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AGT Season 7 Wildcard Performances: A Night of Incredible Talent

This was a great night. Really, I wouldn’t mind having this whole group (minus one act…) be the semi-finalists. I think it was Howard who said it is amazing that the people who performed tonight were the ones that got cut! It’s going to be hard for me to decide who I think is going to stay and who is going to go — it really is going to depend on who’s calling in. With that, if there was an act you loved, make sure you call in and vote! There were a lot of great performances, and unfortunately, some of the stellar ones will be going home. Be sure to vote for your favorites in our poll. Here’s my thoughts from tonight:

Howard’s Pics:

Ben Blaque: I disappointed that he didn’t get through before now, because I feel like his acts are always daring, and different every time. It was another great act tonight, but unfortunately, a bit slow for some reason. He did deliver, however, and pulled off his stunt successfully. The judges and audience seemed to like him, but I wasn’t as impressed tonight as usual. I’m split on whether or not I think he’ll go through.

Spencer Horsman: Escapes are always exciting, and he definitely outdid his last performance (but really, was that hard to do?)  I knew he was going to get out in the end, but my breath was definitely being held until I saw him emerge from the tank. He outdid himself tonight, and I’m glad he had a chance to come back and redeem himself.

Todd Oliver and Irving: I wasn’t super impressed last time. His jokes really didn’t make me laugh. Right of the bat though, it was apparent that he took Howard’s advice to make it topical and relateable to the audience, and I think he hit it right on the head. The jokes had the audience laughing, and I was laughing out loud. His first joke was a zinger, and it continued on from there. He is probably my top pick. We’ve had ventriloquism, but this is different than what we’ve seen in the past. LOVED IT. If he doesn’t get through, I will be very disappointed. You could tell he was so excited about the response he got from the audience and judges.

Horse: Why did Howard bring this back? I hate this act, and I don’t think it’s worth 1 million dollars. Who in their right mind would ever pay for this act? I couldn’t hardly stand to watch it — if it wasn’t my responsiblity to watch it, I would have changed the channel. What shocked me even more was how much the judges loved it. For a show that is supposedly “family friendly”, this was far from it. Maybe I’m just old fashioned and lame, but I really, really hate this act (I can hardly stand to even call it that). Please America, don’t vote him through and let the more talented people through.

Sharon’s Pics

All That!: I’ll admit, I loved the projection behind them. I thought it was pretty cool. However, this wasn’t my favorite act of the night. They did a great job, but on a night where there were quite a few incredible acts, they didn’t quite match up.

Bandbaz Brothers: It goes without saying that this act is incredible. I’m still trying to figure out how they did what they did, and wondering how they didn’t get through in the first place. It was breathtaking, and I hope they’ll go through so we can see what else they can do!

Jake Wesley Rogers: His downfall last night ws in the song choice, so I hoped he would pick a better song tonight. And I think he did. But even with the better song choice, I think he was among the bottom tonight. He definitely has a killer voice, but I’m not sure if he’s what America is looking for right now. Howie and Howard were right on with his comments. It’s just not his time to be the winner of a AGT. There was a bit of a disconnect between him and the audience, but there are some better acts going on in this competition, and tonight especially.

Lindsey Norton: Originally, I really liked Lindsey. But, plain and simple, I’d be very surprised if she went through. On a night of thrill, danger, and excitement, her act fell short. That’s not to say she did a bad job. Because she didn’t. On the contrary, she did an amazing job. She is very graceful, and has so much talent. But much like All That!, it wasn’t super memorable, especially compared to other acts from tonight. The good news is, she is young, and I do think she has a good career ahead of her. It’s just not her time to shine.

Howie’s Pic

Andrew De Leon: Okay, here’s the thing. He has an incredible voice. His story is pretty neat. I, myself, was quite shocked when he stumbled in Las Vegas, costing him a trip to the Top 48. And tonight he once again showed that a strong, powerful voice he has. But I just don’t think he should go through, and I know I’m likely in the minority thinking that. There was just something about his performance that I didn’t really like. Maybe it was the song, maybe it was his outfit, I have no clue. He seemed to get a great response from everyone though, so I won’t be terribly surprised if he gets through. Sharon seems to think he is going to win now.

Jarrett & Raja: First time they performed? Loved them. Last time? Very disappointing. How did I feel after tonight? They were back, and better than ever. It was very entertaining, and was quite mind blowing. I’m so glad that they really made their act better, and they definitely redeemed themselves. They could go through, but I think there were a few acts that might push them out of that top four.

Sebastian El Charro: It was entertaining. I thought his outfit didn’t really fit his song, but I guess that is kind of his trademark, so whatever. He has a very, very powerful voice. He defintitely showed that he is dynamic and can sing more than just Latin music. We do have a few children-singers in the competition, which may hurt him. For some reason, none of the “traditional acts” from tonight really stood out to me as memorable, just because of the high level of excitement some of the other acts have. We’ll see though.

Cristin Sandu:  I thought it was unfortunate that last time, his act kind of failed him, so I was very excited that Howie brought him back. fire was awesome, I was very nervous when the metal started to fall, and my heart dropped when he fell. Not only because there was fire. It was a great act, and I feel bad for him because he probably won’t go through, but it was exciting and if it was up to me, he’d be back, because i think he has a lot of potential. I think what Sharon said about how he escaped it all was really amazing.  I think that a lot of people will hold it against him that he fell this time, and the last, so I don’t think he’ll go through. But he definitely has done some amazing things during his time on AGT.

 

The Best of the Best:

Todd Oliver and Irving

Bandbaz Brothers

Andrew De Leon

Spencer Horsman

Not Sure of Their Fate

Jarrett and Raja

Ben Blaque

Sebastian El Charro

Lindsey Norton

All Good Things Must Come to an End:

Jake Wesley Rogers

Horse

Cristin Sandu

All That!

August 21, 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 Season 7: Third Quarterfinals Music List

MUSIC FROM THE THIRD QUARTERFINALS PERFORMANCES
The Untouchables
– Sergio Mendez: Magalenha Magalenha - Brasileiro

Rock Star Juggler Mike Price
– The Who: Won’t Get Fooled Again Won't Get Fooled Again - Who's Next (Remastered)

Inspire the Fire
Katy Perry – Firework Firework - Teenage Dream

Cristin Sandu
– Ellie Goulding: Lights Lights - Lights

Elusive
– James Brown: Super Bad Super Bad, Pts. 1 & 2 (Single Version) - Number 1's

Jake Wesley Rogers
– Britney Spears: Toxic Toxic - In the Zone

All Wheel Sports
– David Guetts & Sia: Titanium Titanium (feat. Sia) - Nothing But the Beat

Wordspit, the Illest!

Jacob Williams

All Beef Patty
– Deniece Williams: Let’s Hear it for the Boy Let's Hear It for the Boy - Footloose (15th Anniversary Collectors' Edition)

Spencer Horsman

Live Wire Theatre

July 17, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2012 Las Vegas Auditions Part 1

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from the America’s Got Talent 2012 Las Vegas auditions, we’ve embedded them below. Over 100 acts went to AGT Las Vegas. Which ones were your favorites?

All Beef Patty
All Beef Patty brings her powerful voice and unique style to the Las Vegas stage.

All That!
All-male clogging group All That! brings their lightning-fast clogging to the AGT stage in Vegas.

Read more..

June 27, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Seven 7: Vegas Week

This week there are three days of America’s Got Talent at 8:00pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

At the top of Vegas Week the judges have separated the acts into two primary groups:
Judges Favorites: are the acts that the judges believe have the best chance to succeed on the live shows
Standbys: are the acts the judges are unsure about and will see them if there are slots available after the Judges Favorites have gone through

Anyone whose name is not found under the two groups mentioned above they would not perform in Vegas and would be going straight home that day. The catch is with that though is that some acts that do not have a chance to prove their worth at all while there will be some others that were given a free pass to the Live Shows in New York. The acts that we will definitely see in the Live Shows include:
William Close: Earth Harp
Olate Dogs: Dog Act
David “the Bullet” Smith: Human Cannonball

While the Judges Favorites are performing the Standbys are required to sit in the audience and watch what happens. What I found to be interesting is that people are crumbling left and right. I am not used to seeing that for America’s Got Talent, but a major part of that could be how the show is being edited to evoke maximum drama within a one-hour show.

On Wednesday / Thursday I will post who made the Top 48 Acts (well now 45 since 3 acts got a free pass to New York) that are moving on to the Live Shows in New York, I will also attempt to breakdown who came from which group / category so we can see how they all panned out.
Read more..

June 26, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Season 7 – San Francisco Auditions: Power Rankings

And here are my thoughts about the acts from the San Francisco auditions!

David Garibaldi and his CMYK: Performance Art
I always did love seeing art done on stage. And add dancing to it is interesting, but I am not entirely convinced that this could be fleshed out into a full Vegas show. I mean there have been other types of performance artists that have come through the show… But none really lasted all that long.
Final Verdict: going to have to see what he brings to Vegas… So the jury’s out.

Cristin Sandu: Balancing
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We have seen a variety of circus acts come through the America’s Got Talent stage… Balancing and Juggling being the two popular ones. How is this going to stand out? I don’t know… But I think all of these circus-related acts should come together for a variety performance show.
Final Verdict: depending on how he steps it up will determine his progression on the show.

Lisa Clark Dancers: Dance Troupe
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I have to agree with Howard, when it comes to dance groups I am not exactly enthralled as I used to be, they have to bring something different to the stage. But I disagree with Howie in the sense that you don’t have to necessarily need to have a specific trick or move to stand out above the rest… Take a look at the various dance troupes that have come onstage at Dancing with the Stars. I like this group, and as long as they continue to push their boundaries and be more encompassing of all the various genres I think they have the chance to win Howie and America over.
Final Verdict: will probably pass the Vegas round, might be short of the Top Ten though.

Magician & Concert Pianist (I need names):
This seeing a person cut in half is nothing new… Seeing that same person play piano convincingly, is… But how could they top what they just showed during auditions? I mean there’s was one magician that I really liked back in Season 5 and he was having trouble coming up with bigger tricks to stay on the show.
Final Verdict: I am not convinced of this act’s staying power beyond Vegas

Mika Grigorio(sp?): Vocalist
The one thing that semi annoys me about there being vocalists on AGT is that there are other singing competitions out there (The Voice, American Idol, Duets, etc) so why here? Unless she doesn’t fit the age limit. Beyond that, she has a pleasant voice, and it needs a bit of polish. America has a tendency to really like the vocalists… But I personally would rather see more variety than vanilla.
Final Verdict: she has the potential, depending on what she does next.

Mike Price: Juggler
I felt bad when he dropped the pins… But when I saw how well he recovered and continued with the trick I was impressed. Tis boy has got some grit to him and I like that, but as I mentioned with the balancing act earlier his progression on this show will determine how long he will last on it.
Final Verdict: depending on how he steps it up will determine his progression on the show.

Dave Burleigh: Impressionist
He’s funny and has some good impressions in the bag. He needs to really build his comedic base and I agree with Howard be a bit edgier to really catch the audience attention. If he could pull off some female impressions that would be great. Though, I don’t know how well a one man impressionist act will do… Though looking at Terry Fator it can be done if he does a whole conversation of impressions. What I found to be interesting is that looking at his website he also is a comedian and has a band… hmm.
Final Verdict: the guy has got some potential in him, he could pass the Vegas round.

Luiz Meneghin: Opera Singer
We have seen our share of opera singers (Neal E Boyd, Paul Potts from BGT, Prince Poppycock) so I don’t know what he could possibly add to the stock. With operatic voices reaching their peak a few years ago, he really needs to bring someone big to the table if he wants to have any chance of some staying power. He has a good voice and some room for growth and potential… So I don’t know.
Final Verdict: skeptical, he could pass Vegas week… But beyond that I don’t know.

Granny G: Rapper
This is what I am talking about! It’s a novelty FTP be sure, but it’s a darn good novelty. As long as she has some really good material ready for when she needs to perform it, she’ll have some legs on this show… Much like Grandma Lee the stand up comedian.
Final Verdict: as long as she brings out original material, this old girl’s going to be around for quite some time. Possibly eve Top Ten

Broom and Dust Pan Concert (I didn’t catch a name)
Umm, I have no idea how to comment on this. I’ll admit that using everyday tools as instruments is mildly fun and interesting to watch… but I saw something like this in Blue Man Group, and that was an interesting show. So other than a passing thought… what else could he bring to the table?
Final Verdict: Most likely not going to pass Vegas

Tim Hockenberry: Vocalist
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I really like this guy, he has amazing vocals and a good roughness that he has under control. I really wish I could see him on The Voice though, he could really get himself trained a little more… but still. He reminds me of a lot of the other singers that have come through just minus the extremes in his story (Michael Grimm, Eli Mattson). America tends to go for good old fashioned “vanilla” and he can be that.
Final Verdict: I definitely see him going as far as the Top Ten, will he though?

Funk Beyond Control: Dance Troupe
What else is there to say about a dance troupe that hasn’t already been said? They have some good tricks and dance moves… but can they keep an audience attention for long? Not only that… what makes then unique and stand out from the crowd?
Final Verdict: Depending on how they could raise the bar, I’m not entirely convinced on the staying potential

Emily A Band (Is the name correct?): Band
We only got a snippet of this act and I wasn’t nearly as impressed as the judges seem to be.
Final Verdict: Unless there is more to them, I’m thinking they aren’t going to pass Vegas.

Martial Arts Flying Studio: Performance Art
I always did like the lion dance, but I’m afraid that between the lion dance and the dragon dance, they might not have more up their sleeves. Still I’m curious to see more… so here’s to seeing more.
Final Verdict: May pass the Vegas round, but need to see more.

Turf: Extreme HipHop Contortionist
OMG, this guy is so incredibly smooth and the contortion doesn’t hurt either. But I have the distinct feeling that he was dancing then contortioning (is that even a word?) then dancing then controtioning… it was very 1-2-1-2-1-2… I would really like to see him actually melt the two together. Heck, I’d love to see how he’d fair on a show like So You Think You Can Dance, because he has a lot more smoothness to his hiphop that you don’t always see.
Final Verdict: He has a lot of potential, but a one-man dance show is kind of difficult. I see him going thru Vegas, but beyond that? Dunno

May 16, 2012 I Written By