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AGT Blast to the Past: Lindsey Stirling – Now a YouTube Sensation

Remember the hip-hop violinist from AGT Season 5? She made it to the quarter-finals where she was ultimately eliminated. However, that wasn’t the end for her.

Before I get into that though, here is her Top 48 performance from Season 5.

This probably wasn’t my favorite performance, but it was pretty cool. However, leaving America’s Got Talent early in the competition ended up being a good thing for her. Devin Graham, a cinemetographer, approached Stirling about making a YouTube video with him, and from there, her career took off. The YouTube channel she started in 2007 took off after that video debuted, and has done very well since then. As of this month, she has over 100 million views, and her music has been on Last FM and Pandora. In addition, it is anticipated that she will release a CD later this year.

In an article written about her in BYU Magazine, where she is currently an undergrad, Stirling made this interesting statement after she posted her first video on 2011 on YouTube:

My music quadrupled in sales overnight. YouTube did more for me than America’s Got Talent. I realized there’s something to this.

This shows just how powerful YouTube is. I think it’s pretty cool that she was able to find a lot of success, even though she didn’t make it to the finals of AGT. It sounds like that was the catalyst for her career, but that YouTube is really what helped her become popular. Has anyone heard of any other former AGT contestants that were YouTube sensations as well?

The article also provided some interesting insight into what she’s been up to, as well as how she almost missed out on learning the violin. Apparently, her older sister wanted to play an instrument, and so Stirling wanted to as well. All her parents had was a trumpet, but she really wanted to play a violin. So they let her, although they could only afford for one 15 minute lesson a week, which some of the teachers scoffed at, believing there was no way she could learn. She obviously proved them wrong!

Her videos feature her in a variety of situations and places, including in Africa and New Zealand. I spent some time watching some of her videos tonight, and I have to say, I’m very impressed. They are so much fun, and this girl has some serious talent. I’ve never seen a violinist like her! I posted a few of her videos below, including the one filmed in Africa. It was the first time many of the people in the video had seen a violin. Whenever her album gets released, I think I will purchase it. She seems to be very successful, and is also on track to graduate from Brigham Young University with a degree in therapeutic recreation in 2013.


 

July 31, 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.

AGT Top 48: Week Two’s Commentary and Rankings

Another 12 down. While there were some definite train wrecks tonight, I had a hard time deciding on who I think is going to move on. It seemed like there was going to be a full-on brawl between Howard and Howie after Big Barry’s act! Who were your favorites? Be sure to vote in the poll for tonight, and, as usual, if you want to skip my commentary and go straight to the power rankings, just scroll down a bit.

LionDanceMe: did not remember very well. Definitely different. I didn’t get that “on the edge of my seat” danger feeling, but it was fun to watch for the most part. Howard was right, the audience probably didn’t realize how dangerous it was, because I sure didn’t. I was pleased that they didn’t mess up. It definitely will get old fast. The act needs something new added to it if they want to really progress in the competition. I think Sharon’s martial art/lion act could be interesting. The group leader said that they stepped it up by not falling, but that doesn’t really mean they stepped it up moves-wise.

Turf: This guy had me in awe from the beginning. It’s one of those acts that leaves you just thinking “wait…what just happened?” I loved watching him in the audition stage, and Las Vegas, and I felt the same way tonight. I’ll admit, part of me was a little sick after watching it, but it’s incredible. I have never seen anyone do what Turf does. There wasn’t a lot of extra stuff, beyond the music and lights. Howie was right — there was so much emotion behind what he does, and you can tell he wants to win. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t advance tonight. Actually, I’d be disappointed in America if he doesn’t. He truly is a human Gumbi, and blew away the rest of the acts from tonight.

The All Ways: I really don’t remember these guys. And I’m kind of glad I didn’t. I really, really can’t stand the lead singers voice. The whole act just kind of seemed like noise to me, it didn’t rub me the right way. The lead singer didn’t seem to enunciate the lyrics very well. Maybe it was a bad song choice. They definitely look like rockers, but they didn’t bring the feeling I usually associate with legendary rock bands. It reminded me more of a talent show performance.

Hawley Magic: This was a great magic act during the initial stages of the competition. After the fail-of-a-magic act from last week, I was really crossing my fingers for Hawley Magic. Tonight’s act was an incredible illusion, if you ask me. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it. I really liked them, but who knows what America will think. It was a little bit slow, but a good illusion can’t be rushed, right? They do seem a bit old school, but that didn’t bother me really. Maybe I’m old school myself. I’d like to see them through, but, unfortunately, I don’t think they rank among the top four acts of the night.

LCD – Lisa Clark Dancers: Can I be honest? I wasn’t looking forward to this act. I’m not a huge fan of the dance groups on the show. I’ll be fair though, they are talented. . One thing I don’t like about dancers is when there is a complete disconnect between their faces and the dance, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. At that, there really wasn’t any wow moment to the dance. It was a little too cutesy, and compared to some of the other dancers in the competition (Turf, namely), they were definitely sub-par. The girl who spoke for the group felt like they were very unique, but I don’t really think so. I’ve seen similar moves by other groups. They won’t be going on.

Aurora Light Painters: I did not enjoy this act, I really thought I was going too, but it was boring. There wasn’t anything about it that left me wanting more. Yes, it is very different, and not a typical act, but it wasn’t very impressive ! They should have done something a lot more exciting, because I’m pretty sure this act sealed their fate: They will be going home. There’s nothing else I really have to say, but I think they should have thought the act through a little bit more.

Danielle Stallings: There are quite a few young singers in this season, aren’t there? She hit some hard notes, but overall, she isn’t my favorite. I’m going to disagree with the judges, I didn’t find her to be that memorable. But I wasn’t a big fan of Edon and he went through, so it might happen with her as well. She seems like a very sweet girl though. She was one of the better acts tonight. But was she good enough to get through? We’ll see.

Donovan & Rebecca: This duo does what the judges ask of everyone, but few seem to actually do: bring something new to every act. Donovan and Rebecca have been my favorite from the beginning. What they do is beautiful. It’s dangerous. It’s flawless. I can’t take my eyes off of the screen when they are performing. During a night where amazing acts were sparse, they shined once again, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Big Barry: I was surprised when he made it past his audition, and even more surprised when he got past Las Vegas. Now, if he gets past tonight. He doesn’t even sound like he is singing (it sounds more like moans and strains), and I felt like his act was more tall, attractive women dancing around him. This was a joke, and I’m appalled that other more talented singers (um, how about Mary Joyner?) didn’t get through, and he did. Maybe the judges felt there needed to be some comedic relief. It should have been pinned as a comedy act. Howie is full of it. I just wanted him to stop talking, because everything coming out of his mouth was ridiculous. I feel bad for the guy, as Howard and Sharon were a bit ruthless, but if he gets through, I’m done with this show (well, not really. But it would be tempting!)

Tom Cotter: This guy has really had a tough time breaking into the comedy scene, and he deserves some credit for not giving up. Most people would. He was on fire tonight, one joke after another. His jokes were well crafted and he did a good job executing them. The crowd seemed to eat it up, and I think he will definitely go on tonight, and straight to the finals. He’s got a great story, and isn’t that half of what makes an America’s Got Talent star?

Ben Blaque: The act inspired by Hunger Games…okay, I’m kidding. But that is the first thing I thought when I saw Ben Blaque. It might me very nervous when he said he didn’t have all the bugs worked out from his act. His assistant has got to trust him a lot, that’s some scary stuff he’s doing, especially since it is all new to his act! His bow shooter (I know, there is probably a more official name for it), sure was heavy duty. I was holding my breath during the last shot of the act. I would love to see what else he can do; I just hope no one dies if he moves on!

Tim Hockenberry: If someone could win on story alone, he’d be one of the final contenders. But since this is a talent competition…maybe he won’t be. Just kidding. He is so powerful, and one of the best, if not THE best, singers in the competition this year. I love the gritty quality to his voice. He sings with so much emotion, I had chills during the whole act. I actually agree with Howie  this time, he could be the winner of this competition. It’s weird, I agree with Howie for once, and totally thought Howard was off his rocker.

So here are the power rankings for tonight. These are who I think America will send on, not necessarily who I want to go through. I actually wouldn’t send Tom Cotter through, just because I’m not a huge fan of comedy, and I’d send Ben Blaque through. But as it stands, I don’t think it will go that way. The results show will be interesting though, as I don’t think it’s going to be completely clear cut who is going to move one.

The Four I Think Will Go On: 

1. Turf

2. Tim Hockenberry

3. Donovan and Rebecca

4. Tom Cotter

I Wish You’d Go Through, But I’m Not Sure If You Will: 

5. Ben Blaque

6. Hawley Magic

Okay, but Not Good Enough:

7. Danielle Stallings

8. Lisa Clark Dancers

9. LionDanceMe

Please, They Are Going Home:

10.  The All Ways

11. Aurora Light Painters

12.  Big Barry

July 10, 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.

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 2012 Week 4 Night 2

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from week 4 night 2 of America’s Got Talent 2012, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones were your favorites on last night’s show?

JADA
JADA is an all-girl pop quartet from Boston that has traveled all the way to Austin to show the AGT judges what they’re made of.

The Aurora Light Painters
The Aurora Light Painters from San Francisco create live paintings using light and projector screens.

Read more..

June 6, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2012 Week 4 Videos

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from week 4 of America’s Got Talent 2012, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones were your favorites on last night’s show?

Sebastian El Charro
Sebastian De El Charro is a 10-year-old mariachi singer who proves that big voices can come in small packages.

David “The Bullet” Smith
David “The Bullet” Smith takes the judges and the audience outside to demonstrate his amazing skill: he shoots himself out of a giant cannon.

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June 5, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Season 7 Week 3 Videos Part 2

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from week 3 of America’s Got Talent season 7, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones were your favorites on last night’s show?

Isaac Brown
Young Isaac wins the judges over with his singing, dancing and huge personality.

Clark Academy of Irish Dance
Clark Academy impresses the judges with a high-energy clogging dance routine and an adorable 5-year-old team member

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May 30, 2012 I Written By

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.

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May 29, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2012 Week 2 Videos

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from week 2 of America’s Got Talent 2012, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones were your favorites on last night’s show?

Ivy Rose
Ivy Rose is an all-girl rock ‘n’ roll band that brings the house down and wins the judges over with their fun, energetic style.

The Savage Men
The Savage Men bring a testosterone-fueled “dance” routine to the AGT stage, much to the delight of Howard, who joins the crew onstage for an impromptu dance party.

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May 23, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Season 7 Videos

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from the America’s Got Talent Season 7, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones were your favorites on last night’s show?

King of the Nut Shots
A man named Horse demonstrates his unique and amazing ability to tolerate groin shots that would make an average man cry like a baby

Max the Acrobat
Max the Acrobat impresses the judges with an amazing aerial gymnastics routine.

Jason Cordero
Young Jason Cordero impresses the judges with his incredible piano skills.

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May 22, 2012 I Written By

Last Night’s America’s Got Talent Season 7 Videos

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from the America’s Got Talent Season 7, we’ve embedded them below. Which ones are your early favorites?

Turf
A once homeless street dancer twists and contorts his way to the big stage

Tim Hockenberry
Recovering alcoholic Tim Hockenberry sends out a beautiful message to the mother of his child.

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May 16, 2012 I Written By