Welcome to Pure America's Got Talent

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.

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.

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

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.

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 by Beyonce
Time to Say Goodbye by Sara Brightman
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
How To Save A Life by The Fray

Performance Dancer/Variety Music
Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
Think by Aretha Franklin
Do You Love Me by The Contours
I Like To Move It by Reel to Reel
Espana Cani by Pascual Marquina Narro
Ballroom Blitz by The Sweet
Pappu Can’t Dance by AR Rhaman
Big Spender From Sweet Charity

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 by Ashley Tisdale
No Surprise by Daughtry

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.

Performance Singers Music
Mercy by Duffy
Hot N Cold by Katy Perry
You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting by Elton John
Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Performance Dancer/Variety Music
Gonna Make You Sweat by C&C Music Factory
Chapel by Cirque Du Soleil
Calabria by Enuf & Nastasja
Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
Universal Mind Control by Common
Dancin Fool by Barry Manilow
Don’t Stop The Music by Rihanna

This was without a doubt the absolute best quarterfinals performance of America’s Got Talent history. What kind of pisses me off is that I think that the producers did this on purpose to add to the drama. It’s just unfortunate, since a dog act went through last week and so many incredibly talented groups below got sent home. Ok, I’m glad I got that off my chest.

Now on to an analysis of the pairings and who was sent home.

Jeffrey Ou won over Bri
This was the heartbreak of the night. No one wanted Jeffrey Ou to go home since he had technical difficulties that made it seem unfair. However, Bri did a nice performance too. I think Bri has a good future. Piers was right about her being kind of like a Katy Perry or Amy Whinehouse(sp?). Bri just needs the right opportunity. Too bad it wasn’t America’s Got Talent. That said, I’m happy to see Jeffrey Ou perform again.

Lawrence Beamen won over Jay Mattioli and Dave Johnson
This was the least amount of surprise for the night. Dave Johnson choked. Jay was a bit amateurish. I still say Lawrence Beamen is overrated.

Mario and Jenny won over Marcus and the Serenades
I was happy about this one. Marcus kind of disappointed me. The Serenades were still horrible and I think it was the wrong song to show off Marcus’ talents. I don’t know why I like Jenny so much. Maybe it’s just how hard she tries to perform that I love. I like passion and heart and she has it. I’m not sure where Mario and Jenny go from here though. Should be fun to see. They definitely have vegas in them though.

Hairo Torres won over GForce and U4ria
I was really fine with Hairo Torres and GForce going through. I was sad that one couldn’t go through. I would have preferred GForce, but I’ll enjoy seeing Hairo again too. U4ria was good, but as I predicted too weird for America.

FootworKINGz got picked over Pixie Mystere
I was a little disappointed in the judges pick here. They based it on Pixie’s future. Come on. Base it on talent. Pixie had more talent and had a greater potential as a Las Vegas show. I’d love to see FootworKINGz for a nice 30 minute stop, but not more. It got far too repetitive for me and basically boring after a little while.

Tonight was by far the best night of the America’s Got Talent top 40. Piers was dead on when he said that it was likely the best episode ever in the America’s Got Talent top 40. The sad part for me is that I bet that the producers planned it this way. I hate that since a bunch of great acts aren’t going to make it through and a few mediocre acts made it through on previous episodes of America’s Got Talent.

That said, here’s some of my thoughts about the episode and the videos from the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals for season 4.

Jay Mattioli

Jay did a nice performance. It was basic tricks. I give him credit for fighting back when Piers and the judges said it was basic. The kid has the passion and a lot of people were pissed when he didn’t make it to the top 40, so I give him a long shot to go on.

FootworKINGz

Nice act. The smoke got in the way at the beginning and kind of tainted the act a little. For me the biggest problem is that more than what they did on this show would be pretty boring. I wouldn’t want to go and watch an entire show of this.

Marcus Terrell and the Serenades

Not going anywhere. The backup singers weren’t really much better than his previous ladies.

Dave Johnson

He could never live up to the Hoff song. However, it was nice to see him try.

Bri

Was anyone else bugged by the way her leg was split out. I think she was trying to face the cameras/judges, but it felt awkward. I’m not sure it’s the best song for her, but she has some talent. She just needs the right songs to make her special.

U4RIA Dance Crew

Great great performance. I’m just afraid it’s probably too out there to put them through to the next round. Too bad since it was awesome. Maybe on a different night.

Hairo Torres

Very cool tricks. It’s just too bad he’s a one trick pony. I hope he turns up on So You Think You Can Dance or America’s Best Dance Crew or something.

Mario and Jenny

Great act. Kind of slowed down and had a weak ending. Sadly, it’s such a great night I think they may be left out.

G-force

This wasn’t the best performance. The vocals were bad, but I do think the comparison to Jonas brothers is great. Plus, the 8 year old drummer I just absolutely adore. Too bad they’re on a great night since I’d like to see them again.

Jeffrey Ou

The opening was too long and the dancers weren’t needed. The rest we can’t judge. He deserves another chance for that.

Lawrence Beaman

He’s got talent, but not the way the judges and even Nick gushed over him.

Pixie Mystere

I disagree with the judges. I say more contortion and less dancing. I was glad to finally see a full act from the Pixies

Tonight is the reason that I love America’s Got Talent. A wide variety of great talent. I just wish that the entire America’s Got Talent top 40 had been this good. Then, this season would be soooo much better.

Tickets are now on sale for the Las Vegas America’s Got Talent show. My only question is whether the winner of America’s Got Talent will get to perform all 60 shows or maybe just a few of them. In fact, last year, the Las Vegas show was a bunch of members of the America’s Got Talent top 5 and the winner was just the “headline” act. I’m sure something like this will happen again for the other people on America’s Got Talent.

I can’t help but wonder if they might even expand the cast of performers to include some of Britain’s Got Talent like Susan Boyle. She certainly would sell a lot more tickets. In fact, I’m guessing that she’d be a bigger headline no matter who wins America’s Got Talent 2009.

It will be interesting to watch. I know I’m getting my America’s Got Talent Las Vegas show tickets.