Welcome to Pure America's Got Talent

Finale Red Carpet: Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
Watch him talk about winning first place!

Finale Red Carpet: Stevie Wonder
Watch him talk about his duet with POPLYFE.

Finale Red Carpet: Patti LaBelle
Watch her talk about her favorite act, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Finale Red Carpet: POPLYFE
Watch them talk about their AGT experience.

Finale Red Carpet: Jackie Evancho
Watch her talk about going from contestant to guest performer!

Pure America’s Got Talent had another chance to interview the America’s Got Talent finalists. This time Marianya took care of the interview. It was a short 10 minutes and so she was only able to talk to half of the finalists: Taylor Matthews, Michael Grasso, Prince Poppycock, Fighting Gravity, Jeremy Vanschoonhoven, and Jackie Evancho. You can hear the interview below which I’ve made into a video so you know which finalist is speaking. Also, sorry for the static in the recording. We’ll work on that for next time.

So John ended up having to meet up with someone in real life for an appointment that he couldn’t delay, so I (Marianya) ended up taking this last interview with Prince Poppycock.

However, it wasn’t Prince Poppycock that I had the pleasure of speaking to, it was John Quale, the man behind the mask.

John didn’t seek out America’s Got Talent initially (although he claims that he may have done so this year regardless). Instead it started when his significant other uploaded a video of John as Prince Poppycock without his permission onto YouTube. The people of America’s Got Talent saw the video and contacted him to be a part of the show. So he flew to New York for his audition and the rest, as they say, is history.

He made a very good point about reality shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent etc… where America in general questions the longetivity of talent “discovered” on these shows. But because of the staying and star power of Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert, it would seem that America is more open to a talent “discovered” via television talent competitions.

Prince Poppycock came to fruition as a one shot gig that John Quale did. He was to sing Largo Al Factotum from The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini, and he was to wear a wig. However, as he pointed to me, most people who sing arias don’t always understand the lyrics of what they are singing. So John took the act a step further and create the character of Prince Poppycock to really fit in with the story of the song… and everything just kind of snowballed from there.

Although John’s passion is opera, he is well versed in a multitude of styles (as evidence of his latest piece from the semifinals Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen) and desires to show America that it isn’t simply opera that he can sing, but other styles as well. So there is a little bit for everyone.

What John enjoys about being Prince Poppycock is that Prince Poppycock is by far more outgoing, extroverted, boisterous while John, by natue, is softspoken, introverted, and a bit shy. As Prince Poppycock he feels that he is able to reach out to the audience a lot more than as himself. His wide span of musical tastes seem to reflect this, as John he would write dark music while as Prince Poppycock the music is much more lighthearted and fun. Obviously, the difficulties of Prince Poppycock is the hours of costuming, makeup and grooming that takes place. A small price to pay for so great a character.

Another advantage that John enjoys when being Prince Poppycock is that when he is around town looking like himself his not as “known” as the Prince Poppycock. He loves working on his music and entertaining the audience and the crowds and the fans… however, the fame aspect of it he could do without. Thus being Prince Poppycock allows him to turn into a new person and could be anonymous when Prince Poppycock isn’t needed.

As a singer/songwriter (he defines himself as a singer rather than specifically an opera singer) he enjoys the classical feeling of the piano and was sad to see the classical pianist leave the competition (Maestro Alexander Bui), because he knows just how much hard work a pianist puts in to get the music perfect and read for live television. Alice Tan Ridley is another act that he was sad to see go. During Vegas Callbacks, John got along well with Chipps Cooney and had looked forward in having more conversations with the comedic magician in the future, alas that never came to pass due to them not being in Los Angeles at the same time. He enjoys the acts that he join in the Top Ten, particularly Michael Grimm and Jackie Evancho. Getting to know the other acts has been a thrill and he looks forward to the ride for however long it lasts.

Being in Hollywood has been a thrill as he was able to connect with other artists, like Adam Lambert. He recently connected with a youth organization that aids in the artistic endeavors of youths within the GLBT community. He hopes that he would be asked to be a part of the tour b/c none of the finalists at the moment are making any money, while as being part of the tour they would be.

Should Poppycock make through the next round then perhaps in the end we would finally be able to see a little bit of the man behind the make up on stage.

Similar to the other dance crew, I only interviewed one member of Fighting Gravity named: Caleb Sharp. He was really articulate and a great representative for Fighting Gravity.

I asked him how they decided to audition for America’s Got Talent. Caleb said Fighting Gravity first did it at Va Tech university for a sorority and fraternity night. Turns out Caleb joined it later and wasn’t part of that first performance. They put the video on YouTube and it did well and they were invited to perform at the Espy’s after party in LA. Then Caleb said they were looking for other places to perform and decided to make the trip to NY to audition for America’s Got Talent.

Caleb made an interesting point about what it’s been like for them being on a show that’s been seen by millions of people. He said they’re unlike other acts since they’re kind of anonymous in their performance. So, when they go out in public no one realizes that they’re members of Fighting Gravity. Unless of course they’re wearing the Fighting Gravity shirts and then they get a little flavor of what it must be like for the other contestants on the show.

Caleb did acknowledge openly that they’re not the first dark light theater group even though the show kind of made it out to seem that way. However, he said that most of it is not in the US. Plus, he said that most of the dark light theater is comedy and Fighting Gravity is doing more of a dance style and trying to provide a fresh new take on it.

When asked about leaving school to be on the show he said school can wait. They’ll be going back. He then commented that it’s amazing to think that 6 months ago he would have thought he’d be in a math class doing problems he didn’t know the answer to. Now he’s in LA on America’s Got Talent, but that the chance only comes once in a lifetime and so they had to seize the opportunity.

I also couldn’t help but ask Caleb to pick the winner of the best opening week college football game: Va Tech vs. Boise St. He predictably took Va Tech. Although, he said it’s kind of funny because Christina and Ali have a connection with Boise St and so there’s a bit of a competition between them and the boys from Morgantown. Caleb even said that many of them had tickets to the game that they wouldn’t be using and that would be hard to miss. Since Va Tech lost to Boise St, I’m pretty sure Fighting Gravity is glad they’re in LA doing their thing.

I’ll be interested to see how they take this to the next level. They’re a definite fan favorite and the concept is unique and fantastic. They certainly have a decent chance of winning.

Michael Grasso was a really great interview. It’s really unfortunate that I don’t have the audio from the interview since he did a great job discussing things about Magic and performing magic on TV. I’ll do my best to summarize what he shared.

A reader asked me to ask him whether he’d be returning to Magic X (a group of Magicians) or going solo after his time on America’s Got Talent. Michael Grasso said he does not plan to go back to Magic X after the show, but plans to go solo and would love to incorporate some of the people from Magic X in his acts if he goes on tour and in his future acts.

Michael loves to do the slight of hand magic since it’s really the core of magic. When asked about being passed up in Las Vegas for an act like Chips Cooney he said it was really hard for him to not make it through in Las Vegas. Michael said he wanted to mix it up and show them something different in Vegas. He’d done the big Magic Trick in his audition and he wanted to show the more subtle side of his magic in Las Vegas, but he learned they want the big stuff.

Michael also mentioned that he’d done magic in big colloseum size venues in Asia and done the slight of hand tricks with no problems. The key was that these arenas have the big jumbotrons where the up close video of what he’s doing can be shown for everyone to see.

Michael said the hard part of America’s Got Talent for magicians is that you have to do a big “closing act” every single time you perform. Plus, you have 6 days to put it all together, build the set and at some pretty major expense (he said he had to pay for the sets).

I asked him about magic on TV and how it felt unauthentic to just use the camera switches to hide the way the trick is done. Michael said that some people are using that and other methods to do their magic, but he didn’t understand why since there wasn’t any need to do it that way. He said, magic on TV has to be done right and usually with one camera that continuously shows the shot and doesn’t cut away.

I also asked him about the girl that we always see with him and never have had a chance to learn about. He said her name and she was from the East Coast (sorry I don’t remember exactly where). He said that she was a theater arts performer. Michael said that he didn’t just want a girl that looked good up there, but always wanted his assistants to bring something special to the stage, to have a presence on stage. He gave her a lot of credit for being a part of the performance and also telling the story and selling the trick as well.

I could tell that Michael Grasso had a lot more stories to tell and experiences with Magic. It was unfortunate that I only had 10 minutes to get to know him.

I only had a short time with Anna and Patryk, but they were just about as I expected. Anna is the dominate one and Patryk is a little more reserved.

I asked Anna what her future plans and goals were with dancing. Anna quickly said the she wanted to one day be on Dancing with the Stars. I suggested to her that it would be really cool for them to have a kid star on Dancing with the Stars and she could be their partner. How cool would that be? In fact, I’m planning to write about this idea on my DWTS site.

They told me that their parents suggested that they audition for America’s Got Talent and see how it went.

Anna told a story about them going to dinner once and someone noticed that they were Anny and Patryk from America’s Got Talent. Turns out Patryk had his shoes in his hands and so the people realized they were the ballroom dancers from America’s Got Talent because of the shoes.

Patryk said that if they won the million dollars, he would want to use the money to pay for dance classes cause they’re so expensive. Then, Anna said, “And for Charity.”

Their favorite act in the top 10 besides their own was Fighting Gravity.

Anna’s comment about Charity was so cute. I’ll never forget how matter of fact she said it. Ballroom dancing on TV has definitely been very popular with Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. It’s great that Anna and Patryk have brought it to America’s Got Talent as well.

Michael Grimm was up next. Before I started I mentioned to him that I live in Las Vegas also. After hearing that he said we should go out for Sushi some time. I’m not a fan of sushi, but I’d certainly love to go to dinner with Michael any time.

When I asked Michael about why he auditioned for America’s Got Talent, he said that he auditioned for America’s Got Talent the year before and didn’t even make it through the first round. So, he was excited to be doing so well this year after being turned away the first time. Michael said before America’s Got Talent he’d been talking with a bunch of music labels and wasn’t getting anywhere with them. They wanted him to be or do stuff that didn’t match who he was and he didn’t want to compromise those things since it wasn’t who he really was. I could tell that Michael has a strong sense of who he is and what he’s about.

I then mentioned that it was good that he went back to wearing the hat on the show, but that many of my readers liked him without the hat. He said that he tried without the hat since he wanted to kind of do it before they said something about it (he must have watched previous seasons). However, once he did, they learned that he’s better with the hat.

I asked him about the criticism that he has been solid, but still hasn’t had a real break through/memorable performance where everyone will say, WOW. He said that he hadn’t heard that comment, but that he’d just keep doing what he was doing and hope that the viewers like it. Michael did say it was hard because each week he’s trying to do his best to please all of the audience and that’s a really hard thing to do.

Michael was really grateful for the fans. I commented how his fans were very passionate in their support of him. He replied that he was learning that.

When asked what he’d do with the million dollars, he said he’d help his grandparents get out of their current situation in New Orleans. He did tell a story about someone who made him angry talking about New Orleans. I guess this guy was telling him that the loss in New Orleans wasn’t that bad compared to some of the other places in the world where many more people died. Michael understood it to a point, but it made him upset to hear this guy say almost that it wasn’t bad what happened in New Orleans. You could tell that Michael was really in love with New Orleans. If Michael Grimm is successful, I’m pretty sure he’s going to be one of the biggest advocates for New Orleans.

When asked about performing in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, he said he prefers the larger venues for performances compared to the smaller ones.

Oh, and sorry ladies, he’s had a girlfriend for about 3 years. I told him maybe I shouldn’t mention it on my site since people won’t want to vote. However, it’s just a girlfriend, so I guess there’s still hope, right?

Michael Grimm has a really interesting mix of being really laid back and chill with a strong sense and purpose. It’s a really unique contrast to see.

Next up was Jackie Evancho. Before I started the interview with Jackie, I had to ask about her mother and if she remembered visiting Pure America’s Got Talent. I think it was about two seasons ago that Jackie’s mom visited Pure America’s Got Talent and posted some videos of Jackie singing. Jackie’s mother did remember visiting the site, but quickly deferred to Jackie who was the star. Of course, it’s REALLY fun for me to think that readers of Pure America’s Got Talent end up on the show. Jackie’s not the first, but definitely the first reader of this site to make the finals (that I know of).

Ok, enough about that. For such a young girl, Jackie was incredibly articulate in her interview and very sweet (as we’ve seen on camera many times).

I started off by asking her when she first started signing and realized she had this voice. She told me that a couple years ago she went with her family to a performance of Phantom of the Opera. After the performance she was singing through the house and her mom asked her if she wanted to take classes. Shortly after that she entered a singing competition and was runner up to a 20 year old opera singer and that was the start of her singing in competitions. Jackie said she has had a couple teachers, but currently doesn’t have a teacher. She just works with her mom. I asked if her mom could sing well, and she said, No. Oh kids….how funny is that?

When I asked her what crazy things had happened to her since being on America’s Got Talent, she couldn’t think of anything, but that people come up and want her autograph all the time now.

When asked about who was sent home that she wishes was still on the show, she wanted the piano player and Alice Tan Ridley back on the show. She also said that she gets really nervous right before the show, but just fights through it.

When asked what she’d do with the million dollar prize if she won she said, “I want to help the baby seals.” Looks like she definitely loves animals.

I asked her if she could give any hints about what she’ll be doing for her next performance, she said it will be calm and soothing. I mentioned readers of this site suggested she sing “Over the Rainbow”, “Hallelujah”, “Amazing Grace” she replied, Oh…it’s really close.

Jackie Evancho is just the sweetest little girl. No matter what happens in the competition, she’s going to have a thrilling life ahead of her.

Since this was a phone interview, I got to interview one member of the Studio One Young Beast Society. Next year, I’m going to have to make the extra effort to go to LA and do the interviews in person.

The girl from Studio One Young Beast Society that I interviewed was named Kelly. She was quite delightful and a great interview. She had a really nice energy to her that I enjoyed.

First up, I asked where the Studio One Young Beast Society came from. They are a part of a larger group called Studio One in Orlando. For America’s Got Talent they just took 8 from that group and added on the “Young Beast Society” to the name. As we talked, you could really tell that Kelly and the crew were really happy to be representing Orlando and dance on AGT.

I asked her about what she thought of the other dance shows like America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC) and So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD). She said, they like the other dance shows like ABDC, but they couldn’t go on that show since many of the dancers in their act are too young to go on that show. So, they are very happy that America’s Got Talent gave them the opportunity to show their stuff.

Kelly described that they are really focused on doing some creative choreography and bringing something different each time they perform. In fact, she mentioned a few times that they were getting hurt. They’ve been working on a bunch of new tricks and while practicing them they’ve been getting hurt in the process. These injuries have made it to prepare for the weekly shows while still keeping their act fresh and new.

When asked about the million dollar prize, Kelly said they would divide the winnings equally between the dancers, but that she thought many of them would use the winnings to create a dance studio in Orlando where they can practice and teach. First, because they are practicing in a gym which she was grateful to have, but wasn’t the best conditions to practice dancing. Plus, opening their own studio would help to create jobs for them to be able to continue doing their dancing full time.

Kelly was fantastic and I bet it would be a lot of fun to hang out with this crew or even go dancing. Granted, I’d sit on the sideline and just enjoy them do their thing. Plus, how cool is it that they want to start a dance studio if they win. That’s a really fantastic idea.

For being such a young kid, Taylor was a great interview. He had a lot to say and was pleasant to talk with. Plus, he gave some interesting insights into him and even the rumors about him and Debra Roemer being together.

First up, I asked him about his background in music. He said his father was the one that taught him music. From his description, it sounded like he’s kind of living out his dad’s dreams of performing like this which is kind of cool since he seems to really love it also. I asked Taylor if we would see a duet between him and his father in one of his America’s Got Talent performances. Taylor said that he’s proposed it a few times, but it hasn’t gone anywhere. It sounded like his dad was the one who didn’t want to be on stage. His dad told Taylor that he was so much better. It’s unfortunate, because I’d really love to see Taylor and his dad perform together.

Taylor also explained how his dad was a bit concerned over him and not getting Taylor too excited about winning or not seeing him get too down if he didn’t make it. I guess like any good father, Taylor’s dad wants to see him succeed but also wants to do everything he can to not let him get hurt. A hard balance for someone being seen by millions and hoping to become a star.

I wish I had the recording, but Taylor also described well how before the show “the ladies” were kind of missing in his life, but now that he’s been on the show things are looking up. We even had a discussion about him and Debra Roemer being a couple. I suggested they do a duet together on the America’s Got Talent tour. He thought that would be fun, but denied any rumors that him and Debra were an item. He said, that she’s not his type. Although, he did mention he had some other girls in mind. Hmmmm…

Taylor’s biggest musical influence was John Mayer. He also mentioned that he loved the underground music scene and mentioned a few artists in New Orleans. Turns out that thanks to the show he’s gotten to know and become friends with these artists, and he was really excited about that.

When asked about whether he preferred, the piano, the guitar or singing best, he said he loved the piano and thought it had a real classical feel to it which he enjoyed. However, he was most at home with the guitar and jamming out on the guitar.

Turns out Taylor has some loyal fans that have been writing to Sony to try and get Sony to pick him up as an artist which he thought was crazy and cool. He also mentioned Disney Records, but thought that they might not be the right label for the type of style that he wants to do. He wants to be known as a musician and not just a star.

I asked him what crazy things have happened to him since being on the show. He said, he couldn’t mention some of them since he didn’t want to mention the acts since we’d know who they were. Although, he did say the craziest thing that’s happened to him is that he’s performed and that America has embraced him and brought him this far. This really surprised him.

He said if he won the million dollars he’d help to pay back hid dad for all the support his dad has given him to be able to live his dream and learn his music. Then, he wanted to help a hospital that had been really supportive of him on the show and that he’d sung at a few times before.

Taylor sounded like a really grounded kid to me that was a bit overwhelmed by the whole experience. Seems natural since he went from coffee shop performing to being on TV in front of millions. I’ll be interested to see Taylor’s next performance. Watch for Debra Roemer cheering for him in the audience;-)