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America’s Got Talent Blast from the Past: Neal E. Boyd

“The Michael Phelps of the Competition”. This is the title judge Piers Morgan gave  Usually when I hear the word opera, I tune out (is that bad?) So, Boyd wasn’t necessarily my favorite from the season or winner of America’s Got Talent, but that doesn’t discredit his talent at all. The man has an amazing voice. Nonetheless, the following clip of him singing “Somewhere” is definitely my favorite from the season:


He sure knows how to put emotion into his performances, eh?

As I said, I’m not big into opera, but it wasn’t difficult to find out what has been keeping Boyd busy since his time on AGT. I was a little bit surprised, as his most recent endeavor has very little to do with music but more on that later.

Boyd released his first CD a little more than six months after his AGT victory in 2009 and made it into the Billboard Top 200 for awhile. His most notable performances have been for President Obama, and former president’s George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. While dealing with his musical career, Boyd remains the co-owner of an insurance agency and the Vice President of sales for a company called Voluntary Benefit Services.

But what he is most recently up to? Well, Boyd has gotten into politics. Although he dropped out of the election for the Missouri House seat in order to get himself healthier, he recently announced that he is running as the Republican candidate for 149th district in Missouri. In addition, Boyd has lost over 65 pounds and ready for the election.

Successful musical career, weight-loss advocate, owner of an insurance company, and now politician? What’s Boyd going to do next? Only time will tell, but he doesn’t seem to forget where he came from and how lucky he is to be where he is:

My voice has opened the doors to a lot of avenues that a normal little African-American, Southeast Missouri, poor boy never would have gotten to see. It’s a pretty great little American dream story. 1

1. Boyd, Neal. “The Sunday Interview: Neal E. Boyd is raising his voice.” By Lucas Presson. Southeast Missourian. 2011. <http://www.semissourian.com/story/1764132.html>

July 20, 2012 I Written By

Katie Clark is a journalism student at Brigham Young University in her senior year. She is originally from Littleton, Colorado, and hopes to move back there after graduation. Reality television is her favorite to watch, and has enjoyed writing about America's Got Talent and A Chance to Dance. She is a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys writing (especially blogs), cooking and sewing (while spending far too much time on Pinterest finding inspiration) and being outside with her husband and son.

Blast From the Past: Ali and Christina, the Singing Sisters

After a post written about the “The Singing Sisters”, Christina and Ali,  from Season 5 of America’s Got Talent resurfaced on our Twitter account, a follower asked for an update on them.

And just for anyone who is unfamiliar with Christina and Ali, here’s a little background on them:

These two beautiful girls from Idaho Falls made it to the top 10 on Season 5 of America’s Got Talent as a singing duo. One of the things that made them stand out is that they both have cystic fibrosis. After the season, they went on a 25-city tour with AGT. Christina has a “huge voice” and Ali is a “vocal Swiss Army knife,” according to their website, and together, were a vocal phenomenon. Here is a video of them on America’s Got Talent:

These girls truly have an amazing story of overcoming such obstacles. Since America’s Got Talent, they have written and produced a song called “Love is Gonna Find You” in 2011 with a Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated producer/songwriting team that worked with big names like Kelly Clarkson and Michael Jackson, which was featured in their 5-song EP that was released this past Valentine’s Day. Sadly, their older sister passed away last year, and the girls sang at her funeral. I can’t even imagine how hard that would be!

Christina just finished up her sophomore year of high school, and Ali most recently was taking a break from school at Brigham Young University-Idaho to help promote the EP. One of the seconds on the EP is an anti-bullying song, in honor of a friend who committed suicide in 2009 because of bullying. They have been interviewed by several magazines, including Twist Magazine and Seventeen earlier this year. In the Seventeen article, the girls talked about Cystic Fibrosis, and how it affects their every day life:

Ali: For me personally, I get really worn out and really tired throughout the day. It’s a struggle sometimes to remember all the medicine I have to take. Every time I eat, I have to take pills and I often have to undergo treatments. It’s a lot of time and hard work.

Christina: I always have a lot of treatments to do and I like to hang out with my friends which is hard when I have treatments.

For those unfamiliar with what Cystic Fibrosis is, it’s a genetic disease that affects digestion, weight gain, and the lungs. The lungs have a rally thick and sticky mucus that builds up and can cause infection and a general decline in function of the years. In the Twist Magazine article, the girls said that the disease affects their singing voices at times. The fact that they singing, despite that added challenge, shows what strong and talented girls they are.

These girls have every reason in the world to complain about the life card they’ve been dealt, but they seem to keep going forward with a great attitude, and seem to having a lot of success recently in their music career. I listened to a few of the songs on the EP, and it is a very uplifting, positive album with a good message. I really hope to see more of these two girls, because really, they are great role models of overcoming trials and just being good people over all. They are great examples, especially to young girls everywhere. I’ve obviously never met them, but beyond their incredible voices, seem very sweet. I’d love to talk with these girls someday!

Be sure to check out their website here for updates, pictures, videos, and more. Their album can be downloaded on iTunes here. And, to finish off, here is the music video of their song, Love is Gonna Find You:

July 12, 2012 I Written By

Katie Clark is a journalism student at Brigham Young University in her senior year. She is originally from Littleton, Colorado, and hopes to move back there after graduation. Reality television is her favorite to watch, and has enjoyed writing about America's Got Talent and A Chance to Dance. She is a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys writing (especially blogs), cooking and sewing (while spending far too much time on Pinterest finding inspiration) and being outside with her husband and son.

America’s Got Talent Blast to the Past: Bianca Ryan

Before she was even a teenager, Bianca Ryan was the first winner of America’s Got Talent six years ago. Because of versatility in music choices and powerful voice, Simon Cowell once said she was “potentially one of the best singers [he has] ever heard in [his life.]” Now, six years later, what is Ryan doing now as a 17 year old?

Well first, lets visit her journey on America’s Got Talent:

(compare first season to the current season..SO much has changed, agreed? Personally, I like the judges and host a lot better now.)

That girl has some serious talent. Probably why she won, right? And the fact that she was 11 is even more incredible. What was I doing at 11? Um, I think I was performing in my 6th grade musical rendition of Tom Sawyer. Not quite the same.

Soon after winning, Ryan produced and released a self-titled album that debuted at #57 on the Billboard Top 200. Although that is the only CD she has released since AGT, she has still kept busy. She has released two EPs and done a little bit of touring.

Currently, Ryan is now 17-years-old and attending a performing arts school in Philadelphia. She is also preparing for a starring role in a feature film titled “We Be Kings.” Ryan has definitely had a good career so far, and is on the road to even more stardom. Quincy Jones, a global music producer, said that he believes Ryan will be “The next revolution in music.”

I really like her. She has genuine talent (unlike a lot of popular musicians that are her same age). I hope to see more of her in the future!

And just for fun, here is one of her most recent songs, “In My Head”.

July 6, 2012 I Written By

Katie Clark is a journalism student at Brigham Young University in her senior year. She is originally from Littleton, Colorado, and hopes to move back there after graduation. Reality television is her favorite to watch, and has enjoyed writing about America's Got Talent and A Chance to Dance. She is a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys writing (especially blogs), cooking and sewing (while spending far too much time on Pinterest finding inspiration) and being outside with her husband and son.

America’s Got Talent Blast from the Past: Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

I love watching talent reality TV shows, and at the end of each season I always wonder if the winner is actually going to make something of themselves. I mean…it really seems pretty hit or miss most of the time. With the premiere of America’s Got Talent quickly approaching, it got me thinking about the past winners and if they are successful still, or if they’ve gone back to pre-AGT lives. Over the next few days, I’ll dive back into the past and see which winners of America’s Got Talent are still going strong, and who (if any), have, well, fallen out of the limelight and back into the shadows.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., the winner of AGT 2011 and jazz singer from West Virginia, was the whole package last year. He had a touching back story (remember — he was homeless at the age of 19) and a soft, crooning voice who made it through the competition singing songs from famous crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Let’s revisit the song that helped Landau triumph over his competition last year?

I don’t know about you, but his voice sure gives me the chills. There was some great competition last year, especially when it got down to the final four, but I’m glad he ended up winning. So how is Landau Murphy doing today?

Well, it seems pretty well. Especially considering where he was a few years ago. Not only did Landau release his first album, That’s Life, this past November, which hit #34 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 Jazz album on Amazon, but he has been doing shows across the country since, many of which have been sold out. He also has been giving back by appearing in public service announcements for the Red Cross and in several benefit concerts. On May 6th, Laundau received an honorary Doctorate of Music Degree from the University of Charleston.

So even though Landau doesn’t seem to be charting any top selling lists lately, he seems to be doing pretty well for himself.

If you can’t get enough of Landau, he currently is touring the country. Check out his tour dates at http://www.laundaumurphy.org for more information!

May 9, 2012 I Written By

Katie Clark is a journalism student at Brigham Young University in her senior year. She is originally from Littleton, Colorado, and hopes to move back there after graduation. Reality television is her favorite to watch, and has enjoyed writing about America's Got Talent and A Chance to Dance. She is a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys writing (especially blogs), cooking and sewing (while spending far too much time on Pinterest finding inspiration) and being outside with her husband and son.

Airpocalypse Wannabes on America’s Got Talent 2011

Update: Word is that they might not be an air guitar band after all, but a real band. Funny that the show would name them the Airpocalypse Wannabes on their site then.

I got a note from a member of the air guitar group that was on the last season of America’s Got Talent: Airpocalypse. It said:

Hi All! Obviously, we think this is great… http://americasgottalentauditions.com/new/node/309 Airpocalypse Loves You! ~X

To save you having to click the link. It has a picture (seen below) on the official AGT audition website of what’s labeled “Airpocalypse Wannabes.” I guess we should have seen it coming. I think Piers (if he’s back) will have a field day ripping them in favor of the originals. Although, I have to say that the note from the original Airpocalypse shows what classy guys they are. Makes me feel good they made it as far as they did.

February 14, 2011 I Written By

Preview of America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Week

For those excited about tonight’s America’s Got Talent, you’ll really enjoy this quick video preview of the kind of talent we get to enjoy on America’s Got Talent Las Vegas 2010!

July 6, 2010 I Written By

Where’s Eli Mattson After America’s Got Talent?

I’ve been able to follow a lot of the past talent of America’s Got Talent. Neal E. Boyd is releasing a single and touring with Paul Potts (Britain’s Got Talent). Queen Emily is in Las Vegas doing Menopause the musical. Donald Braswell has been doing shows, releasing records and even did an appearance on PBS. A little bit surprising to me is that I haven’t heard anything about what’s happened to Eli Mattson. His performance of Walking in Memphis is one of my favorites ever on America’s Got Talent. I found this video from November 25, 2008 of him performing “Walking in Memphis” at the Meyer Theatre:

Does anyone else know what’s going on with Eli Mattson? I’d love to know if he’s releasing an album, if he has any concerts. What he’s doing with his talent.

Also, I think fans of Eli Mattson and Neal E. Boyd will also really enjoy this video of Eli and Neal performing “Candle in the Wind” on July 4, 2008. I have to admit, I think that Eli Mattson actually outperforms Neal on this one. Maybe it was just the song choice. However, I loved the whole thing and it was nice to see them together.

June 22, 2009 I Written By

Taylor Swift and Julienne Irwin from America’s Got Talent 2007

Only 2 more days until the premiere of America’s Got Talent 2009. I really can’t wait. I love that show. I’m a little upset that they put part of it at the same time as So You Think You Can Dance, but we’ll figure it all out.

Since the TV shows on tonight weren’t worth much, I was looking back at some old videos from previous seasons of America’s Got Talent. I of course had to look up the first person I ever loved on America’s Got Talent, Julienne Irwin (ok, I did really love this Harmonica Boy -The Millers in season 1). I’ve written quite a few times about Julienne Irwin if you want to see what she’s done sense the show.

Well, in my search of past Julienne Irwin videos, I remembered that Julienne was lucky enough to be able to perform with Taylor Swift on America’s Got Talent. This was well before we started seeing Taylor Swift everywhere. What an experience this must have been for Julienne. The crazy thing is that I like Julienne’s voice as much or more than Taylor Swift’s. Of course, Taylor does probably write better songs. Anyway, all of this said, I really enjoyed this look back at Julienne Irwin and Taylor Swift on America’s Got Talent singing “Teardrops on My Guitar” Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift - Teardrops on My Guitar

June 21, 2009 I Written By

Russian Bar Trio on America’s Got Talent 2009?

Getting ready for the premiere of America’s Got Talent 2009, I can’t help but hope that the Russian Bar Trio will return for America’s Got Talent 2009. For those that have been living in cave, here’s the video of Russian Bar Trio’s audition on America’s Got Talent 2008:

In case you don’t know the back story, the Russian Bar Trio made it to the top 20 (or maybe it was 40), but unfortunately had to drop out due to injury. Turns out that Donald Braswell got voted back on to the show (much to the Donald Braswell fans delight) in order to replace the Russian Bar Trio.

Now to the point of this post. Russian Bar Trio has to be the most shocking and impressive and talented act I’ve seen on America’s Got Talent. I really hope they come back for season 4 of America’s Got Talent.

I also think it’s interesting that the Russian Bar Trio has at least reached some amount of star status. I previously posted the video of the Russian Bar Trio’s performance for a Michigan basketball game. Now, check out this video of the Russian Bar Trio’s performance on Ellen:

June 19, 2009 I Written By

Russian Bar Trio Returns to America’s Got Talent

I don’t know this to be true yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if probably my favorite act from last year returned to America’s Got Talent 2009.  That act is the Russian Bar Trio!  If you don’t remember them, then you must not have ever seen them before.  They are just unforgettable.  So, for those that have never seen the Russian Bar Trio, check out their audition on last season’s America’s Got Talent:

Of course, many may ask why they’ll come back again this year if they were on last season. The answer is simple. Last season, Christine, the Russian Bar Trio girl got injured and so the Russian Bar Trio had to pull out of the competition. It just makes sense that America’s Got Talent would give them another chance.

The only reason I think they might not return to America’s Got Talent is if they’ve gotten too big and successful for the show. Check out this comment I found on their website which makes it looks like they may be working for Cirque du Soleil now and so they wouldn’t be able to be on the show.

Christine is back on the bar after 3 month and a half recovering. She is stronger than ever. You are welcome to come see us on the Cirque du Soleil Show for the 400 years of Quebec City. It will be at the Colisé Pepsi on october 17th-18th-19th.

Well, either way, the Russian Bar Trio will remain near or at the top of my list of most talented America’s Got Talent performers ever. It would have been really interesting to see how America would have voted for them compared to the other finalists. Too bad we didn’t get a chance to see it, and I hope that America’s Got Talent brings them back this year.

In the meantime, check out a rather recent performance by the Russian Bar Trio at what looks like a Michigan basketball game:

Makes me wonder why UNLV doesn’t convince Cirque du Soleil performers to come and perform at halftime for UNLV games, but I digress.

Anyone have news on if the Russian Bar Trio could possibly be back on America’s Got Talent season 4?

February 22, 2009 I Written By