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AGT Top 48: Night One Commentary and Rankings

Well, we’ve finally made it to the live shows. I’m hoping that we can leave behind the silly auditions and get to the real stuff now.

Howard, albeit unpopular at times tonight, I felt gave the best insight to the acts tonight. I think Sharon is just being nice half the time, and Howie…where do I even start with him. Some of his comments seem to come from left field. Tonight wasn’t the best night, in my opinion, and I’m having trouble deciding on four people good enough to stay. Here’s my insight on the acts, in the order they performed. I’ve also done some rankings, so if you don’y want  my commentary, feel free to skip to the bottom, and be sure to vote for your favorites here.

The Scott’s Brothers: As my mom put it while she was watching this with me tonight, it does take talent to not be off beat from each other. I thought this was SO entertaining, it was a lot of fun. One of my favorite acts from the night, and if they go on like I’m hoping, I think they could be the dark horse of the competition. It was different, and really, not exactly what I would think of when I think “million dollar act”, but I think that’s why I like them. They aren’t the typical winner — a singer. And I could see America really loving them. I know I sure do.

American BMX Team: Well, I was glad when this group was the stunt team that got through to New York. It’s definitely an adrenaline just watching it! I love the danger aspect to it, and the crowds “oohing and ahhing” proved that it wasn’t absent tonight. I do wonder how different their act can become, because I have to admit, I’m starting to get a little bit bored. Yes, it’s dangerous, and you won’t ever see me doing that, but it wasn’t my favorite act. Maybe it’s because I’m not into extreme sports. The judges seemed to love it. But it’s up to America. I’m split on if they’ll go home or not.

Distinguished Men of Brass: If you remember my post about them after they first performed, I was a big fan. However, tonight, I was a bit disappointed. Perhaps it’s because I was a little tired, and their act just kind of bored me. I could see them more playing at a gazebo on the Fourth of July in a local park than winning the competition. I don’t think they’ll go on after tonight. It just wasn’t that exciting. By the end of the night, I had actually forgotten about their performance completely.

Edon:  I forgot about this kid at first, but as soon as he started singing, I remembered him. I was a little concerned when he said that the high note in the song he chose was to high to reach. I found his voice was a little annoying, but it’s just personal taste, because my mom and sister loved him. He did an overall good job, but I don’t think he’ll go very far. There were some powerful parts to the song, and for a 14-year-old, he did very well. The judges loved him, as did the crowd…but I’m not totally sold. I think he sure seems like a great kid, and has the makings of a winner, but maybe not quite yet. But who knows, America seems to love young kids like this go far, so he could make it through. He did hit all his notes, and it was a hard song.

Jarrett and Raja: This is definitely a unique twist on a magic act, that’s for sure. I’m a sucker for the song “Singing in the Rain”, so the fact that the act featured that made me interested at first. It was fun, yet cheesy,  and definitely not what I would think of as a typical magic act. At that, I don’t think tonight’s performance was a million dollar act. The audience didn’t like them. It was a little confusing, and not anything like what we saw in Vegas. Part of me wonders what exactly what they were thinking. It’s a fun act, but something more impressive should have been brought forward tonight. Probably one of the worst acts of the night.

Lil Starr: I LOVED here when she first tried out and in Vegas. She definitely had a very spunky personality, and, of course, she had some incredible dance moves. I did enjoy the act tonight, but it seemed a little much at times. I didn’t like all the flashing lights, it seemed to take the attention off her. Howie thought she was the next Shirley Temple — definite possibility. She doesn’t compare to some of the other acts though. I agree with Howard a little bit though — her act doesn’t seem to have much variety to it, even though she is a great dancer. She sure was sweet though, and she did do great, as she stated at the end of her performance.

Todd Oliver: I feel as if I have seen better ventriloquist tonight, but I like the use of a dog. It was cute. I don’t know that he had the audience as captivated as he did in the past, and I had to agree with the judges — he didn’t have the best material. So, “cute” isn’t going to cut it. I found myself getting distracted and not really even paying attention for the majority of the act. Sure, the audience did laugh throughout it, but it didn’t seem like they were that entertained.  Like just about everyone on the show tonight, he sure seems nice, but really, I could see him going home tonight. It’s kind of disappointing, because I did like him, but there were some other acts tonight that blew him out of the water.

Nikki Jensen: I didn’t really remember her from the auditions, to be honest. I was pleasantly surprised though, she has a very unique, beautiful voice. She sang well, but it didn’t absolutely blow me away, which needs to happen at this stage in the competition. I love that song, but she wasn’t very entertaining. It seemed more like a slightly-better, high school talent show performance. I think she’ll go home tonight for sure, sorry Nikki.

Michael Nejad: So, I’ll be honest. I kind of think this is a weird act, but I don’t think he deserved an X seconds into his act. That shovel violin drove me insane. I would compare it to nails-on-a-chalkboard bad. It is unique. Very unique. But it isn’t a type of unique that I really want to see more of, and I think America is going to agree with me. He’s definitely getting the ax tonight. Sorry, Michael. Maybe you should look into doing a Home Depot commercial or something.

787 Crew: Just to start out, I feel like they should have been in the movie Tron. Secondly, just like with Lil Starr, the lights were totally distracting. I really liked them when they initially tried out, but they didn’t wow me tonight like I was hoping. There wasn’t any factor to it that had me ever think “wow, this was incredible!” They might be heading back to Puerto Rico after tonight’s performance, sorry to say.

Shanice and Maurice Hayes: Hands down, my favorite act of the night. It was powerful and full of emotion, and I can’t help but love the whole father-daughter aspect to this act. They seem to have a great relationship, and that is awesome. As much as I kind of don’t want a singing act to win (I mean, almost all of the previous winners were singers. There are so many singing competitions out there. Let’s get something new), I can’t deny that they did a great job. I loved this song, and I can’t wait to see what they have to show next. As Howard said, there was a beautiful heart and soul to the act.

David Garibaldi and his CMYKs: All I have to say is, awesome. When I say I want something new and different to win, this is what I’m talking about. The music was right on, the dancing was great, and that art? Incredible. These guys definitely have what it takes to win. I was completely captivated the entire time. I’m going to stop here, because really, how can I describe something so unique and, well, indescribable. They have to go through; if they don’t, I’m calling it — this contest is rigged.

Rankings for the night:

Here they are, in a few different categories. They are ranked according to who I think did the best.

Definitely moving on:

1. Shanice and Maurice Hayes

2. David Garibaldi and his CMYKs

Good Possibility They’ll Move on:

3. Edon

4. The Scott’s Brothers

5. American BMX Team

Okay, But I’ll Be Shocked if They Advance:

6. 787 Crew

7. Lil Star

8. Nikki Jensen

9. Distinguished Men of Brass

Definitely Leaving: 

10. Todd Oliver

11. Jarrett and Raja

12. Michael Nejad

July 2, 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: First Quarterfinals Music List

Hello all! To help me capture as many of the songs as possible I ask that in the comments before please list any and all songs that you happen to pick up, and any songs that you’d like me to specifically find and within twenty-four from the show I’ll update this post with the songs that I was able to catch.

The more songs that you guys are able to find, the more time I will have in finding the songs that you are unable to find.

Thank you so much for your help!

– Marianya

RECAPS
LMFAO – Sexy And I Know It Sexy and I Know It - Sorry for Party Rocking (Deluxe Version)
James Rick – Give it to Me Baby Give It to Me Baby - The Ultimate Collection
OneRepublic – Secrets Secrets - Waking Up (Deluxe Version)
Flo Ride – Club Can’t Handle Me
The Wanted – Glad You Came Glad You Came - Glad You Came - Single
Skylar Grey – Coming Home Coming Home - Last Train to Paris (Deluxe Version)

MUSIC FROM THE FIRST QUARTERFINALS PERFORMANCES
Distinguished Men of Brass
– Beyonce Knowles – Crazy In Love Crazy In Love - Dangerously In Love

Edon
– David Guetta – Titanium Titanium (feat. Sia) - Nothing But the Beat

Jarrett & Raja
– Gene Kelly – Singing in the Rain Singing In the Rain (Digitally Remastered) - Singing in the rain (Digitally Remastered) - Single

Lil Starr
– LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem Party Rock Anthem (feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock) - Sorry for Party Rocking (Deluxe Version)
– LMFAO – Sorry for Party Rocking Sorry for Party Rocking - Sorry for Party Rocking (Deluxe Version)

Todd Oliver
– Louis Armstrong – I’m In The Mood For Love I'm in the Mood for Love (Single) - Priceless Jazz Collection: Louis Armstrong

American BMX Stunt Team
– Moby – Bodyrock

Nikki Jensen
– Coldplay – The Scientist The Scientist - A Rush of Blood to the Head

The Scott Brothers

Michael Nejad
– Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger Moves Like Jagger (Studio Recording from

787 Crew
– Benny Benassi – Cinema (Skrillex Remix)

Shanice and Maurice Hayes
– Faith Hill – There You’ll Be There You'll Be - The Hits

David Garibaldi and his CMYKs
– Rolling Stones – Paint It Black Paint It Black - Hot Rocks 1964-1971

I Written By

Distinguished Men of Brass Play and Dance All the Way to Vegas

Even before this performance during Tampa’s auditions, I was excited to see what the “Distinguished Men of Brass” had to offer. There was a little teaser of it early on in the show, and I could tell it was going to be good.

d’ Mo Brass, as the group calls themselves on their Facebook page, based in Tampa, combined playing brass instruments with marching percussion to create a pretty unique act.

They were entertaining. They were talented. They were unique. And they were humble. What more can you ask for from an act like this? Anyone who has frequented Busch Gardens in Tampa may recognize these fellas. For quite some time, Distinguished Men of Brass coined the name “The Sheiks of Morocco” as they entertained visitors at Busch Gardens. Here are a few videos of their performances there:


During their audition, the leader of the group mentioned they formed “Distinguished Men of Brass” after they lost their jobs. Since the group no longer performs at Busch Gardens they have found work performing at different venues and functions. Their website says they are available for weddings, conventions, festivals, and more. It’s evident that they are diverse in the type of music they perform, and they can do anything from TV Themes and Big Band to R&B and Pop.

This group definitely has experience at pleasing crowds with their talents, and they have plenty of diverse acts that I feel will keep their performances fresh and new every week. I’d love to see them go far!

June 4, 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 2012 Week 3 Videos

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from week 3 of America’s Got Talent 2012, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones were your favorites on last night’s show?

Alesya Gulevich the Hula-Hoop Artist
Alesya Gulevich spins 25 hula-hoops around her body at once.

All That
All That is an all-male clogging crew from South Carolina who brings the crowd to its feet.

Read more..

May 29, 2012 I Written By