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America’s Got Talent Season 12 Champion Crowned, Vegas Show Line-Up Announced, and an Interesting Observation…

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the newly-crowned America’s Got Talent Season 12 champion, Darci Lynne Farmer! Check out the Access Hollywood interviews from last night and this morning below! (Love how Terry Fator pops in to congratulate Darci!)

Darci will be headlining this year’s AGT Live! On Stage show in Las Vegas this November 3-4. The pre-sale for tickets is happening now with the code TALENT. Darci will be joined in the show by Season 12 runner-up Angelica Hale, third place finisher Light Balance, and top 10 finalist Preacher Lawson.

Can’t make it to Vegas? Tomorrow I’ll be doing a roundup of other upcoming performances from some of the Season 12 contestants, in addition to a countdown of what I thought were the very best performances of the season. But for now, something has come to my attention I think might make for some interesting discussion. Right after the Season 11 finale last year, Sophie (who you may remember from the livestream we did together last week) posted the following theory on Reddit:

Now, ventriloquism – let alone singing ventriloquism – is not the most common talent. Yes, it’s the second-most common winner category on AGT, but we haven’t had nearly as many ventriloquists on the show as, say, singers or magicians. I think the rarity of it might be the reason people tend to latch onto the ventriloquist acts on AGT, since it’s one of those skills we don’t see many other places in mainstream entertainment. Still, Sophie correctly predicting such a niche act winning Season 12 (before auditions for the season even started) makes me wonder if this “10 year cycle” theory may prove to be true. Let’s look at the winners from Seasons 3-10 to see what might be in store for the next eight years! (And yes, at this rate I do think the show has a good chance of sticking around for that long. Ratings were UP this season; that almost never happens in television these days!)

Season 3: Neal E. Boyd (Pop Opera Singer)
Season 4: Kevin Skinner (Country Singer)
Season 5: Michael Grimm (Singer-Guitarist)
Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. (Jazz Singer)
Season 7: Olate Dogs (Dog Act)
Season 8: Kenichi Ebina (Dancing Mime)
Season 9: Mat Franco (Magician)
Season 10: Paul Zerdin (Ventriloquist)

If the pattern continues, it looks like we’re in for a few more years of singers winning, which I’ve kind of been expecting anyway, since so many people are itching to sing for Simon and possibly get signed by SYCO. I think as long as he’s on the judging panel, there will continue to be a lot of singing acts who audition for AGT. At least it’s looking like they’ll come from different genres for the most part. 😛

After that we’d have a dog/animal act win, which would also make sense; Sara & Hero were one of the biggest underdog acts (hehe) going into the live shows this season and they made it all the way to 5th place. And then we’d have a really unique and “out there” winner, followed by another magic act (I seriously can’t believe we’ve only had one win the show so far) and then a fourth ventriloquist champ (I guess by that time the cries of “ventriloquists always win!” will have died down).

Of course, this is all speculation, but it’s kind of an eerie coincidence Season 12 played out just like Sophie said it would! What sort of acts do you think we’ll be getting on AGT in the coming years, and which types do you think the audience might get behind to win?

September 21, 2017 I Written By

I'm obssessed with the entertainment industry, especially offbeat and nerdy things as well as those that involve live performance. The only thing I love more than geeking out over the things that entertain me is sharing in my excitement with others who share the same passions. America may have talent, but Canada has an up-and-coming blogger who is ready to take the internet by storm!

Congrats to Landau Eugene Murphy! – America’s Got Talent Season 6 Winner

I’m always happy when I’m able to predict the America’s Got Talent Winner. Landau just had too many fans swooning over him. He’s got a great voice, so I’m not disappointed by him winning at all. Now I just need to find a way to get tickets to the AGT Las Vegas show.

I was also struck by this comment that someone sent me through our contact us form:

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., I just want you to know that there is a 65 year old white man who grew up on a cotton farm in Arkansas who has been pulling for you since you sang your first note on AGT and I was as happy as your were when you won. I hope you reach the top and stay ther and continue to be as humble and as real as you are now. You are an inspiraton to everyone who has watched you take this incredible journey and a credit to every hard working person in this country. Man, you owned that stage!

Congrats Landau Eugene Murphy!

September 15, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Finale Red Carpet Interviews

Finale Red Carpet: Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
Watch him talk about winning first place!

Finale Red Carpet: Stevie Wonder
Watch him talk about his duet with POPLYFE.

Finale Red Carpet: Patti LaBelle
Watch her talk about her favorite act, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Finale Red Carpet: POPLYFE
Watch them talk about their AGT experience.

Finale Red Carpet: Jackie Evancho
Watch her talk about going from contestant to guest performer!

I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2011 Winner

Time for me to use my magical abilities and predict the winner of America’s Got Talent 2011 winner. I must admit that this is quite possibly the hardest America’s Got Talent winner that I’ve ever had to predict. In the past, it’s usually been quite clear who was the favorite. This time all 4 acts are pretty extraordinary and I’d actually be fine if any of the top 4 acts win. I love when that’s the result.

Now for my AGT 2011 Winner: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

I think that Team iLuminate will be up there with Landau battling for the last spot and the producers will love that Landau wins and not the amazing Team iLuminate.

Watch for POPLYFE to be sent home first. It’s too bad that I was right about the song choice. They should have chosen a song that featured her choice. I hope she gets picked up and we get to see her sing again. I’d pay to hear her sing.

Then, that means Silhouettes are going out next. I just hope they don’t flash any of the little kids crying. I tried to tell my wife that the little girl they showed was blind and started crying before I could even tell her.

There you have it. I predict another singer: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will win. He does have a fantastic voice.

Who else is excited for the special performances by each act?

September 14, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2011 Finalist Videos and Terry Fator

In case you missed it last night, here are the videos of the America’s Got Talent finalists and also Terry Fator’s performance as well.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Performs

Team iLuminate Performs

POPLYFE Performs

Silhouettes Perform

Terry Fator Performs!

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Some America’s Got Talent Finale Performance Predictions

I’ll save my predictions for who is going to win America’s Got Talent 2011 until later. Instead, now I’ll make some predictions about the America’s Got Talent finalists performances tonight.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. – Much of the same. His voice will rule. He will smile. The old people will swoon and he’ll get lots of votes.

POPLYFE – I think they’re going to make a poor song choice. It’s going to be a disappointment since it will feature the band and not be a great song for the lead singer’s voice.

Silhouettes – A few moments of beauty, but with nothing all too spectacular. However, the kids smile after their performance will still steal my heart and many others. Regardless of how they do, what an amazing story.

Team iLuminate – Another exciting performance. Some unexpected choreography and lighting. It won’t be so wow that we can’t stop talking about it, but people will still love what they do.

Interesting. I didn’t realize this was what I was doing, but I’m basically predicting a bunch of solid, but less than sensational performances. I guess that’s the problem with 2 dance acts and 2 singing acts. How do you up your game in those 2 genres? It’s much harder to do that.

Of course, I hope I’m proven wrong and something blows me away!

September 13, 2011 I Written By

My America’s Got Talent 2011 Finals Predictions

I tweeted out my predictions for tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent. Only 4 acts will make it to the America’s Got Talent 2011 finals. Which 4 acts do you think will make it? Here’s my thoughts (using my tweets).

My America’s Got Talent 2011 Finals Locks:
pureagt Pure AGT
Tonight’s AGT Finals locks: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and Team iLuminate

My America’s Got Talent 2011 Finals Possibilities:
pureagt Pure AGT
Tonight’s AGT Final Possibilities: Anna Graceman, Landon Swank, POPLYFE, Silhouettes. I’m going to take Anna and Silhouettes.

My America’s Got Talent Final 4 prediction:
pureagt Pure AGT
So my predictions for the final 4 on America’s Got Talent are: Anna Graceman, Silhouettes, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and Team iLuminate. u?

September 7, 2011 I Written By

Final 5 AGT Finalists

Time to take a look at the final 5 America’s Got Talent finalists and discuss what kind of chance each one has at making the top 5 (at least it looks like it’s going to go AGT top 10 and then AGT top 5).

Landon Swank – I agree with whichever judge made the comment about Landon needing one perfect trick to make it into the top 5. He’s still got an uphill battle since magicians have a challenge getting votes. However, he has the look and the presentation to make it happen. I’m a little doubtful he’s got a trick so good that he’ll blow our minds. However, I hope he surprises me. I also hope he brings back his fiance. Otherwise, I’m not voting for him.

Anna Graceman – This girl really reminds me of Bianca Ryan. She doesn’t have quite as big of a voice as Bianca did, but she’s got more soul in her voice. I like it a lot and I imagine America does too. I’ll peg this one on song choice. The right song and she could easily win. The wrong song choice and she might not make the top 5.

Smage Brothers Riding Shows – I have to admit that I was impressed with their last performance. I thought they’d plateaued last performance, but they somehow found some ways to do new tricks in such a confined space. The only thing that does partially annoy me is that the judges have been acting like this is a new act. Well, it’s not really. Haven’t they heard of Travis Pastrano and the Nitro Circus? It’s a much bigger show, but has even bigger tricks. That part aside, I’ll be interested to see what they can do to make the act better given the stage limitations.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. – I guess this is a pet peeve post. Landau does have the voice of Sinatra. However, he’s not even close to as smooth of a performer as Sinatra. That can’t really even be compared. Sinatra had both the voice and the moves. So, let’s settle down on the Sinatra references. This said, I bet there’s a bunch of Sinatra lovers that are viewers of the show. He’s a safe top 5 and very possibly a winner.

Silhouettes – I totally disagreed with the judges on this one. I thought the performance was interesting, unique, different and great to watch. The first half was really fascinating and you didn’t know what they’d do next. The second half with the globe could be refined a bit, but I was glad to see that they’re still providing something unique and interesting. With that said, they’ll need to find a way to blow us away again like they did when we first saw them or I think they won’t make the top 5.

September 1, 2011 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2011 Top 48 Analysis

Well, I can’t believe that almost a whole month has past since I’ve been able to post on this site. My apologies to all the readers out there that have missed my analysis. I’ve been traveling for just about the last month and so I haven’t been able to post like usual. Plus, Marianya has found a boy that’s been taking up all her time.

I won’t go back and rehash all of the previous Top 48 performances. I’ll just move forward from here and talk about the acts that have made it through to the America’s Got Talent 2011 semi-finals.

First, I have to mention that as usual, the singing and dance acts are most popular by far. I guess that’s the reason there are so many singing and dancing reality TV shows out there. Makes sense that America would vote for more singing and dancing acts. We love that form of entertainment and that talent. However, a big part of me wishes that we could have more variety acts get through. I hate the finale, because it’s often all singing and dancing.

With that aside, here’s my analysis of who made it through:
Miami All Stars – A great act to watch. A big dance act like this is always entertaining when they’re well choreographed. I especially like the energy they have. Although, I think next to the acts listed below, they’re going to get sent home. They won’t drive the voting like the other acts will.

Snap Boogie – Similar to the Miami All Stars, I love Snap Boogie’s dancing. I hope he goes back to like he did on his first performance where it almost told a story and it had some jokes in his dancing. I’m just not sure he has any more tricks in his hat.

Anna Graceman – She was a little disappointment for me since her audition. I think it all has to do with song selection. If she chooses the right song, America will love her and she’ll go a long way. The wrong song could doom her. She’ll still probably make the finals.

Sandou Trio Russian Bar – I’m not sure where this act can take it that would be much better. I hate that Piers acts like he’s never seen an act like this before. He’s got to remember the Russian Bar Trio that was on before and got hurt and so they couldn’t continue on. That said, I’ve loved how Sandou has done it with fire and over sharp objects. I’ll never forget her answer when she was asked why she did something so dangerous that could take her life. She said, “We want to win.” Her answer is reason enough for me to want them to win even if I’ve seen just as good or better in a cirque show and in some chinese videos of Russian Bar. If I have time later, I’ll try and find the video of the chinese kids doing Russian Bar. It’s unbelievable.

Daniel Joseph Baker – Honestly, I would have rather had the other singer go through. I do like his performance, but I’m not that keen on his voice. I think America may disagree with me and he may be around for a while.

Smage Brothers Riding Show – Very entertaining. Reminds me of the bike act last year, but doing it with motorcycles is just that much cooler. I still don’t know what they’ll do next. I have a feeling their next performance will be a little bland since it will be more of the same tricks.

Steven Retchless – I guess I’m with Piers on this one. I’m not a big male pole dancer kind of guy. I do respect his strength and the cool tricks he’s able to do on the pole. Luckily for Steven, much of the America’s Got Talent audience is female.

Silhouettes – I LOVED their first performance. The second performance was good, but could have been better. I love the concept and I’d love to see what creative people could do with the concept. I also love the little girl dancers crying because they’re so happy. It’s the cutest thing ever.

POPLYFE – The singer for POPLYFE is one of the best singers that’s ever been on America’s Got Talent. Piers was right that the band wasn’t needed. I don’t think the band is a terrible disadvantage like some acts in the past, but there’s no doubt that the lead singer of POPLYFE is going to be a star. Her voice is so natural and gritty and beautiful!! If she’s not a star singer one day, something’s wrong with the music industry.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. – Great voice and perfect for the style he’s singing. I’m torn, because I love the voice, but I’m not totally into the music. AGT has an older audience and I think Landau might just be enough to get some of those older viewers to actually vote. I expect he’ll be around for a while.

Lys Agnes – Another opera singer (bring on the opera nazis). I don’t know, I’m kind of tired of opera singers on AGT. To be honest, my favorite part of Lys is her hair. It’s awesome! Maybe if we hadn’t had opera singer after opera singer on AGT I’d like Lys more. However, considering past opera singers success on the show, Lys has a good chance.

Professor Splash – I remember when I first saw the YouTube video for this guy. It was a few months before AGT 2011. I was spell bound. Now, it almost feels like it should be natural. The show should do more to play up what he’s really able to accomplish so we had a better idea of how crazy what he’s doing really is. I don’t think fire will make the difference. His package describing what’s happening will be the key.

There you go. There’s my 2 cents. I’ll offer the rest of the analysis of the America’s Got Talent 2011 semi finalists after tomorrow’s results show too. At least there’s plenty of talent this year. They let a few lame acts into the Top 48, but overall it’s the most talented top 48 that America’s Got Talent has ever had.

What are your thoughts?

August 2, 2011 I Written By