America’s Got Talent Choosing the Wrong Magician
I think it’s really clear that A LOT of people are VERY unhappy with the selections made by the judges (and should we say producers?) of America’s Got Talent. I’ll talk more about other eliminations in a future post, but for this one I want to talk about the travesty that is the Magicians that they selected.
Between Murray Sawchuck and Michael Grazzo the slight-of-hand magician, at least from the performances we saw (which is what the judges are suppose to use) it’s very clear to me who was more skilled. To me it was such a poor decision to take Murray (who no doubt has a better look) over Michael.
The funny part is that the appearing car trick that Murray did is the lamest trick in the book. It’s lame on a number of levels. First, everyone does some form of trick like that. It’s basically been done. Plus, tricks like that on TV are even more lame since you can’t really see what’s going on.
Of course, Murray complained that the slight-of-hand stuff that Michael did wouldn’t work in a big auditorium performance. The funniest part is that in person Murray’s appearing car doesn’t work in a large auditorium since you see them roll the car in. It could only work on TV where they make sure the angles don’t show the car. Totally LAME!
Plus, I actually watched the slight-of-hand work by Michael Grazzo live at the Las Vegas Auditions. I was sitting in the balcony and from an angle. Yet, even from that distance, Michael’s magic was impressive. That’s why it was crazy that Howie said that it was too small. Not to mention, Michael had proven that he could do big tricks too.
Needless to say, I was completely disappointed with this choice. It will be interesting to see what Murray brings in Hollywood. However, I don’t have really high hopes. I just wish I could afford to go to LA and see it live. Time to start taking up donations so I can go cover it for you;-)
This is true. When I saw the car, I thought – but I know how this is done, it was already shown on “magic secrets revealed” (don’t remember the exact name) show done by “mystery magician” that turned out to be Valentino – it was on tv a couple of years ago. Everyone does it, and a lot of tv viewers know how it’s done.
The only question I have is how the car trick worked in the auditorium when you were there. It only works on tv, but you were there in the audience which means all of you saw the car rolled in. Did they not care about it? What am I missing?
The cards trick requires a lot more skill, I agree.
kitty,
That’s why it felt like such a sham to me. I’m sure they spent a decent amount on the car, the dancing girls, etc and so it almost felt like they took him for that. Or for his past pedigree of touring and TV hosting appearances and less for his magic skill. It just was odd. I could do LOTS of really cool tricks on video where it’s camera angles, but that’s not magic in my book.
Hey John remember me haha. Sorry I haven’t been around much this summer I have an internship plus have been studying for the GRE.
Anyway I just watched this week’s shows last night and read all the angry comments today. I don’t understand why fans are so upset that 5/48 acts that got through are bad. That still means a majority of them are strong. For the record the 5 acts I am referring to are the two magicians, the old lady who plays piano, the “I Will Be Back” impressionist, and the comedian (though I think he was put through because they needed one and he was slightly funny). I have seen many complain about the hand whistler but I actually think she is talented.
The biggest snubs were definitely Carlos and the magician. I agreed with Howie that his act was boring as hell during Vegas but he should have gotten through for his audition alone.
I disagree with some of the other sentiments on here though. I liked the two opera singers they put through, though I think Carlos should have been put through instead. I don’t get the love for the kite-flying guy- kite-flying is not a talent! Also another blog I saw complained about the blonde female singer not getting through (don’t remember her name but she sang “Angel” at her audition). She is my favorite act so far!
Sorry but I’m not loving the singing sisters- they got through more for their story and not for their talent. Though I am glad the homeless choir and the Haiti band got cut because they too were more story than talent.
Other favorites are Wreckless Dance Crew, the two danger acts that got through on Tuesday, all the male singers except for Michael (he’s good I’m just not a fan of that style), and the hip hop girl dancers.
Sorry that should say I thought Carlos should have gotten through along with the other opera singers, not instead of.
WOW!! She’s alive!!
Glad to hear from you. Your comments show why I liked you so much. Glad to hear you’re doing well.
I think the people are so angry, because some people with literally no talent are getting in. Previously, they often let some people in that’s talent wasn’t as strong as other groups, but at least they had some talent. This year, it’s been ugly.
You’re right about my bias for the singing sisters. Their story gets them in. However, when you learn more about CF, you’ll realize how much of a talent it is for them to be able to do what they do. I’m going to write a post about them tomorrow or the next day. Let’s just say that their audition in Las Vegas made me cry when I saw it live too. It’s too bad they only showed a short clip for America to see.
At least this year the winner will likely be talented… unlike Kevin Skinner. Most of the untalented ones likely won’t make it past the top 48. There has also been less pimping of only semi-talented acts like Voices of Glory and Kevin Skinner. In fact theres been little pimping at all. The only ones I think are locks to make the finals are Alice (the girl from Precious’ mother) and Michael the singer. I thought Carlos was a lock for the finals too but I guess not haha
Also for anyone who cares I just discovered that The Strange Familiar have a song called “Courage Is”
that was featured in the promos for Secret Life of the American Teenager when it first premiered. The weird thing is I wasn’t that impressed with them in Vegas but I loved this song when I first heard it so now I am rooting for them. Here’s the link:
lol…Be careful. There are a lot of Kevin Skinner fans on this site;-)
I agree with you though. There isn’t nearly as much act pimping in this season. That’s a HUGE plus!
Hi, Melissa….Just an fyi…the blond girl who sang “Angel” did indeed get through to Hollywood, so that’s good news.
@Melissa – to be honest, I am not that upset either. They always have these “shock” decisions, it’s not like there is something new this year. I think they eliminated Carlos because they want to limit the number of singing acts in the finals, and had Carlos as you said was a lock in. Also, maybe they want a real Vegas act to win. None of (p)opera singers in the past seasons has been particularly successful after the show – a CD, a tour for Boyd, and nothing much thereafter, so they may have another winner in mind.
As many opera fans I always cringe when these (p)opera singers on AGT are labeled “opera singers”… One of the main features of operatic singing is the art to project one’s voice so that it carries without any amplification in a large opera theater not only in loud passages but also in soft ones. Also the standards of perfection for opera singers is equivalent to that of classical concert pianists or violinists. Neither of the singers on AGT are really opera singers; but Carlos is the only one that with a little more training could be one.
Now, I am sure both Poppycock and Hannybal are OK entertaiers, and probably sing about as well if not better than most current Vegas singers. But if you listen to any opera singer (not just famous ones, voice students) singing same arias as Poppycock, then listen to Poppycock with your eyes closed, then he’ll no longer sound that good. Carlos is far better, though not quite at the level of opera. Though, since he hasn’t chosen any classical seletions – be it an aria or an art song – for the show, just a popular crossover song and an art song, then maybe he didn’t have a chance to really show us what he can do. I am quite curious if his music selections were his choice…