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Breaking News: Shakira, Leona Lewis, Rascal Flatts, Susan Boyle and Cirque du Soleil Perform on America’s Got Talent Season Finale

I just got the news about who will be the guest performers on the America’s Got Talent finale.

The season finale of NBC’s hit summer series “America’s Got Talent” Wednesday, September 16 (8-10 p.m. ET) will feature special performances from Latin pop star Shakira, British singing sensation Leona Lewis, country music superstars Rascal Flatts, the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil and many more special guests to be announced.

Previously announced finale performer, Susan Boyle will debut her new song “Wild Horses.” At the conclusion of the finale, the winning act to take home the million-dollar prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas will be announced.

Shakira will perform the world premiere of her mega-hit single, “She Wolf” Shakira - She Wolf - Single - She Wolf from her forthcoming album of the same name, Leona Lewis will world premiere her song “Happy,” Rascal Flatts will be singing their latest hit “Summer Nights” Rascal Flatts - Unstoppable - Summer Nights and Cirque du Soleil will present a sneak peek performance from their brand new theatrical production “Banana Shpeel.”

Previously Announced Finale Performer Susan Boyle Will Sing Her New Song “Wild Horses”

Looks like a jam packed finale. While most of the America’s Got Talent finalist acts aren’t that exciting to me, this is a pretty broad ranging list of performers. Cirque du Soleil can either be really good or really bad. I’ve seen both on shows like this. Let’s hope it’s the really good stuff.

September 14, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Finalists Interview

If you’ve been following me on Twitter or in the comments, then you know I had a chance to be able to interview the finalists of America’s Got Talent. It was interesting, because originally they said it would be all the finalists, then they told me it would just be Grandma Lee. So, I just prepared for Grandma Lee. Then, when I was on the call Grandma Lee, Barbara Padilla, Kevin Skinner, Drew Stevyns (and they said some other name, but I couldn’t make it out) were on the call. Very cool experience.

Of course, the biggest problem was that they only gave me 7 minutes for the interview. Yes, that’s right. I had 7 minutes to interview 4-5 finalists for America’s Got Talent. Plus, I’d only planned questions for Grandma Lee. So, basically I was pretty flustered with what to do. You’ll hear below, but I rushed through Grandma Lee so I could talk to Barbara and Kevin. Listening back I acted like such a fan boi of Barbara and Kevin, but what can I say. I only had a few minutes to think what to say.

All in all, I think you’ll enjoy hearing from some of the America’s Got Talent finalists. I need to find a better way to embed an MP3 file (maybe I’ll make a video out of it), so until then here’s a link to download the AGT Finalists interview. Please excuse the bad recording at the very beginning. I promise it gets better. Also, I’ll put a quick summary of my thoughts from the interview.

Grandma Lee – It was interesting that she’d already toured the country as a comedian. They make it sound like she’d never done this before until America’s Got Talent. Another storyline ruined;-) Granted, if you’ve read this blog for any time, then this is nothing new.

Barbara Padilla – She was so gracious and kind and her accent was beautiful. I almost felt bad for discounting her previously. I guess maybe it’s just not me being a huge opera fan. It is interesting that I think she’s going to get a good part of the women vote, cancer vote, hispanic vote and opera junkie music fan vote. That’s a lot of good people backing her.

Kevin Skinner – I loved talking with Kevin. He really is what you see on TV. I loved when he talked about bonfires not happening in LA.

Drew Stevyns – I had to dig him for kicking out my EriAm sisters. Like he says, it’s entertainment. Sadly they cut the interview off as I started with Drew. He’s very personable though.

Overall Impressions – Interviewing these people was a lot of fun. Far too short, but still worthwhile. Talking to them like this really made them real to me. I guess when you see them on TV the show kind of makes them what they want them to be. Talking to them gave me a feeling that these are good people just trying to do what they do.

Let me know what you think of this interview. Just be kind. I was shooting from the hip and I don’t do this very often. Also, I’m really subconscious about hearing my own voice so take it easy on me.

September 11, 2009 I Written By

Final 5 America’s Got Talent 4 Finalists

The pairings in this episode of AGT weren’t good at all. Maybe it was just me, but it was really predictable. A couple locks (Barbara and Lawrence). Hairo was more popular than the little kids. Recycled Percussion did a much better performance than Mario and Jenny.

Of course, if you’ve read this blog the only group I’ve ever been really excited over was the EriAm Sisters. I think they have the most potential in this season and they’re the only act that has given me chills this season. So, obviously I hate that Drew Stevyns made it through and the EriAm Sisters did not. I guess it proves the fact that it’s a bunch of women and little girls who are voting for the cute boy. Grrrrr…that’s all I have to say about that. I’ll miss the EriAm sisters. I hope they somehow get invited to perform in the AGT Las Vegas show. Otherwise, I’m not sure I want to go.

I think the show actually did a pretty good job of trying to say that it was just the judges who decided to only put through 5 instead of 4. However, maybe that was just good cutting. Still felt like they had it planned the whole way to me.

Yes, this season is going down as extremely disappointing for me. Let’s just get it over and get on to next year’s talent;-)

September 9, 2009 I Written By

Final America’s Got Talent Semi-finals Performance Show

We’ve been having a lot of discussion going on about the various episodes of America’s Got Talent. I’m still watching the show, but I figured I’d post the thread for other people to start discussing the show. I’ll add my review of tonight’s semi final performance show once I’m done watching. One thing is certain. I was right that tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent is packed with at least twice as much talent as last week.

Time for my thoughts:

Barbara Padilla – Absolute lock for the finals. I’m not a huge fan myself, but I’ll admit that her performance tonight was her best yet. She’s also smart (or the producers are) for her to sing Ave Maria which is a special song for many people. She’s also got the cancer vote which I think is much larger than anyone would probably think. I’m not sure that’s the most politically correct thing to say, but I think that a lot of cancer survivors want to help other cancer survivors. That’s not a knock. I do the same thing with people I relate to. Either way, you can guarantee she’ll be in the finals.

Drew Stevyns – His song was a bit disappointing for me. I love him last time. He does seem to have the potential star quality in his performance. Although, I think in tonight’s performance he was a little too concerned about the camera. I’m not sure he’s a superstar, but I’ll admit that I’d love to hear him sing some more songs.

EriAm Sisters – If you’ve read for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of these sisters. They did have a slow start to their song, but once they got going it was amazing. In fact, it was the first time I got chills this season. There talent is amazing. How old is the youngest girl again? Oh, that’s right – 12. Seriously amazing voice. Too bad she looks older than 12.

Erik and Rickie – They should have stuck with a nice fast song where they could rock it out like they did in their audition. It just seemed slow and labored to me. Still cute as all get out. Plus, their interview section was the best of the entire show.

FootworKINGz – The producers ruined this act for me. I don’t think anyone can seriously think that FootworKINGz would have chosen to do power rangers. If they did, then I apologize to the producers, but I’ll never believe that power rangers would have been on these dancers minds. The song aside, the boots they wore were horrible also. Didn’t show very well the footworking they did. Horrible outcome for me.

Hairo Torres – He’s unique, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t do enough to go on. I wonder if he’ll head over to SYTYCD. He’d be great in the auditions of SYTYCD.

Jeffrey Ou – Wrong song. Not enough energy. The story of him getting a girlfriend was priceless. I’m quite sure he doesn’t give a rip about winning this show. He got himself a lady thanks to AGT. Beautiful!!

Lawrence Beamen – I thought this was his best performance. Maybe Piers likes the old school stuff, but I didn’t. I also can’t help but wonder what religious group he was with as a kid. I think he’s almost as close a lock as Barbara. I’d never pay to go see him, but he’s OK for me.

Mario and Jenny – What were they thinking? Bad Tapping. Bad Drumming. No danger. Pole dancing. Just all wrong. Worst performance they could have ever done.

Recycled Percussion – This group rocked it. I think the concept is actually the best part. I’m not sure the 4 guys are going to be the best to perform the concept. However, I could see a show like this in Vegas. It’s like a mix of Blue Man Group and Stomp. 2 popular Las Vegas shows.

Some great acts are going to be sent home tomorrow.

September 8, 2009 I Written By

First 5 America’s Got Talent 2009 Finalists

Well, last night was kind of the end of the lameness that has been America’s Got Talent this year. Let’s just say that the show is trying far too hard. They need to just sit back and let us enjoy the talent and the built in drama of the good and bad. Free the judges to say what they really think and get some judges unlike the Hoff and Sharon who can’t tell us what they really feel about the acts for fear of backlash.

Ok, now that I got that out. Here’s the first 5 finalists:
Fab Five – Definitely deserving of the finals. They were spot on. It was a little cruel of the show to try and act like they were going to be eliminated. Sharon did a pretty nice job, but Piers and Hoff made it look totally scripted. Oh well, at least the Fab Five made it and they deserved it.

Grandma Lee – I can’t say Grandma Lee was all that good, but I’m ok with the token act to make it in when they’re as cute as Grandma Lee and they’re living such a special dream for them. Grandma Lee has never been as good as what the judges have said. However, we can all love her for being there and doing her thing. So, I’m cool with this one.

Kevin Skinner – This is a shame for me. I know a lot of people who read this site love Kevin Skinner and have made up all sorts of excuses for why he sucked in his performance. I’ve never been a fan of him and so I don’t know why I’d start now. However, as I said in one of my comments on this site, he’s got 2 thing that America loves: humility and a great story.

Texas Tenors – I actually have mixed feelings about this group. The blonde guy is a star and once they start singing together it’s a hot mess (I stole that description from one of my readers since it described them so well). So, the Blonde guy should be in the finals, but the other 2 shouldn’t.

The Voices of Glory – I’d have kicked these guys off just for being dumb and not forcing the producers to let the sister sing the whole time. Piers said it before and he was right. The sister has the potential to be a star. The brothers are nothing but a drag right now.

Now to those who were sent home…

Acrodunk really deserved it. So much for variety.

Paradizo Dance was cute, but had kind of run their course.

Drew Thomas Magic did kind of disappoint, but I’ll admit I’m a bit surprised that his daughter’s cuteness didn’t pull him through. She’s a star in my book for sure.

Tony and Rory. Seriously, do I have to talk about this one? Shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Arcadian Broad will be remembered for a long time to come. I hope we find out if there was any fall out from his comments. However, I don’t think we will. I hope he keeps dancing and we’ll see him on So You Think You Can Dance once he’s old enough to compete on it.

September 3, 2009 I Written By

Arcadian Broad Calls Out America’s Got Talent Producers and Piers Becomes a Shill

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.

September 1, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Live Las Vegas Show at Planet Hollywood

The picture of who will be performing in th America’s Got Talent Live show in Las Vegas is becoming clearer. Have you bought your tickets yet?

This year’s AGT winner has 60 Las Vegas shows listed on ticketmaster. The America’s Got Talent Las Vegas shows start on 10/7/09 and run through 12/13/09.

Here are the details of the America’s Got Talent Las Vegas show:
America’s Got Talent 2009 Live – Purchase Tickets
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Oct 7, 2009 – Dec 13, 2009

AGT Live Ticket prices: US $63.95 – US $103.95

August 26, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Final Quarterfinal Performance Projections

Tonight is the final performance of the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals. Take a look at the acts that are left in the America’s Got Talent top 40 and my take on each of them:

Recycled Percussion – This has the potential to be a great act. Considering what they’ve done to produce the other acts, I think this could be a surprise hit. Kind of reminds me of that Stomp act in Las Vegas. At least that’s what it seems like. Although, we’ve only seen a little bit of it so far.

Erik & Rickie – These kids are so cute. However, kids haven’t faired all that well on this season of AGT. Although, I won’t be surprised if they get sent through just cause they’re so darn cute. Of course, my problem is still that there are at least a dozen couples like these 2 at any ballroom dance competition.

Ishaara – I’m sad they call this Bollywood. It’s entertaining, but really isn’t Bollywood. I don’t think they’ll have enough wow and pop to make it past this round. Still will be fun to watch tonight.

Barbara Padilla – This is the producers lock tonight. She’s going to perform last. I think we can almost guarantee that. I don’t like her that much, but others do. Not that I really have anything against her, but I just don’t think she’s all that good. She already has her ticket punched for the next round.

Chris Allison – We haven’t seen enough of this guy to say much. Although, this type of act is usually either a big wow or a big dud. I predict dud with one wow moment.

Pam Martin and Viva – I didn’t like her before and I still don’t. Her biggest problem is that they already let one dog act in. They can’t put 2 through can they?

African High Flyers – I liked these guys better than the flippers. A decent chance to get in and expect at least 2 WOW moments in the act.

Anthony Morigerato & Matt Lucas – I’m not sure how these guys take their act to the next level. Will be fun to watch. If the singer takes center stage it will be a colossal mistake. If the tapper takes the spotlight get them ready for the next round.

EriAm Sisters – I’ll admit these have been my favorite since I first saw them. They’re the only act I’ve really gone back to watch a number of times. So, I’m completely biased. I’m not sure what they’ll bring tonight, but if it’s anything like there first performance punch their ticket to the next round.

Mia Boostrom – I think I get Mia and Bri confused. So, now I don’t remember who was who. I know Mia was on a previous season. Her Georgia On My Mind was nice this year. We’ll see what she brings this time before I make judgment.

The Lollipop Girls – They shouldn’t have brought this group back. Simon just likes himself a burlesque act, but I predict they won’t be good at all.

Drew Stevyns – No way we can judge him since we didn’t really see him before. Or least I don’t remember anything. So, I’m guessing he’ll go the way of all the America’s Got Talent Wild Card acts.

Feel free to follow along with me as I comment on tonight’s show on my Pure AGT Twitter account. I will be watching on the west coast time though.

August 25, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals Group 4 Music

I just received the music from the last couple episodes of America’s Got Talent along with the next couple episodes. Below you’ll find the music from tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent. Hopefully these lists will help. You can see the full list of America’s Got Talent music here.

Performance Singers Music
Crazy In Love Beyoncé - Dangerously In Love - Crazy In Love by Beyonce
Time to Say Goodbye Sarah Brightman - The Harem World Tour: Live from Las Vegas - Time to Say Goodbye by Sara Brightman
Hallelujah Leonard Cohen - The Essential Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
How To Save A Life The Fray - How to Save a Life - How to Save a Life by The Fray

Performance Dancer/Variety Music
Great Balls of Fire Jerry Lee Lewis - Jerry Lee's Greatest - Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
Think Aretha Franklin - Aretha Franklin: 30 Greatest Hits - Think by Aretha Franklin
Do You Love Me Contours - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: Motown 1960s, Vol. 1 - Do You Love Me by The Contours
I Like To Move It Reel 2 Real featuring The Mad Stuntman - I Like to Move It - EP - I Like to Move It (Radio Mix) by Reel to Reel
Espana Cani Banda Taurina La Candelaria - Musica Para Despertar los Sentidos - Pasodobles Con Banda Taurina - España Cañi by Pascual Marquina Narro
Ballroom Blitz Sweet - Classic Rock - Ballroom Blitz by The Sweet
Pappu Can’t Dance Aslam, Benny Dayal, Tanvi, Darshana, Satish Subramanium, Anupama, Blazee & A. R. Rahman - Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na - Pappu Cant Dance by AR Rhaman
Big Spender New Broadway Cast - Sweet Charity - Big Spender From Sweet Charity

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America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals Group 3 Results Music

I just received the music from the last couple episodes of America’s Got Talent along with the next couple episodes. Sorry for the delay. Hopefully these lists will help. You can see the full list of America’s Got Talent music here.

It’s Alright, It’s OK Ashley Tisdale - It's Alright, It's OK - Single - It's Alright, It's OK by Ashley Tisdale
No Surprise Daughtry - Leave This Town (Bonus Track Version) - No Surprise by Daughtry

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