This was a weird night. There were some home run acts, and some definite strike outs. At times, I felt like quite a few of the contestants took a step in the wrong direction. As I’m going back through my commentary and deciding on the power rankings, I honestly forgot about a few of the acts by the end of the night. And unlike most nights where I can’t agree with anything that Howie Mandel says, I agreed with just about everything. And Sharon was driving me crazy. I felt like a lot of her comments were way out there. I think there were some definite winners though, but it is not as clear cut as some other nights. Be sure to cast your vote for who you think will stay here, and, as always, let me know if you agree with my power rankings.
The Untouchables: As a dance group, you’ve got to be good this year, and continually deliver new, fresh ideas. Unlike many of the dance numbers this year, The Untouchables do this each time. Even just considering the fact that these kids are so young, they are pretty incredible, but I feel like they blew a lot of other dance acts out of the water. I’m not usually a big dance fan, but this group won me over. They have SO much enthusiasm and genuine talent. It was captivating, and I loved watching them. I hope that people remember to vote for them, because being the first group performing, they may be forgotten by the time everyone else performs.
Mike Price Rock Star Juggler: I didn’t remember Mike Price, but when I saw that he was a juggling act, I wasn’t super excited. I’ve seen many juggling acts in my life time. However, I have definitely never seen anyone do what Mike Price has done. While what he did was pretty col, I’m not sure I want him to go on. His act doesn’t seem as polished as it could have been. He, unfortunately, messed up a few times, which made me worry for the girl who had gasoline on her as he juggled over her. I agree with Sharon, he started out great, but really, it went down hill from there. The best part was the guy who came out with the fire extinguisher. It’s a fun act, but there was just something a little off about it.
Inspire the Fire: This group impressed me during the auditions (enough to write a post about them, at least). However, tonight my opinion was the opposite. They just seemed…off. The dancing wasn’t that great, nor was the vocals. I love what this group stands for, but it was just too amateur tonight. Even though I usually don’t agree with Howie, I felt like it was cheesy, and a “$125 act.” Compared to what we saw earlier with The Untouchables, it wasn’t even in the realm of a million dollar act. I feel bad saying this, but I have to be honest. They weren’t that great — even to the point where I wonder if they threw it on purpose.
Christin Sandu: Just the description of his act had me nervous! What he does is definitely a risk. I liked how he started out, and of course, who wouldn’t be impressed with his balancing act. So with that, it killed me that his tower collapsed. My heart broke for him, because he seems like a very genuine person. The act wasn’t that different from what I remember his audition being, but my memory might be rusty. Unfortunately, the fall sealed his fate, and I think he will be going home. I can’t imagine how devastated he must have felt. Because, as Sharon said, he should be proud he made it this far. There’s obviously something else much better in the cards for him ahead.
Elusive: As with many of the acts tonight, I was impressed in the beginning, but by the end, I wasn’t feeling it. The walking down the stairs with his hand was cool, but besides that, I remember seeing moves like this at my high school prom. I don’t have much to say about this act, but beyond the walking on the stairs with his hand, I wasn’t impressed. As many husband said after the act, there was no “wow” moment. He is inspirational because of his challenges, but I don’t think it’s enough to get him through. I would like to see a dance off between him and Turf, but I don’t know if we’ll have a chance to see that. I liked his dancing better than Turf, but that’s because Turf’s moves were kind of creepy at times. We’ll see.
Jake Wesley Rogers: I honestly have no recollection of his audition, or being in Las Vegas. For one thing, what is up with his style? When my niece looked at the TV, she said “what is up with his hair?!” He has an okay voice, but I was not a fan of the song choice. I didn’t find him entertaining, and compared to some of the other young singers in the competition, he really didn’t compare. Sorry, Jake, but I do not think this was a good performance. He seemed like he was mad at the world. I would be too though, if I had hair like that. If I had an X, I would have pressed it. Okay, that was a little harsh, he seems like a nice kid. But I just didn’t like him.
All Wheel Sports: Don’t hate me for saying this, but there act did seem a bit busy at times, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it! It was hard for me to concentrate on one single element at a time. They do some awesome things, and I think the most amazing thing is how they did all of that on such a small stage. There was an awesome danger aspect to this act, that’s for sure. Definitely one of the best acts of the night, that’s for sure. I hope they get through so we can see what else they have to offer! Howie made a good point, us viewers at home weren’t able to get the big picture of what this act was about, but after hearing the audience go wild for them, I have to believe they were even more incredible in real life.
Wordspit and the Illest: Well, this group appears to be a fan favorite. I was even a fan when I first heard them. Was it a mistake for them to do an original song, versus one that the audience would know and recognize? I guess it’s in the eye of the beholder. It was a bold move, that’s for sure. I know that a lot of people like them because they are “original”, but I just didn’t tonight. But most seemed to really enjoy them, and compared to some of the other acts, they did well.
Jacob Williams: He’s awkward. He’s nerdy. And he’s hilarious. I was laughing so much as I watched his act this evening. The comedians are really on fire this year. Jacob’s jokes are totally different from Tom Cotter’s, which I think will help him in the long run. I really hope he gets through, because he really is a neat comedian. There’s something about an awkward comedian that I love. I think that awkwardness is what makes his act even more stellar, and I agree with Howie (wow, the second time in one night?!), best act of the night!
All Beef Patty: I’ll be upfront, I can’t stand drag. But even with those personal feelings aside, tonight wasn’t All Beef’s best night. It wasn’t that fun of a performance, and to me, his All Beef’s voice sounds like something is stuck in his (her?) throat. I could see this being a great act on a smaller stage in Vegas, but as a head liner? I don’t think so. I don’t think this is an act that main stream America is going to vote for.
Spencer Horsman: This act was very disappointing. I was expecting to see Spencer, wriggling out of the steel straight jacket, and barely escaping those deadly-looking spikes. Instead, as the judges mentioned, we saw him behind a screen. We didn’t even get to see him escape; for all we know, he had help back there. It was boring, and not up to his usual intense escapes. I wish he had done something that the audience could see, because he definitely took a nose dive into loser’s circle tonight. It’s definitely unfortunate.
Light Wire Theater: This. Was. Amazing. I was left speechless after watching it. What a great way to end a mediocre night. What they do is incredible and spectacular. This was by far my favorite act of the night, and is something I would pay for my family and me to see in Vegas. There’s not much I can say to describe this act, except I hope they go to the very end. This act has got to take so much time to get it perfect, and perfect it was. Just in case you missed it, here is a link to the video of tonight’s performance.
Definitely Staying:
1. Light Wire Theater
2. Jacob Williams
3. The Untouchables
Could Go Either Way:
4. Wordspit and the Illest
5. All Wheel Sports
I’d Be Surprised if They Stay:
6. Elusive
7. All Beef Patty
8. Jake Wesley Rogers
9. Inspire the Fire
Going Home For Sure:
10. Spencer Horsman
11. Mike Price
12. Christin Sandu
