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Which Four AGT YouTube Acts Will Advance On?

August 14, 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: Fourth Quarterfinals Top Four!

Wow, Katie’s on a roll this season. From her Power Rankings and Poll she correctly predicted the acts that were moving on to the Semi Finals.
1. William Close
2. Joe Castillo
3. Olate Dogs
4. Eric Dittleman

In a change from the Third Quarterfinals where I thought the talent was largely underwhelming, the Fourth Quarterfinals turned out to be one of the more difficult evenings when it came to talent. Sure there were low points and there were high points but there were a lot of high points in last night’s performances and I for one only knew of two acts that I thought stood a strong chance of making it through to the Semi-Finals but the other two were relatively up in the air.

After watching all the acts again below are my thoughts as to whom is a legitimate “Million Dollar Act” and how far I would like to see them go in the competition.
1. William Close – Earth Harp
This one I think is a no brainer. He’s not only a musician, but he’s an engineer and an artist. Granted the instrument is he most known for right now is the “Earth Harp”, however we did get a glimpse of other instruments that he has created. He expanded his act to include a vocalist and those other instruments, now just imagine what he could do if he built an entire orchestra? He mentioned in the package that his love is building his instruments and yes the “Earth Harp” is thus far the biggest draw and that will always be the biggest draw… but if he starts integrating more instruments to show just what else he has come up with and do it well I see no issues with him headlining a show in Vegas with or without the “Million Dollar” prize… he can do it.

2. Olate Dogs
This act was just non stop trick after trick after trick. Granted once in a while there would be one dog that just wouldn’t do the trick and it wasn’t until a second try that it would… but for the most part this was non-stop fun. Though I had a funny inclination that this is set up to be a bit of a circus act as a opposed to a Las Vegas act. Not that it couldn’t be… but how much more can it grow? If this act can grow into something larger and “Vegas worthy” I say they would stand a chance to making it beyond the Semi-Finals. However… as much as I love the act, I am not entirely convinced.

3. Eric Dittleman
This is an act that would wow you over and over again… but how long until you are ready for the next bit? Thus far he has done a little bit of mind reading and a little bit of predicting where else can he go? This strikes me as an act that is meant more for the little intimate settings as opposed to the large Las Vegas stage. To me… even though I would love to see him on the stage, I don’t think it would suit at all… it is just too difficult, but that’s just me. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes it past the Semi-Finals, but honestly I’m not convinced that it would be a good fit.

4. Joe Castillo
If memory serves this is not the first time that a sand artist has come across the AGT stage, but this is the first time that one was able to capture the attention of the audience and judges with his images and storytelling. Very much like Eric, I am not convinced that this is a strong large Las Vegas stage act… this is something I would love to see in a more intimate setting, not only that most Las Vegas shows are at least an hour long. I love what he can do within a couple of minutes but could that actually translate into something over the course of an hour? It’s hard to say.

Since there is a Wild Card show two weeks after the Olympics, below is are the eight acts that didn’t make it through tonight.

July 25, 2012 I Written By

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

David “The Bullet” Smith

All That
– Ram Jam: Black Betty Black Betty - The Very Best of Ram Jam

Ulysses Singer
– “American Bandstand Tune”

Joe Castillo

Sebastien “El Charro de Oro”

Eric Dittelman

William Close
– The Who: Love Reign O’er Me Love Reign O'er Me - Quadrophenia (Remastered)

Unity in Motion
– Requiem for a dream

Eric & Olivia
– Taio Cruz: Dynamite Dynamite - Rokstarr

Olate Dogs

Lindsey Norton

Horse

July 24, 2012 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Season 7: Third Quarterfinals Top Four!

Once again, it would appear that both Katie’s Power Rankings and the Poll from last night coincide with the results of today’s elimination results:
1. Light Wire Theater
2. Jacob Williams
3. The Untouchables
4. All Wheel Sports

After watching the performances again, it felt like the acts as a whole was rather underwhelming in comparison to the previous week’s quarterfinals episodes. From the above I do see potential for the coveted “Million Dollar Act”, below are my thoughts as to how far the above acts could go in this series.

Read more..

July 18, 2012 I Written By

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

MUSIC FROM THE THIRD QUARTERFINALS PERFORMANCES
The Untouchables
– Sergio Mendez: Magalenha Magalenha - Brasileiro

Rock Star Juggler Mike Price
– The Who: Won’t Get Fooled Again Won't Get Fooled Again - Who's Next (Remastered)

Inspire the Fire
Katy Perry – Firework Firework - Teenage Dream

Cristin Sandu
– Ellie Goulding: Lights Lights - Lights

Elusive
– James Brown: Super Bad Super Bad, Pts. 1 & 2 (Single Version) - Number 1's

Jake Wesley Rogers
– Britney Spears: Toxic Toxic - In the Zone

All Wheel Sports
– David Guetts & Sia: Titanium Titanium (feat. Sia) - Nothing But the Beat

Wordspit, the Illest!

Jacob Williams

All Beef Patty
– Deniece Williams: Let’s Hear it for the Boy Let's Hear It for the Boy - Footloose (15th Anniversary Collectors' Edition)

Spencer Horsman

Live Wire Theatre

July 17, 2012 I Written By

Turf: Is He Really Worth the Hype?

Anyone who has been watching AGT this season knows the name Turf. He’s the street dancer/contortionist that came to the auditions with an inspiring story, and a pretty unique talent. So far, he has flown through the auditions, Las Vegas, and now, the top 48. Here’s his act from last weeks performances.

Among many, he is the favorite to win. For me, I think he’s interesting. Granted, I get a little sick to my stomach while watching some of his act, just because it hurts me to watch a body move like that. I’m not sure if he’s been my favorite act so far (Donovan and Rebecca, as well as Shanice and Maurice Hayes, are the ones I am rooting for), but I do think he has a chance of winning. However, on the flip side, there are some who wonder, what’s the big deal. On my commentary from last weeks performance, the following comment was left by JP about Turf:

This is probably just me, but I need to know something about one act. What does everyone see in Turf? I don’t get it. They’re overhyping him as this great act, but I don’t see it. I’ve seen this type of act before, and he doesn’t do anything that really impresses me. He’s talented, but I don’t think he’s one of the best acts. There generally seems to be act every season that everyone loves but I don’t get, and this seems to be this season’s act. Based on tonight’s performances, I would say Tom Cotter and Donovan and Rebecca are the only two slam dunk acts in the round. After them, I would like to see two of Hawley Magic, Ben Blaque and Tim Hockenberry advance. Unfortunately, I think Turf is going to take one of those spots even though I just don’t think he was as good as the others. Maybe I’m just missing something with his act, but I just see him as good, but not great. He’s below those five in my mind, and might even be below The All Ways (though I have to admit that I generally like rock music, so they were better to me.)

Can someone answer JP’s question — what is it that everyone sees in Turf? Most comments and articles I have seen on this year’s season of AGT really do praise him, and  in a way, that might bias some into thinking he’s better and more unique than he really is. In his critique last week, Howard Stern warned Turf about not letting all of the praise go to his head, because there are some other great dance acts this year (specifically, as Howard mentioned, Unity in Motion). While he appears to have a fairly large fan base now, he still needs to continue putting his best foot forward and keep his current fans, as well as win over those a little more unsure. Is Turf going to be able to step it up, and prove he is more than just a good dancer and deserves to be among the winners of AGT? What do you think of Turf? Feel free to leave your opinions, as well as vote in this poll. I’m interested to see what others think of him.

July 16, 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

America’s Got Talent Top 48 Auditions

In case you missed or want to watch again some of the acts from the America’s Got Talent 2012 Top 48, you can find the America’s Got Talent Top 48 videos below!

Lion Dance Me: Quarterfinals

Danger act Lion Dance Me is consistently exciting, but the judges are looking for variety as well as skill. Hopefully, Lion Dance Me can deliver.

Turf: Quarterfinals

Turf has come a long way since his days of dancing for change on the streets of San Francisco. Now, he’s hoping to get one step closer to the million-dollar prize.

Read more..

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.

Which Four Acts Will Advance on to The Next Round of AGT Tonight?

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.