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America’s Got Talent Season 7: First Semifinals Top Three

Wow… I have to say that even though I agree with the Top Three in some capacity or another… all the possibilities didn’t really match up. I mean this episode was literally up in the air in a lot of ways. So let’s start at the beginning:

Last week I posted a poll asking our reads whom their Top Ten acts were

Of the poll’s Top Ten… eight of them were in the first semifinal… that can not bode well. In fact the three that made it through to the finals placed third (William Close), fourth (Tom Cotter) and sixth (Joe Castillo). So within the Top Six, not too bad.

Looking at Katie’s impressions of the acts that participated in the first semifinal she notated who she thought was going to be going through and who might go through:

My Top Three:
1. Todd Oliver
2. Dittleman
3. Donovan and Rebecca

Who I Think Will Go Through:
1. Tom Cotter
2. William Close
3. Academy of Evil

She got two of the three acts right, but in her “top six” as opposed to her “top three”. Not too bad.
Read more..

August 30, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Season 7: Semifinal Music List

SEMIFINALS GROUP ONE
Andrew De Leon: Franz Schubert – Ave Maria Ave Maria - Piano (Franz Schubert) - Ave Maria - Piano (Franz Schubert)

Donovan & Rebecca: Angus and Julia Stone – Big Jet Plane Big Jet Plane - Down the Way (Bonus Track Version)

Edon: One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful What Makes You Beautiful - Up All Night (Deluxe Version)

Turf: Chris Brown – Yeah 3x Yeah 3X - Yeah 3X - Single

Bria Kelly: P!nk – Perfect F**kin' Perfect - F**kin' Perfect (Perfect) - Single

Joe Castillo: The Youngbloods – Get Together Get Together - The Best of the Youngbloods

William Close: Muse – Starlight Starlight - Black Holes and Revelations

Academy of Villains: Skrillex – Cinema and One Republic – Secrets Secrets - Waking Up (Deluxe Version)

August 29, 2012 I Written By

AGT Semi-Finalists Put Best Foot Forward in Tonight’s Act

Wow — what a night! For the most part, after each act I thought to myself, “This one is definitely going through!”, only to have the same thoughts after the next act. I’m truly at a loss for who I think will be going through, as I can think of reasons for just about everyone to make it through. By the end, I had forgotten about some of the acts, despite loving them when they happened. All I have to say is, Vote! Tonight, I will be putting my top 3, and the 3 who I think will go through. I’ve been wrong the past few weeks, so don’t put too much stock in my predictions! But I’m thinking tomorrow night’s results show is going to be exciting.

Andrew De Leon: Well, he does sing very well. However, I feel like his act is getting a little bit old. Howard Stern was right when he said he has a great personal story, but I’m not sure how well his act would sell in Vegas, and just a career in general. He’s very unique, that’s for sure. Ave Maria is a very well-known song, and I’m not sure if that really is going to play in his favor. Sad to say, but his appearance may not appeal to the mainstream audience. We’ll see though. There might be enough people that like him who will put him through, but I’ll be surprised if we see him again.

Todd Oliver and Irving, his talking dog — Last week, Todd’s act sealed the deal for me. His material was right on, and I was laughing so hard. So, I was excited to see if he would bring it again tonight. And did he? ABSOLUTELY. It was one good joke after another, and I loved the “talk show” set up. I think this is definitely my favorite act, and I’m so glad he took all of Howard’s advice. I feel like he really knows his audience, and created material that most everyone watching could understand and appreciate.  The whole act was hilarious, and I really hope he gets through. I might even make the trip to Vegas to see him if he wins.

Donovan and Rebecca: What else can I say, other than, WOW. Rebecca’s strength is incredible. I think they have a great relationship, and that chemistry makes the act even better. They have been one of my top acts since the beginning, just because I can tell how difficult it must be, yet it seems as if they do it with such ease.

Edon: His vignette before he performed was so cute. While I wasn’t a huge fan of his last performance, tonight sold me on him. He has such a powerful voice, and I think he did a great job. However, I agree with Howard — it wasn’t the best song choice. But that song just isn’t one of my favorites, so it’s not really anything against him. If he was trying to swoon all the tweenage girls out there, it was a smart choice. One Direction is quite popular with that age nowadays. I would more than likely download some of his songs if he were to make an album.

The Scott’s Brothers: This act made me smile when I first saw it. And they are very talented to be able to be so in sync with one another. However, tonight I just didn’t overly enjoy it. I found myself a little bit bored, yawning even. They didn’t change the act up as much as I would have liked. I’m sad to say that, because I think they really had the potential to wow America. I liked the costume change, but I’m not sure if that was a enough to really get people to call in and vote for this act.

Dittelman: I actually forgot about that act, so I was pleasantly surprised with this. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this act. I usually don’t believe in the whole “psychic” thing, but I just don’t know how he could possibly of known what Howard was going to do on his picture. When I think of a Vegas act, this is what comes to mind. I would love to be a participant in this act. I definitely watched the entire act, and I really, really want to see him go through. Especially with the promise of an awesome finale. Man. This is a tough night.

Turf: howard had good words of wisdom for him. I’m kind of over the whole Turf-thing though, and would totally be okay with him going him. I think that his moves are getting a little bit old, and I’m kind of bored watching him now. I just don’t know though. There might be enough people out there that love him who will call in and get him through.

Bria Kelly: Beautiful voice, no doubt. But she isn’t one of the best acts tonight. I wasn’t convinced that she should have gone through the YouTube shows. This is a really tough night to perform. She is definitely a powerhouse though, and I think she will likely have a career after AGT. Maybe a show like the Voice would have suited her better, because there are a lot of acts from tonight that I think might have pushed her out of the running.

Joe Castillo: As with all the acts tonight, it was great. He created a beautiful piece of art. Inspiring even. However, I don’t think he’ll make it through. I mean, only three acts are going through, and I am not convinced that America will choose him as the best act for tonight. I did enjoy the act though, don’t get me wrong.

William Close: From the first time I saw this, I felt like he might have a good chance of winning. The Earth Harp is incredible, and his acts just keep getting better and better. There is so much excitement in what he does, and I found myself very mesmerized by the whole thing. I would love to see him go through to the end, and I hope that the rest of America agrees with me.

Tom Cotter: Here’s the thing — I really don’t think that two comedians will get through. And those that enjoy comedy acts may be split on who they like more — Tom or Todd, which may, in turn, cause neither of them to get through. Tom is definitely extremely talented. I mean, as long as it really wasn’t staged, I think it’s incredible how they just picked a topic and he went off on it for the act. I personally didn’t really like his jokes, as they were a bit to racy for my taste, but I’m sure it did appeal to a lot of people watching the show. If I had to pick, I would rather Todd go on…but I’m not sure what will happen at this point.

Academy of Evil: I’m not a dance fan, but for this group, I am. It’s not a typical dance act, I think that’s why I liked it so much. It was so fun to watch, and I love how they changed style right in the middle of it. I found it very impressive that they had to re-choreograph the act so recently because they were done one cast member. That shows a lot of talent. Once again, I feel like this would be a great Vegas act, and they have a lot of potential.

 My Top Three:

1. Todd Oliver

2. Dittleman

3.  Donovan and Rebecca

Who I Think Will Go Through:

1. Tom Cotter

2. William Close

3. Academy of Evil

August 28, 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: Second Quarterfinals Top Four!

Another week, another twelve acts were put through the gauntlet that was the second Quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent. Looking at the poll from yesterday it would appear that those that Katie believed would be going forward coincided with the top four from the poll (in order of popularity):
1. Turf
2. Donovan and Rebecca
3. Tom Cotter
4. Tim Hockenberry
Again I agree with the choices between Katie and the poll, so I would say that this was a fair representation of what the general audience enjoyed from the show. Do I think that any of these is a “Million Dollar Act” in Vegas? Personally, not really… but that doesn’t mean that I did not enjoy them.
Read more..

July 11, 2012 I Written By

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.

America’s Got Talent Season 7: Second Quarterfinals Music List

Hello all!

Since I just got home, I missed the first 45mins of the show… so 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 or that I’ve missed, 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

MUSIC FROM THE SECOND QUARTERFINALS PERFORMANCES
LionDanceMe

Turf
– The Black Eyed Peas – Imma Be Imma Be - The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies)

The All Ways
– Lady Gaga feat Beyoncé – Telephone Telephone (feat. Beyoncé) - The Fame Monster

Hawley Magic

The Lisa Clark Dancers

Aurora Light Painters
– Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night Strangers In the Night - Nothing But the Best - The Frank Sinatra Collection (Remastered)

Danielle Stallings
– Bruno Mars – It Will Rain It Will Rain - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Pt. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Deluxe Version]

Donovan & Rebecca
– Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars Chasing Cars - Eyes Open

Big Barry
– Michael Buble – Feeling Good Feeling Good - It's Time

Tom Cotter

Ben Blaque

Tim Hockenberry
– Katy Perry – Part Of Me Part of Me - Part of Me - Single

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

New York-native Comedian Gets Audience Laughing in Night Two of AGT New York Auditions

There’s been many comedians on America’s Got Talent over the years. Some good, some bad. Last night, one of the better ones I’ve seen made his debut.

Tom Cotter, a native  to New York, has been trying to break into the comedy scene for many years. Although he has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Late Late Show, and even filmed a half-hour special on Comedy Central back in 2003, he is hoping that America’s Got Talent might be his ticket to fame.

From the moment he started his act, Cotter had both the judges and the audience laughing. Sharon hit it right on when she said he was right on cue with his timing. I thought his jokes were pretty funny myself. Check out his audition here:

What do you think? Is he million dollar quality? Even though he isn’t a well-known comedian, he has won several awards of the years, including Seattle’s International Stand-Up Comedy Competition and was voted Best Stand-Up at the Las Vegas Comedy festival.

Cotter is currently married to a fellow-comedian, Kerri Louise, and has three children. According to his Wikipedia page, his acts are mainly composed of one-liners and double entredres. His website features more of his work, his touring schedule, as well as the option to buy his CD.

In case you need a little more convincing to this man’s talent, or perhaps you just want a few “genuine laughs,” as Howard Stern put it during his audition, check out this video.

I’m definitely a fan, although I have a few other acts I like better. As far as comedians go, he is pretty funny and I hope to see him make it past Las Vegas. Overall, most of his jokes were pretty family-friendly (though who knows, maybe he tamed it down for the show) and he seems like a nice, humble man. That’s a typical quality in AGT winners, right?

May 27, 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 in Tweets — New York Auditions Night Two

Here’s the round-up of my thoughts for night two of New York:

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205117445722222593″]

I think one of my favorite moments of the show was Howard’s parents. He and Howard seem to be so much alike. I was cracking up when he gave Ronald Charles some advice.

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205119707072839680″]

This ventriloquist act was very original, and I LOVED it. Howie said it won him over, and he doesn’t typically like ventriloquism. It will be fun to see what he comes up with next.

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205121874601054209″]

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205122423216029696″]

Favorite act of the night, hands down. I’m a fan of Donovan and Rebecaa already and have been watching videos of them since the debuted tonight.

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205125288210870272″]

Tom Cotter seemed like a relatively family-friendly comedian with a good background. He seemed to get the audience laughing right off the bat, which was impressive. I liked him for the most part, though comedy isn’t usually my favorite talent.

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205129823495012352″]

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/pureagt/status/205130227121274886″]

1) Ew. 2) The best part of this act was Howard going up there. Can I just say how relieved I am that they didn’t get through? Savage Men is NOT my cup of tea.

There you have it. Be sure to join my live tweets during next week’s auditions in Florida here.

May 23, 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.