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Thoughts on First 5 America’s Got Talent 2011 Finalists

Time for some thoughts on the 5 acts making it into the America’s Got Talent Season 6 finals. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Lys Agnes – I’m not much of a fan of Lys Agnes at all, but AGT viewers seem to like the operatic type of voice for some reason. So, she has a chance. Although, I’d say it’s probably a small chance. Doesn’t hurt that AGT is propping her up in the production of the show. I do wish she’d go back to the braided hair. The braids were sweet.

Miami All Stars – What an exciting group to watch. Their semi final act had some really amazing non-stop action. I’m afraid that they’re probably going to slip in the finals and not be quite as explosive and interesting. They’ll have an enjoyable performance, but not likely enough to win.

PopLyfe – I still feel like Piers was right in the beginning that the lead singer of PopLyfe is the star. Sure, the rest of the band has been an interesting package. The band without the lead singer might have even made it to the quarterfinals on their own. However, the lead singer is really truly the star. Her voice is fantastic. If they stop worrying about propping up the band and highlight her awesome vocals, they have a great chance of winning.

Team iLuminate – Incredible group. Unbelievable mix of technology and dancing. If they don’t win, it will be because America is lazy. However, they are so incredibly good that they might still win even with America’s laziness.

West Springfield Dance Team – This team should just enjoy their final performance. They’ve been the last one in for too many weeks in a row. So, they have basically no shot of winning it all based on just a popularity vote. That’s ok though. They’ll enjoy their final performance and bring something interesting to the show. Their choreographers need to do a group routine on SYTYCD.

Did anyone else notice that 2 singers and 3 dance groups made it through to the AGT Finals? Obviously America loves music and dancing. It should be obvious. We have dedicated dance (SYTYCD, ABDC, DWTS) and music (AI, The Voice, X Factor) reality TV shows. Sucks to be a variety act going up against something that America loves so much.

August 25, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Semi Final Videos from Acts in Finals

I thought that many of you that missed the AGT 2011 semi final performances might enjoy watching the video of the acts that made it to the finals. So, enjoy:
West Springfield Dance Team Takes the Stage

Team iLuminate Takes the Stage

Miami All Stars Take the Stage

Lys Agnes Takes the Stage

POPLYFE Take the Stage

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Other America’s Got Talent Backstage Videos

So we are all pretty much annoyed by the interaction between Howie and Piers. Sharon even got in on the annoying action last night. However, I don’t see what Piers is doing is bullying of Howie. I guess this video is part of Howie’s comedy act.

Howie’s Public Service Announcement – rant against bullying – and Piers Morgan.

This is a great video where the judges and Nick Cannon talk about people showing them their talent in public. I can only imagine. I bet they’ve seen some pretty hilarious things.

August 18, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Wild Card Talent Into Semi Finals

Let’s take a look at the 4 acts that made it into the America’s Got Talent semifinals from the Wild Card acts. I have to admit that it was a great night for me since my favorite acts pretty much all went through.

The Kinetic King – As a nerd myself, I was proud that the Kinetic King got voted through. I put up a few dominoes with my son and they fall down. I can only imagine what he has to do to set up his contraptions. I just wish that I could see them live in person. I don’t think the camera angles really do it justice.

West Springfield Dance Team – This last performance wasn’t really the best, but I didn’t have any problem with them going through to the semi finals. The interesting thing is that their choreographers are the really amazing talent. They should bring their choreographers on stage with them.

Summerwind Skippers – I’ve seen jump roping quite a bit, but this group has definitely taken skipping to the next level. I’ll be interested to see how they try and take skipping to yet another level. The fire was pretty cool and they did some pretty insane tricks already. Although, I’d love to see some of what they’re doing in a slow motion replay.

Landon Swank – Quite possibly the best magician that’s ever graced the America’s Got Talent stage. He has the tricks and the look to be a magician in Las Vegas. It will be interesting to see what he brings next. I’m just glad America put him through and not the other magician. The appearing car trick is lame. Especially on camera.

When I saw the highlight video showing the talent that’s in the semi-finals, I have to admit that I’m excited to see them perform again. It’s going to be some great performances.

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Colbie Caillat and Les Miserables on America’s Got Talent

I must admit that I thought this was some of the best guest performers we’ve seen on America’s Got Talent. I of course might be a bit bias since I love Colbie Caillat. I sent the following tweet about Colbie:
https://twitter.com/#!/pureagt/status/104051264433827840

Colbie Caillat Performs!
Watch her take the AGT stage!

The performance by Les Miserables was awesome! It made me want to go and see it again. Sadly the Les Miserables tour isn’t stopping in Las Vegas.

Les Miserables on AGT!
Watch the legendary cast perform here!

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America’s Got Talent Wild Card Videos

In case you missed last night’s America’s Got Talent wild card show or want to rewatch some of the acts, the following are the videos from the AGT wild car acts. Which one was your favorite? Who else was sad to see the sword fall?

The Kinetic King Takes the Stage

Watch The Kinetic King’s performance here!

Those Funny Little People Take the Stage

Watch Those Funny Little People perform!

Avery and the Calico Hearts Take the Stage

Watch Avery and the Calico Hearts perform!

Seth Grabel Takes the Stage

Watch Seth’s performance here!

Shevonne Takes the Stage

Watch Shevonne’s performance here!

West Springfield Dance Team Takes the Stage

Watch the performance here!

J. Chris Newberg Takes the Stage

Watch his performance here!

Yellow Designs Stunt Team Takes the Stage

Watch the performance here!

Charles Peachock Takes the Stage

Watch his performance here!

The Fiddleheads Take the Stage

Watch their performance here!

Summerwind Skippers Take the Stage

Watch their performance here!

Landon Swank Takes the Stage

Watch Landon’s performance here!

August 17, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2011 Wild Card Acts

I love the idea of Wild Card acts. It makes the show a lot more fair for acts that were just stuck on a hard night and didn’t get a chance to make it through. Plus, other than an act or two, I’m excited to see all the AGT wild card acts that they put through.

Here’s the video of them announcing the latest Wild Card Acts:

Here’s the list of AGT Wild Card acts and which judge brought them back.
Mandel – The Fiddleheads Bluegrass Band

Morgan – Landon Swank Magician/Illusionist

Osbourne – Seth Grabel Magician

Morgan – Summerwind Skippers Jump Rope Acrobatic Troupe

Morgan – Charles Peachock Juggler

Morgan – Yellow Designs Stunt Team Stunt Bikers

Osbourne – West Springfield Dance Team Dance Troupe

Osbourne – The Kinetic King Trick Designer

Osbourne – Avery and the Calico Hearts Singers

Mandel – J. Chris Newberg Comedian/Guitarist

Mandel – Those Funny Little People Novelty Dancers/Performers
Las Vegas

Mandel – Shevonne Singer

August 11, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2011 Judges Backlash

I’m sure many readers to this site have felt the judge backlash that’s been happening this season. It’s fair to say that MANY longtime viewers of America’s Got Talent are really angry and upset about the way the judges have acted this season on America’s Got Talent.

I think we can all agree that it’s been annoying, unprofessional, and has detracted from the talent on the show.

I’ll let the readers that submitted comments (most of them anyway) to me have their voices heard (without their names):
Reader #1
I love the show but I think you are going way over board with this hate thing going on between Howie and Piers Morgon. A little back & forth between them was funny at first but now it is both sharon & howie against Piers and it has become way too much. I have several friends who feel the same way.

Pure AGT Reader #2
this season of agt is getting annoying! i am really tired of howie…the bickering between howie and piers is childish. howies little pranks and comments toward piers is completely uncalled for and should not be part of the show. has america gotten so bad that the rudeness is a big entertainment thrill for them? i would enjoy the show alot more if it would stop!!

Pure AGT Reader #3
I love AGT but I must say I am losing interest in the show because of the continual bickering between Piers and Howie. Their silliness is getting old. What’s up with Nick’s ugly wardrobe? That’s one thing I do agree with Piers on.

Pure AGT Reader #4
I find Howie Mandel and his second grade school child antics repulsive. In my opinion he should not be on the show.

And then a comment from Twitter to the Pure AGT twitter account:
@ShempLabs – Shemp DeYoung
@tvblog I find the judges on AGT completely annoying. Fighting with each other, making fart jokes, too silly/stupid. Just not funny.

I have a feeling the AGT producers aren’t any happier about the judges actions than we are. I bet they’re in a tough spot right now and not sure how to deal with it. I can pretty much guarantee there will be some major judge changes next season of America’s Got Talent.

Although, I do want to say that unlike some of the other comments above, I’ve found Howie’s jokes funny when they were done as asides. It was his jokes during the judging that were annoying and out of place.

Either way, you can be sure there will be changes next year on America’s Got Talent 2012. I’m sure Piers won’t be back if Howie is there and I won’t be surprised if Piers isn’t back at all. He’s got a pretty good gig on CNN now and so America’s Got Talent season 7 judging panel will likely be quite different.

August 10, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent YouTube Auditions Tonight – Fame or Flop?

Word on the street is that tonight is going to be the America’s Got Talent YouTube auditions. I must admit that I didn’t have a chance to really look over the various acts they chose from the YouTube auditions. So, I’ll be going into tonight blind. Which I think is a good thing since hopefully the acts will be a bit of a surprise.

Of course, I think the acts could be incredibly entertaining or a major flop. I remember the old MySpace auditions were basically a flop. However, last year, Jackie Evancho came out of the YouTube auditions and she’s doing pretty well.

What do you think will happen on tonight’s America’s Got Talent YouTube auditions? Fame or Flop?

August 9, 2011 I Written By

Final 4 Acts Going to America’s Got Talent 2011 Semifinals

Time to look at the final 4 contestants that made it to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent 2011. Check out my analysis of the other AGT 2011 semifinalists. The biggest surprise of the night was that no singers made it through this night. Don’t worry though, 2 of the acts were dance groups. Although, Team iLuminate is so much more than just dance. I was sorry that Taylor Davis didn’t make it through. He’s one of the only singers I’ve enjoyed this year. I’d have liked him to do well. I guess I also love to see humility rewarded.

Now on to the last 4 AGT 2011 semifinalists:
Zuma Zuma – I was impressed that they took their act to the next level with the poles. Makes me wonder how much they’d practiced on the poles. It was a little hard to watch since the special guests did a similar act. Knowing that other pros do it already is a little bit of a downer. Although, I love their spirit and I hope they find something great to show in the semifinals as well.

Melissa Villasenor – I can’t figure out what it is that I love about Melissa, but I have this emotional (good emotional) reaction whenever I see her on camera. I’ve loved her ever since her audition. Last night wasn’t quite as good as her audition, but I’d still like to see a lot more of her. There’s something fantastic about her that makes me want to watch her. I honestly can’t figure out the secret. Either way, I’m so glad she made it through.

Fatally Unique – Hard to argue with their story and America loves a good story. Unfortunately, in the semi finals the storyline groups usually get sent home. I love Fatally Unique’s heart. Their choreography and dance skills aren’t over the top amazing, but their heart is beautiful to watch and enjoy.

Team iLuminate – Piers was dead on when he said it was a million dollar act. This could be produced into a million dollar Vegas show very easily. The only reason it won’t be in Vegas is if they decide to do it in LA or NY instead of Vegas. However, it fits Vegas perfectly. Add in a bit more choreography and time to program and perfect the lights with the choreography and I can see a very long running show using this technology. As a nerd lover of dance, this is right up my alley too.

August 4, 2011 I Written By