryan but “without Bianca’s talent or charm”. I later read on a forum a post from someone claiming to be her father that the producers told her to sing this song, she would’ve chosen something else.
Of course, these are all people we don’t know, so this isn’t a proof. But taken together these stories add up. Also, the first audition isn’t really the first: the first audition is before the producers. Only a few of the people whom producers select go before the judges. So the producers easily have the power to tell people what to sing even then.
Kitty,
Who was Dorothy Bishop. Why don’t I remember her? I’ll have to YouTube her and see.
Ahhhh, another mystery solved. I was wondering about the mechanics of having thousands of people show up to audition and how many hundreds of hours the judges would have to sit there. I was puzzled how all those thousands of acts could be crammed into Day 1 and Day 2. I guess the only logical way would be if producers or other non-judge personnel acted as a filter. A massive filter.
To paraphrase Otto von Bismarck: AGT is like sausages, it is better not to see it being made.
After all I’ve read here, I have an even higher opinion of Arcadian.
If he gets canned tonight, and if there is any suggestion it was due to his remarks, it will be interesting to see how many of the performers will turn their backs on the filthy lucre and walk out with him in solidarity.
Go Arcadian!!
Hi, Donna. You probably have never seen American Idol then, because they have STADIUMS full of hopefuls and you see occasionally see them in front of a table with people there who decide if they are good enough (or awful enough) to audition. Clay Aiken didn’t make it past the producers cut the first time in Atlanta, so he traveled to another audition city and tried out there. The rest is history.
And not for one minute do I think that anyone is going to walk out in solidarity with Arcadian. They ALL want to win and are secretly glad the producers killed his chances no matter how nice they are. It is still an alleged competition and everyone wants to win.
Skinner a fianlist?? What the hell is America voting for? This guy is BRUTAL. Arcadian Borad has more talent in his little finger then Kevin Skinner has. He sings from the heart? Piers buddy, get a life and clean out your ears. You have no heart, thats probably why he got into yours. Then there is Simon Cowell, where do they get these guys from, really? Isnt it AMERICA’s got talent? Get Americans as judges. As for Arcadian Borad, hes got the most talent of anyone of the finalists. Hes going places, I hope someone see him and signs him for huge coin, more then the show can offer. The sky is the limit for you Arcadian…
Ok, so this was the LIMIT. It was so staged, I can hardly believe it. I knew from the start of the show that the last two acts standing would be sent home. How can you have a top 10 in the finals if you are only picking 4 acts tonight and 4 tomorrow. So now tomorrow they’ll announce that since 5 went through tonight, 5 will go through tomorrow. Oh, man, talk about the fix is on……they must think we are SO very stoooopid.
One more thing…..I cringed through Hasselhoff’s set on stage. I was so totally embarrassed for him that I was literally cringing with my hands over my face and I was squirming it was so painful. My son yelled out in true cartoon fashion “MY EYES!!!!!!” LOL LOL!!
P.S. to Boydie….Simon Cowell is not a judge on this show, he’s the executive producer/creator. Simon happens to love America. Anything you read that he has said about America is super positive. He said he admires our country because we always pull for each other and he especially loves how and why we celebrate the 4th of July. He said there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world. So give him a break everybody. He’s really a great guy who is generous to a fault. ALL of his former girlfriends are still close with him and all of them tell how he gives millions to charities anonymously, he’s not doing it for the show and tell of it, he’s doing it because he’s a decent man.
Anyway…..tonight’s show totally stunk. Seacrest out.
The most telling moment of last night’s program was how Piers immediately cut off Arcadian’s (brave) comments and claimed that his criticsm was based not on last night’s ridiculous formulaic High School Musical type performance, directly contradicting his (Piers’) other comments!
And tonight, after Broad was voted off the show, his was obviously summarily called off the stage from stage right and Nick ignored him – no “let’s hear it one more time for….” Shameful and tranparent. He was being punished by the producers on air for his honesty and integrity. He has more balls – and more class – than all of them put together.
The tenors belong in a lounge act on a cruise ship at best.
Is it possble to vote both Hasslehoff AND Morgan off the show?
StevieCat:
Dorothy Bishop was this terrible opera singer we saw for a few seconds during one of the auditions. I cannot seem to find her AGT audition, I think they took it out. There are other videos, but no AGT audition. Not sure why. I include a couple of links to other videos, see if you remember her.
This is her singing “I dream a dream”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90QRVp5ebcM
Real habanera from Carmen (now maybe it is not at the level of the best, but it’s not bad):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu_2K6a4lCM
John: Even though Simon has appeared on the show just as a voice, he most likely can’t be a judge on AGT because American Idol is a FOX show and AGT is NBC, likely not allowed to go cross-network..
Way to go Kitty!!!
Look what Dorothy Bishop herself posted on the other AGT blog yesterday:
I thought I would answer these questions from all of the blogs about my “terrible” singing on AGT vs. my great singing in real life and youtube videos and my successful career as a professiona; singer. AGT would not let me sing my original song (said that they could not get the copyright) It was a cool funky version of Nessun Dorma which got me thru 3 rounds and right up to the executive producer of NBC. Suddenly I was told I could not sing it and that they would produce a track for me for a disco Carmen. They waited and waited and finally gave it to me the day before the taping of the live show with the instruction “make this high and flashy like your Nessun Dorma” Well I tried………got nervous……cracked at that one part. But the rest was quite lovely. But did they show that part? No. Its all about ratings, and putting on a show.
Thank you Kitty for being open minded and looking at my vids on youtube. AGT was a fun experience despite the bad press. I will survive. LOL!
Thanks for watching and realizing that it is indeed manipulated and unfair.
But thats show biz. I have no regrets.
God bless
Dorothy Bishop
Here’s where it appeared way at the bottom of the page last comment:
http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2009/07/18/americas-got-talent-episode-8-thoughts/
Hi StevieCat and All:
First, you’re right, I do not watch American Idol. The reason I like(d) AGT is that it’s a mixture, and we don’t have to just sit listening to singers, but instead get to watch a variety of interesting acts.
Second, I totally agree with everyone that the thing last night was rather crudely staged. I was so disappointed from the first moment when they canned Arcadian (I thought it rather reminiscent of the episode of Star Trek “Bread and Circuses” when the announcer said, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Before tonight’s first heat, a simple execution. Stay tuned to this channel. There’s a lot of excitement coming your way.”). I found a rerun of Touched by an Angel and just switched back to AGT to see the results, which I couldn’t believe. I didn’t watch the Muppets thing or Hoff’s singing (has anyone noticed that there seems to be a little too much self-promotion on the part of AGT’s employees? Like Nick Cannon getting to showcase Mariah Carey not once, but twice, like she’s not famous enough? How about leaving something for somebody else?) Then they put through the tenors (quel surprise, I guess Sharon wanting to get into your pants is money in the bank), and later put through Grandma Lee (she seems like a sweet lady, but her material isn’t that original or that funny.. it’s cute and droll, but not hilarious. But I guess her wanting to get into Piers’ and Hoff’s pants is money in the bank). Then that bit at the end where Sharon seemed to spontaneously refuse to make a decision (what an actress), and then Piers says they all discussed it during the break and decided to put the last two acts through. But on a show where “anything can happen,” they let Acrodunk go. Unbelievable.
I hope Arcadian is reading the blogs because the tide is very much in his favor. I personally think it’s a good thing, in a backhanded kind of way, that he didn’t go through. He’s too good for Las Vegas, and shouldn’t be swallowed up by that place. He can go farther in life, and be an inspiration to a lot more people, outside of Las Vegas.
Arcadian, if you’re reading this: don’t let the turkeys get you down. Never give up. Just keep on doing what your doing, keep getting better, and trust yourself.
StevieCat:
This is funnier than poor Grandma Lee:
http://www.dickipedia.org/dick.php?title=Simon_Cowell
Donna, OMG!!!! That dickipedia is HILARIOUS!!! Thanks so much for sharing it. I’ve forwarded it to all my friends and we just can’t stop laughing. Thank you soooo much!! Loved it loved it loved it.
Oh, Donna, you are soooo right about the Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey thing, although I think it was a mutual promo. For her, promoting her new album, for AGT, well, getting more viewers. And the way they carried on, I felt like telling them to get a room for crying out loud! LOL
You should see if the Hoff’s song is on YouTube. But make sure not to watch it while you’re eating! You’ll choke.
Donna, Thanks a MILLION!!! This is priceless!
I also do so agree with your message to Arcadian and everything you said in your post.
I definitely have a different opinion of the show after what Arcadian said.
I would like to see exactly how many votes each contestant got and I hate how the judges vote between 4th & 5th.
Someone needs to add to that Simon Cowell page about arcadian and while we’re at it we could add the show makes little kids cry and Susan Boyle to get put in a mental institution. Funny find.
Needless to say, last night was a joke when the judges acted like they weren’t going to send them through.
About the Arcadian situation.
First of, the type of song the producers chose has nothing to do with the type of dance Arcadian does. He is more like a ballet dancer. So is was very strange that he would choose something completely different then what he does.
But before the Arcadian act came, I was wonder about Kevin Skinner video, before his act. As he was preparing himself to sing the song, he mention, and show his arm with part of the lyrics in which he was trying to memorize. I was thinking, that he probable should be trying a song he is familiar too. After Arcadian talk about the producers making him do the HSM, I then thought, that maybe the producers also made Kevin sing that song, which he was not so familiar with.
I’m not a singer, but I sing much better when I’m singing something that I’m familiar with, and I know the whole lyrics, and what time the lyrics are supposed to be sang. Even if I try the lyrics, and memorize the whole thing, if I’m not used to the song, my sing will be totally off. I believe that might be very well the case, and why he did so much better with the song he addition for. I don’t think is a coincidence that he sang a song on his addition in which I never heard before, and then he choose a very general popular song to sing. The producers probable wanted something everybody heard before.
A lot of the singers, and music on this show seemed to be popular music, and the youngsters seemed to use teenager popular music a lot.
Have you notice how many Miley Cyrus music we have on this season? HSM is also very popular with the kids those days, but it doesn’t mean everybody likes it, and Arcadian sure did not look like one of those that were fan of HSM.
I def agree with you Donna, As far as Im concerned, they let the winner of the competition go, America voted but we dont get to see how many votes each contestant gets. I guess they want America to feel sorry for the ones that are left, like Granny and Kevin Skinner, somebody should tell Skinner to go back to the Ozarks and sit on the porch where he belongs with his big headed cousin playing the banjo. Arcadian def. has a bright and long future ahead of him. He was on the show to be discovered and he will be. Good luck bud
Hi Boydie, John, Kitty and StevieCat, and Everyone:
I hope Arcadian is reading this and realizes just how much support he has. I also hope the producers are reading this, to realize how wrongheaded they are.
As for http://www.dickipedia.org, that has been one of my favorite websites for some time now. They skewer lots of famous people (even some places and things) hilariously.
To the producers: Let me explain why I think you guys are in the wrong here: when Arcadian auditioned, I was very impressed with him, but also horrified that a child of his age was so picked on by other kids that he lost all of his self esteem until he discovered his dancing abilities. When he got put through he was so charming and happy and adorable running and leaping off the stage, and I saw Piers with a very sympathetic look on his face. Honestly it made me cry.
Arcadian’s story, and his talent, and his perserverance, and his accomplishments are very, very compelling, especially given his youth, all by themselves without any doctoring up, and therefore make for very compelling TV.
Your mistake was trying to force the kid into your preconceived mold, and then criticizing his performance when he did what I’m sure you pressured him to do, and then bullying him off the show when he stood up for himself. Think about how compelling it is that a 13-year-old would stand up for himself on live TV in front of millions of people. And but for Piers’ rather prejudicial remark that Arcadian just wasn’t good enough, Arcadian would probably not have let the “producer” cat out of the bag. The judges’ hasty interruption of Arcadian’s statement, and Nick Cannon’s contradicting him regarding who gets to make the performance decisions, and Piers’ (shame on you, Piers) catty little remark Wednesday about “tantrums” on Tuesday’s show, was just embarrassing. I am proud of Arcadian and embarrassed by the adults’ behavior. And yes, I know, show business and money to be made and all that, but you threw away a chance to showcase a remarkable young man on your show, and made your show seem all the more flinty-eyed and tawdry for it. He could have been one of your popular stars (whether or not he won the million dollars) and an advertising draw, and you threw away that opportunity due to, IMO, shortsightedness.
OK, enough ranting for now. What’s in the fridge?
Nelson, I think you hit the nail on the head with everything you said, especially the Kevin Spinner thing. That made a lot of sense. He looked nervous and uncomfortable to me rather than “singing from the heart” as they tried to make the tv viewers believe. I voted for him ALOT just to make up for how they almost sabotaged him too. And as for HSM, I was wondering what the heck this little lyrical (ballet style) dancer was doing, never having seen High School Musical myself. It wasn’t until he told what the producer did that I realized the theme of the dance. He got screwed big time. Too bad. He was wonderful and super talented, I mean the way he played that piano the previous show and then went into the dance, when he’s left to his own devices, he was top notch. They ruined his act. It was pitiful. He got robbed.
Hey, Boydie, that was some pretty awful stuff you said about Skinner. Sounds like what the YouTube crowd talks like when they start insulting the videos. No need to get so insultingly personal. The guy didn’t do anything to you or to anybody else. He’s just following a dream like the rest of them. That was pretty nasty and uncalled for. It’s not like he had anything to do with the way people voted. He came in third because of the vote, so why don’t you direct your insults to the audience instead of the poor guy who’s going to be ground up like hamburger by the producers eventually like everyone else. I’m glad Arcadian openend his mouth, but he probably lost his chance to ever perform in Vegas as part of the act now because of it. Last year’s show had many of the “losing” acts in it. And this year’s show is going to run for several weeks, so he could have his chance then to be “discovered”.
Sure sounds like fans trying to justify Kevin Skinner not being very good. I didn’t think he was very good in his first audition so I wasn’t surprised when he wasn’t very good the other 2 times too. What Kevin does have is humility and a great story. 2 things that America loves. It’s not personal for me, he’s just not very good.
As a side note, the producers use to read the site during the auditions. Although, I’m guessing they’re much busier now and probably don’t read, but who knows.
Oh yes, you guys are so wrong about Nick pimping Mariah Carey. I’m pretty sure Mariah was doing a favor to the show. I could be wrong, but I’m guessing she wouldn’t have done AGT if Nick wasn’t the host.
John, I don’t think I was wrong about Nick and Mariah. I said they were both promoting each other because he is her husband, of course, and also that she is out promoting her new album. She’s been making the rounds of talk shows (Ellen, the Tonight Show, etc.) to promote the new album. No matter how big the stars they are, they still need to “pimp” the new stuff. That’s why rock stars go on tour everytime they put out the new cd’s. Makes the audience want to buy it. She just over did it though on AGT. Like I said previously, geeeeze, get a room.
Great article. I just had to get into one of these conversations. I was watching the show on DVR and I figured I’de watch his- as I skpipped over some of the other acts that I didn’t really enjoy. Did you noticed how angry/ flustered he got while uncovering the producers? Everyone keeps saying piers cut him off but did you see sharon? She started waving her hands and saying “You don’t have to do this by yourself” Some how maybe referring that she thought he was going to totally expose the show with a few minute rant. David just sat there scratching his hand. Lastly, piers must of known that this was picked for him. Was he saying the whole set sucked to help keep this undercover?
Michael, yes I agree with you. I played back my dvr of the show after reading what you said and yes, Sharon JUMPED in there pretending to stick up for him but it really was to shut him up.
I remember when I watched it live (I dvr at the same time it in case someone calls or I get interupted or forget it’s Tuesday or something like that), anyway I remember thinking to myself that I wished she hadn’t stuck up for him so suddenly so he would have gotten a chance to get into it with Piers and perhaps pull himself out of the doom that this dance was from the very start, outfit included. Now it makes more sense. I noticed it, but I hadn’t realized at the time just what it was I was noticing.
Hi All:
Hope you’re enjoying the weekend.
I like all the acts and think they are all talented, and certainly seem like nice people. Re: Kevin Skinner: as you have probably guessed from my comments, I’m not a singer and probably no judge of music (when Brandi was judging the first season, she kept talking about people’s “pitch,” etc., and I wasn’t sure what she meant) but I thought his audition was excellent, and very moving, and all the more unexpected given his chicken-catcher packaging. His rendition of the Willy Nelson song I was only listening to with half an ear, so I wasn’t really paying attention. I’m sure he is a lovely person but his thing seems to be singing sad songs. Which begs the (literally) million dollar question: are Vegas-goers likely to pay to listen to 90 minutes of sad country-style songs?
But, in light of our discussion about the producers sticking their noses in, I have a couple of questions:
1. The dancing married couple: whose idea do you think it was that they wear those dumb blue silk pajamas and stuff a donut in the man’s mouth? Do you think this is another example of the producers trying to skew the results? I note that they did not make it to the finals.
2. The judges seem to have a self-contradiction about people’s range. Kevin Skinner, as I’ve said above, has basically sung the same type of song each time and they all rave. But then they tell Fab Five to try a different pace. But then when the magician does a different, sort of sentimental trick, they rip him. Has anyone else noticed this? I think a little consistency from the judges would be nice.
3. Do you think it’s always been this way for this show, in terms of it being so scripted? I kind of feel it wasn’t so much the first couple of years, especially with that weird Russian guy who kept coming on to the Hoff. Maybe it’s my naivete, but the first couple of years things didn’t seem so scripted (although they also seemed to have more professionals in the mix, such as the Russian guy, and the couple who did the quick change act, etc.)
Someone on another site noted that as a rule magicians and animal acts do not get very far on AGT, and that seems to be true. Nathan Burton is a fabulous magician who did not make it through (although I hear he has his own Vegas show anyway so he doesn’t need AGT).
I will be watching Tuesday’s show with a new eye.
Donna, I totally agree with you about the first 2 years vs. the last few years. The show was totally unscripted at first and think that the more successful it became, the more interfered with it became. I started watching it because American Idol went off the air in May and not back on until January. This was a summer replacement that gave my friends and I a “fix” until the real thing returned. Then, much to our surprise, we decided we actually liked it. But they keep changing the rules every year. The first year, acts made it through and then sat in the audience and if their name was called, they got to do another audition and the country voted for them. The prize was the million dollars (although, as I constantly rant, it’s really a $25,000 per year annuity for 40 years, so not really a million dollars.) Then they were being invited to Las Vegas for the second round and were actually allowed to perform to see if they made it to the final 40. Then in the 3rd year, they added the Vegas show as part of the prize and all of a sudden it became a contest to see who could sustain a 90 minute Vegas act. It’s just evolved and not necessarily for the better. True, the first year was lame and needed the bumps ironed out of it, but this year is horrendous. Last year they sent half of them packing in Vegas but gave the other half the chance to do another audition to have the judges choose who goes to the final 40. This year they sent a quarter of them packing but had already made their minds up about the rest of them before they got to Vegas and they never got to audition again. That was sooooo wrong.
I have found myself taping the show and watching Hell’s Kitchen during the Wednesday night show because of the awful turn the show has been taking lately. It’s getting very close to “jumping the shark” in my opinion. One more thing, and they’re very close to it. What a shame.
“when Brandi was judging the first season, she kept talking about people’s “pitch,” etc., and I wasn’t sure what she meant”
In your case, I can see why you’d like Kevin Skinner. For someone who does know when someone is off pitch, Kevin Skinner is like running nails across a chalkboard.
1.I actually like the silk pajamas, although they kind of screwed Paradizo’s lines. The other stuff was odd.
2. Nice point. Goes back to my point about Piers becoming a shill when talking about Kevin Skinner.
3. The show has felt more and more scripted.
ewwww, John, that was nasty
That wasn’t nasty StevieCat. That was me trying to be nice to Kevin. I’d like to hear what Piers really thinks about Kevin. Too bad we won’t probably ever know.
hee hee hee
OK, so John:
After tomorrow night’s show, are you going to write a whole separate article or are we going to keep up the commentary on this thread?
It seems like there are some already famous singers who have scratchy voices (Mazie Gray, Rod Stewart, Bonnie Tyler) who, if they were trying for the first time, would probably not make it very far on AGT. I realize that “scratchy voice” and “pitch” are two different things, my point is just that many already successful acts probably couldn’t make it past Piers’ buzzer.
Also, StevieCat: about the $25,000.00 annuity: that does put a new spin on things, doesn’t it? You are right it isn’t really a million dollar prize, because the show gets the use of the bulk of the money (and the interest) for several decades. So Piers is perhaps being disingenuous when he berates people for not having a million dollar talent. ALL of them have a $25,000.00 talent.
Donna, it’s probably the SAME one million dollars that pays out for every year’s winner!! LOL. They do, however, have the option of taking a one time payout which is a reduced amount. This used to be in very tiny print the first few years, but this year, it’s more prominent. That’s what kills me when you get these big dance teams dreaming about the prize. One year, I did the math and they would have gotten $1, 500 each for 40 years. Ridiculous. I firmly believe that this is the reason they added the Vegas show. Give them a REAL prize before the bomb drops and the public realizes there’s really no huge prize afterall. I love what you said about ALL of them having a $25,000 talent! Very good!
And, let’s wait for John’s snide reply about scratchy voice vs. out of pitch. I can hardly wait. But, I really don’t care, I’ll just go on annoying the voting public and vote for Kevin anyway because I want him to win. $25,000 a year will go far for him in Kentucky!!! He could probably buy a new house in the town he currently resides!! It’s almost like that website “votefortheworst.com” with American Idol. Only I don’t believe I’m voting for the worst, so I’m ok with it. Sorry John. I don’t always think with my head, but many times with my heart and clearly that’s what’s happening to me this year since nobody else is really all that fantastic. For instance, if Terry Fator was on this year, I’d be the first to want to send Kevin packing, but since there is nobody in that league, I’ll vote my heart instead. With the exception of Fator, you never hear from these people again anyway, so it really doesn’t matter in the huge scope of things. For instance, where’s Eli Mattson and the opera guy who beat him by a hair last year? I rest my case.
P.S. I couldn’t even remember the cry baby opera guy’s name. I had to google it….Neal Boyd.
Donna,
I will start another thread. Maybe I’ll start it early and then add my commentary later that evening. So, those on the east coast can start chatting away.
Yes, scratchy is different than pitch. There’s a whole lot of people who you wonder how they made it. However…ok I’ll spare StevieCat the truth;-)
I’m not sure all of them have a $25k talent. Although, most of them in the quarterfinals and on do. However, if you told me you’d give me $25k a year for the next 40 years I’d be super excited. Even if it’s not $1 million, that’s still a lot of cash. It doesn’t seem quite right though that they can call it $1 million and hammer on that so much.
First of all, John, thank you for sparing me :0)
Secondly, while, yes, $25,000 is a lot of money and I’d gladly take it, it’s not enough to pay off my house, or for me to quit working or to put my son through college, or even buy a decent new car, etc. It’s Game Show money and nowhere near the million dollar carrot they dangle in front of everyone’s nose. Especially when you have the dance teams saying what the million dollars would mean to them, don’t they know they split it? Or when Nuttin But Strings said they’d buy their mom a house with it….No they couldn’t, especially living up here in New York. It’s so sad to see that when they get all excited. The only ones I can see this benefiting are the children who will get the most money out of the annuity. By the time they are 18 or 21 (legal age), the $25,000 per year would have added up to something substantial that would enable them to have “life changing” cash reserves. I realize they can’t own up to this fact, but “The Shill” can stop setting that money up as a bar for the acts as Donna so astutely pointed out.
Anyway, I still am looking forward, for the time being, to watching tomorrow night. But I have to tell you, as die-hard a fan I have previous years up to and including the beginning of this year, I am finding that more and more, I think I might be able to do without it now that the judges have totally grossed me out with their choices and their comments. How in the world did not only TWO dog acts go through, but that ridiculous dominatrix yodeler Lucille Ball amazon get through and not the guitar kid?? Then all the phoney “top 4″ when we all KNOW it had to be top 5. It will be interesting to see what they fake about Tuesday night to explain why they are having another 5 instead of 4….Oh, wait, I know, they’ll claim they want to make it an even 10. Mark my words.
And, again, John, thanks about the Kevin thing. :0)
Hi StevieCat:
The ridiculous yodeler dominatrix illustrates two good points: first, as you say, how she got chosen over other acts which IMO are better, such as the guitar kid or the woman who plays the harp; and second, how the judges run hot and cold with the whole “range” issue. When the yodeler tried to do a new routine, the judges all jumped on her. But who would pay to see her yodel for 90 minutes in a dominatrix outfit (other than Piers, sometimes I wonder about him)?
And the guy who set his rear end on fire illustrates the first issue of how in the world some people managed to get put through, as well as the producer issue. I suspect that someone from the producer’s office told him to wear those geeky clothes and “camp it up,” which inevitably led to his downfall (although I didn’t like his act in the first place and would have chosen about 50 people ahead of him).
It would be fun to have an interactive show where we could all bet on what the judges are going to say next.
Are you familiar with TV Without Pity? Their reviews of the show “7th Heaven” are hilarious. Well, they also review AGT.
http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show/americas-got-talent/
I have to go through and see what they have to say about all this.
Oh, Donna, I LOVE Television Without Pity. You should read their reviews of American Idol. I swear I love TWOP more than American Idol itself. They did not cover AGT in the past, so I never checked this year. Thank you for mentioning this. I’m going to go read it immediately. You should watch American Idol once it’s in full swing with it’s top 12 and then read TWOP. it’s just hilarious.
Ok, so I checked it out briefly and see that TWOP did cover AGT last year, I missed that one! But they don’t list the show in their “Shows” tab. I put it in “Search” and all that came up is last year’s reviews. I’ll look further tomorrow. Thanks, Donna.
StevieCat,
I’d be interested to know if/how much they get paid for the Las Vegas show. Now that it’s 60 shows I bet it’s a decent purse. Last year was one show so I’m sure it wasn’t too much. The other nice part is that many of the top 10 get to participate.
I will give you that there really isn’t a super special talent on the show this year. I hope the EriAm sisters will become it, but after their last performance I’m afraid the producers will hide their talent again. I enjoy Fab Five, but don’t really see them sustaining a show that I’d pay a bunch to go and see (let alone all wanting to since they have families in so many states).
Of course, I hear about the past talent more than others since I have this website. Neal Boyd has actually done pretty well having just released an album and touring with Paul Potts of BGT (I have few posts on this somewhere). Eli Mattson just got a new agent so we might see him again. Julianne Irwin was working on a record deal last I heard. I know Butterscotch was touring (in fact I was so upset I missed her in Las Vegas). I heard that Cas Haley was about to come out with something big (not sure what). Queen Emily is featured in Menopause the musical here in Las Vegas. Bianca Ryan has been singing all over and even here in Las Vegas. Donald Braswell has had a number of concerts and some PBS specials. Popovich’s Dog show has a spot here in Las Vegas.
I’m sure I’m missing some, but Terry Fator is the only one that’s made it really big. It’s also interesting that almost all of them are singers.
P.S. I started this post about 3 hours ago and just finished it now. Got pulled away.
Donna and StevieCat, are you cheating on me?
Just kidding. I enjoy all sorts of sites and I’m cool with sharing good content no matter where it’s found.
No way, John!! At least YOUR sight is sort of “interactive”. It permits us to input our opinions too. You have to start reviewing American Idol and then we wouldn’t need TWOP at all!
That’s true about the 60 shows. Ok, I’ll give you that and also the exposure of that many shows is equivalent to a tour across the country. But who is Case Haley and Julianne Irwin? I don’t remember them at all. I have actually seen the first year winner Bianca at the Jones Beach Marine Theater with my son w years agor when I took him to see Drake Bell (of Drake & Josh fame). She was fabulous. But she doesn’t get air time on the radio that I know of. Glad she’s making money. Good for her.
I have done some American Idol on http://www.puretvnet.com but so many people do it that I haven’t spent much time on it.
You should really look up Cas Haley and Julienne (I think I spelled it wrong before) Irwin. They are 2 of my favorite performers on America’s Got Talent and great talents.
I’ll YouTube them and see what I can find. I’ll probably remember them as soon as I see them.
By the way, re: your comment on the Fab Five no sustaining an audience. I was thinking, what about Flately and his Riverdance Troup? I think the Fab Five may find a niche out there….only not with me. LOL
I think they are spot on and good and everything, but I couldn’t sit through Riverdance either.
Hi John and StevieCat:
I liked Cas Haley and was sorry for him when he lost, but Terry Fator was my top favorite, and only one could win “the prize.” As long as he’s happy and is being treated well in Vegas (no Lorne treatment from Angel’s “The House Always Wins” episode), then I am happy for him.
It is nice to know that Cas Haley is still getting something out of his appearance on AGT, and in fact that many of the non-winning contestants are.
StevieCat: I am despondent that TWOP is not reviewing AGT this year, but I read the TWOP review of last year’s finals show, and it was too funny, and spot on.
My sister watches American Idol religiously, so maybe I will give it a try. She and my mom are both big fans of shows I never watch (i.e. Desperate Housewives, Gray’s Anatomy, etc.)
I like to watch true crime shows (Forensic Files, 48 Hours Mystery, Investigators) and stuff like Unsolved History, which is pretty awesome. I don’t normally watch “reality” shows, AGT being the big, and only, exception.
Well…. so in a few short hours we will have some new material to chew over. Let’s hope tonight’s show is not as clumsy as last week’s. Although, if it is, it will make for a more entertaining thread.
Ok, so I went to YouTube and as soon as I saw his face, I remembered who Cas was. He was good.
Julienne Irwin…..I just went to YouTube and was BLOWN AWAY by her rendition a capella of O Holy Night. Click here to view it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4RmnQzKds
I remembered her too when I saw her, she was the one who missed her father so badly, wasn’t she? I remember thinking how her mother must feel struggling to bring her up after her husband walked out on them and all Julienne could think about was making HIM proud. Like he matters. If she had won, she’d have had him back in an instant, I’m sure. Just lit the dad of one of the guys in Acrodunk. He came out of the woodwork when his son was on AGT, didn’t he. Anyway, she sings beautifully. check it out,.
I think if Julienne were in the contest this year, she’d probably win. Or, at the very least, I would not be voting for Kevin. LOL
StevieCat,
I think you’re confusing Julienne Irwin and Jessica Price. Jessica was the one from last season who’s dad had left. Those are probably my 2 all time favorites on the show. I guess I have a bias to young girls with great voices?
Donna,
You and my wife would enjoy watching those mystery shows together. I love Grey’s Anatomy though. Don’t get me started on that.
However, my 2 favorites to blog about are Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. In fact, I have blogs for those too:
http://www.puredwts.com/ (starts in 2 weeks)
http://www.puresytycd.com/ (starts tomorrow)
My all time favorite show has to be Amazing Race though. However, it’s more fun to watch than it is to blog about.
My favorites are The Closer and Leverage, then comes Bones. Then American Idol and used to be AGT. My friends at work have already stopped watching AGT so it’s so great you have this blog. It fills the void of not being able to go back and forth with my coworkers. Now nobody know what/who I’m talking about. So, thanks John!!
And yes, I did confuse the two girls. I didn’t remember Jessica singing as well as Julienne, so that explains it….they’re two different people. Big DUH to me. Thanks.
P.S. I’ll “tune in” to your other two blogs. I usually watch them most of the way through and then stop. So maybe this time I’ll stay with it.
Glad to share it with you StevieCat. This year has been a somewhat down year for AGT and the same for this blog. Although, it’s done reasonably well. Just wait and see the other 2 blogs once the season starts. I think I hit 200 comments on one SYTYCD music thread within a couple hours. It was insane.
Yes, Julienne had a much higher quality voice than Jessica, but Jessica had a special quality to her singing that I liked more than Julienne. However, both were fantastic. Check out Julienne’s singing with Taylor Swift. Kind of crazy to see what Taylor has become after that performance.
I wish they would produce a separate “America’s Kids Got Talent” with the prize being college scholarships and a part on a kids’ TV show. I’m not sure where the cut off age should be, maybe 16, or maybe they should have several categories, under 10, 11-15, 16-18. There is always a big difference between a 10 or 12 year old and an adult. No child, no matter how talented can sing like Barbara Padilla. On the other hand no adult can pull off as cute as the 4-year-old from last summer. I admit I usually root for the adult, knowing the child has time to develop, improve, and have another chance, whereas some adults may not have another chance at stardom.
As for Piers. I have to admit that I almost always agree with him. I think he is the voice of reason most of the time. Most people just don’t have the guts to tell someone to their face that they didn’t perform well. I couldn’t do it myself, but on this kind of show someone needs to do it.
Hi CJ:
I think the “Kids Got Talent” is an excellent idea, as is the prize idea. Especially the way college costs are soaring!
As for Piers: I agree with you, and often I agree with him. I do not like what happened with Arcadian Broad last week, but last night was much better. You are right that generally Piers says what needs to be said. This thread started in part however, because John noted that Piers was not on the mark as usual last week, and some of his comments were inconsistent with the sorts of critiques we’ve come to expect.
Last night I thought he was on the mark, but was a bit harsh with FootworKings. David said all they had to do was dance but that is wrong. All the acts are told they have to add new elements, do things better, etc., and FootworKings was trying to do that. Not sure why they chose the power rangers bit, but I didn’t think it made them uncool per se.
CJ, great idea about the prize of a college scholarship, however……will it be as phony a prize as the million dollars and be payable in yearly installments for 40 years and not enough annually to pay the tuition? LOL
And I also thought FootworKings really made themselves lame with the power rangers theme. They are street kids from Chicago, who in the world would associate them with Power Rangers. I bet it was another producers’ idea gone terribly wrong.
Hi StevieCat:
I don’t totally disagree with what Piers said about FootworKings, but their dancing wasn’t bad, just their choice of “superheroes.” However I don’t think it would have been any better if they’d come out dressed as the Justice League. Maybe if they were all dressed up as “Hellboy” that would have been considered cool.
I hated the look on their faces after Piers and Sharon let them have it. They were stunned and crestfallen.
I think they should not take things too hard, though. The fact is so far only singers have won AGT (might as well be called American Idol Part II). The one difference is Terry Fator who does ventriloquism, humor, and singing.
Hi, Donna. Just an fyi….we’ve moved onto a new thread about last night’s show. It’s at:
http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2009/09/08/final-americas-got-talent-semi-finals-performance-show/
check it out. :0)
Hey Kitty!
Dorothy Bishop resonded to you on the other thread and said to go ahead and post her comments wherever you wanted. see her comment at:
http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2009/07/18/americas-got-talent-episode-8-thoughts/
Kid’s Got Talent is an interesting idea. Although, I think the ratings do so good since it has such variety of acts and ages. Just kids wouldn’t do nearly as well with the ratings I think.
Hey, John. I thought you said you had blogs for SYTYCD. I went to the link and it’s written by a totally different person. Or did I misunderstand and it’s your website but written by someone else on your staff, is that it?
Hey StevieCat,
I do have a SYTYCD blog and a DWTS blog, but I do have a bunch of help on those blogs. I actually want to do the same for this blog. You want to start writing some posts on here StevieCat?
I wouldn’t call them staff either. They are just big fans of the show like I. We kind of divide and conquer. This season will be the first time that I’ve really had much help on the sites, so it will be interesting to see how it goes turning over my “babies” to other people. So far so good;-)