AGT Top 48: Week Two’s Commentary and Rankings

Another 12 down. While there were some definite train wrecks tonight, I had a hard time deciding on who I think is going to move on. It seemed like there was going to be a full-on brawl between Howard and Howie after Big Barry’s act! Who were your favorites? Be sure to vote in the poll for tonight, and, as usual, if you want to skip my commentary and go straight to the power rankings, just scroll down a bit.

LionDanceMe: did not remember very well. Definitely different. I didn’t get that “on the edge of my seat” danger feeling, but it was fun to watch for the most part. Howard was right, the audience probably didn’t realize how dangerous it was, because I sure didn’t. I was pleased that they didn’t mess up. It definitely will get old fast. The act needs something new added to it if they want to really progress in the competition. I think Sharon’s martial art/lion act could be interesting. The group leader said that they stepped it up by not falling, but that doesn’t really mean they stepped it up moves-wise.

Turf: This guy had me in awe from the beginning. It’s one of those acts that leaves you just thinking “wait…what just happened?” I loved watching him in the audition stage, and Las Vegas, and I felt the same way tonight. I’ll admit, part of me was a little sick after watching it, but it’s incredible. I have never seen anyone do what Turf does. There wasn’t a lot of extra stuff, beyond the music and lights. Howie was right — there was so much emotion behind what he does, and you can tell he wants to win. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t advance tonight. Actually, I’d be disappointed in America if he doesn’t. He truly is a human Gumbi, and blew away the rest of the acts from tonight.

The All Ways: I really don’t remember these guys. And I’m kind of glad I didn’t. I really, really can’t stand the lead singers voice. The whole act just kind of seemed like noise to me, it didn’t rub me the right way. The lead singer didn’t seem to enunciate the lyrics very well. Maybe it was a bad song choice. They definitely look like rockers, but they didn’t bring the feeling I usually associate with legendary rock bands. It reminded me more of a talent show performance.

Hawley Magic: This was a great magic act during the initial stages of the competition. After the fail-of-a-magic act from last week, I was really crossing my fingers for Hawley Magic. Tonight’s act was an incredible illusion, if you ask me. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it. I really liked them, but who knows what America will think. It was a little bit slow, but a good illusion can’t be rushed, right? They do seem a bit old school, but that didn’t bother me really. Maybe I’m old school myself. I’d like to see them through, but, unfortunately, I don’t think they rank among the top four acts of the night.

LCD – Lisa Clark Dancers: Can I be honest? I wasn’t looking forward to this act. I’m not a huge fan of the dance groups on the show. I’ll be fair though, they are talented. . One thing I don’t like about dancers is when there is a complete disconnect between their faces and the dance, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. At that, there really wasn’t any wow moment to the dance. It was a little too cutesy, and compared to some of the other dancers in the competition (Turf, namely), they were definitely sub-par. The girl who spoke for the group felt like they were very unique, but I don’t really think so. I’ve seen similar moves by other groups. They won’t be going on.

Aurora Light Painters: I did not enjoy this act, I really thought I was going too, but it was boring. There wasn’t anything about it that left me wanting more. Yes, it is very different, and not a typical act, but it wasn’t very impressive ! They should have done something a lot more exciting, because I’m pretty sure this act sealed their fate: They will be going home. There’s nothing else I really have to say, but I think they should have thought the act through a little bit more.

Danielle Stallings: There are quite a few young singers in this season, aren’t there? She hit some hard notes, but overall, she isn’t my favorite. I’m going to disagree with the judges, I didn’t find her to be that memorable. But I wasn’t a big fan of Edon and he went through, so it might happen with her as well. She seems like a very sweet girl though. She was one of the better acts tonight. But was she good enough to get through? We’ll see.

Donovan & Rebecca: This duo does what the judges ask of everyone, but few seem to actually do: bring something new to every act. Donovan and Rebecca have been my favorite from the beginning. What they do is beautiful. It’s dangerous. It’s flawless. I can’t take my eyes off of the screen when they are performing. During a night where amazing acts were sparse, they shined once again, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Big Barry: I was surprised when he made it past his audition, and even more surprised when he got past Las Vegas. Now, if he gets past tonight. He doesn’t even sound like he is singing (it sounds more like moans and strains), and I felt like his act was more tall, attractive women dancing around him. This was a joke, and I’m appalled that other more talented singers (um, how about Mary Joyner?) didn’t get through, and he did. Maybe the judges felt there needed to be some comedic relief. It should have been pinned as a comedy act. Howie is full of it. I just wanted him to stop talking, because everything coming out of his mouth was ridiculous. I feel bad for the guy, as Howard and Sharon were a bit ruthless, but if he gets through, I’m done with this show (well, not really. But it would be tempting!)

Tom Cotter: This guy has really had a tough time breaking into the comedy scene, and he deserves some credit for not giving up. Most people would. He was on fire tonight, one joke after another. His jokes were well crafted and he did a good job executing them. The crowd seemed to eat it up, and I think he will definitely go on tonight, and straight to the finals. He’s got a great story, and isn’t that half of what makes an America’s Got Talent star?

Ben Blaque: The act inspired by Hunger Games…okay, I’m kidding. But that is the first thing I thought when I saw Ben Blaque. It might me very nervous when he said he didn’t have all the bugs worked out from his act. His assistant has got to trust him a lot, that’s some scary stuff he’s doing, especially since it is all new to his act! His bow shooter (I know, there is probably a more official name for it), sure was heavy duty. I was holding my breath during the last shot of the act. I would love to see what else he can do; I just hope no one dies if he moves on!

Tim Hockenberry: If someone could win on story alone, he’d be one of the final contenders. But since this is a talent competition…maybe he won’t be. Just kidding. He is so powerful, and one of the best, if not THE best, singers in the competition this year. I love the gritty quality to his voice. He sings with so much emotion, I had chills during the whole act. I actually agree with Howie  this time, he could be the winner of this competition. It’s weird, I agree with Howie for once, and totally thought Howard was off his rocker.

So here are the power rankings for tonight. These are who I think America will send on, not necessarily who I want to go through. I actually wouldn’t send Tom Cotter through, just because I’m not a huge fan of comedy, and I’d send Ben Blaque through. But as it stands, I don’t think it will go that way. The results show will be interesting though, as I don’t think it’s going to be completely clear cut who is going to move one.

The Four I Think Will Go On: 

1. Turf

2. Tim Hockenberry

3. Donovan and Rebecca

4. Tom Cotter

I Wish You’d Go Through, But I’m Not Sure If You Will: 

5. Ben Blaque

6. Hawley Magic

Okay, but Not Good Enough:

7. Danielle Stallings

8. Lisa Clark Dancers

9. LionDanceMe

Please, They Are Going Home:

10.  The All Ways

11. Aurora Light Painters

12.  Big Barry