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AGT Final Top 48 Performances Commentary – 7/24/2012

I think that many of the best were saved for the last. There were quite of a few acts I really enjoyed, and I’m at a loss for who I think is absolutely staying. I guess it comes down to separating the really good acts, from the spectacular ones. I like to think that my predictions are usually pretty accurate, but tonight, I’m not so sure if I’ll be guessing the correct ones. With that, here’s my thoughts and power rankings on tonight’s performances:

David “The Bullet” Smith: This act was interesting in the auditions. Definitely dangerous. But I always have wondered, what more can he do? Sure he can fly through the air, but there’s only so much you can do with that. I felt like the cheerleaders were a little ridiculous, and the fireworks just were there to make the act seem cooler, but in the end, it was pretty much the same act we saw when he auditioned. I do not think he should go forward after tonight.  The cannon cam was pretty neat though.

All That!: They were cool, but not as good as some of the other dance acts, which, as we’ve been told time and time again, is the hardest category this year. I like the shirt colors. They looked like they were having a lot of fun up there though. I did enjoy them but we will see how they fare against some other acts tonight. It sounded like this was going to be a tough night to be performing in.

Ulysses:  I was shocked when he got through initially, and I’m going to be even more shocked if he gets through tonight. He’s a nice guy…but that’s not what this show is about. I think the triple X’s from the Judges says it all. And the dancers? It’s like they were trying to take away from his badness.

Joe Castillo, Sand Artist: What this man does is very powerful, and he does it with such zest.  I’ve been excited to see his performance tonight, and I wasn’t let down. I loved the images he created, and I feel like the possibilities are endless for his act. This act is something that should be appreciated, and I hope people who do appreciate it will take the time to call in and vote.

Eric & Olivia: An any other night of the Top 48, I think they would have had a good chance. However, tonight, the competition was tough, as I already mentioned. Olivia has a good voice, there is no denying that, but I really don’t think they will get through to the next round. Even though they were good, there were even better performances tonight that I think will push them out of the competiion.

Eric Dittelman: It blows my mind how he does this. My husband is convinced he has an ear piece in his ear, but I feel like they would have discovered that by now. Who knows. I love it though, and I’m curious to see what else he can do. It seems like it could be a bit repetitive after awhile, but I do like how he switched it up tonight with the mock “Deal or No Deal”. I’m not sure how he did it. It seemed more like he predicted the future though, rather than reading their minds. My friend suggested that maybe he gave the case to the most attractive girl, betting that Howie would pick her in the end. I really hope he goes through.

Horse: I’m sorry, but I hate this act. Ever since I first saw it, I was disgusted. I don’t think he deserved to even make it to the initial auditions. This isn’t a talent, no matter how much he, or the judges, want to believe it. Acts like this just get through to get a rise out of the audience, that I am sure. Maybe I’m missing something, but could someone please tell me what the allure of this act is?

Lindsey Norton: Here’s the thing — I really like her. I think she’s an excellent dancer. However, I’m not sure if I want her to go through. There are SO many dance acts in this competition, and quite a few seem similar to this. The audience seemed to love her though, and maybe what she does is different from everyone else. It was very beautiful, and she has a great presence about her.

Olate Dogs: Well, Britain’s Got Talent just had a dog act win, maybe AGT will too. I think this act is so much fun, and definitely sets it self apart from the other groups. I was watching the show with quite a few family members tonight, and everyone, from my nephew who is almost 2, to my grandparents, were loving it. I’d love to see something so different from the typical singing/musical act win this year, and I think the Olate Dogs could be major contenders in the competition.

Sebastien “El Charro de Oro”: There is sure an abundance of younger kids in the Top 48 this year, hasn’t there? I think this was one of my favorites though, probably because he’s so dang cute. I kind of felt like I was being serenaded in a Mexican restaurant, but that’s okay, because I love when that happens! He has a great voice. I thought the rose at the end was rather classy though. My grandma commented that this little boy sounded like a full grown man — I have to agree. He definitely has an old soul, as Howie said. Was he the best of the night? I don’t think so. But he was adorable!

Unity in Motion: I really, really loved these girls. I feel like dance fans will have difficulty voting between them and Lindsay Norton tonight. They are definitely one of the best dance acts in the competition, and I hope they go through.

William Close:  Another home run act for the night. I love the instruments and vocals that were added to the performance. It was just an over all awesome act. It’s so different from a typical musical instrument act, and he seems to do with it such class and precision. He got a standing ovation, from the audience and the judges. I imagine that it takes a lot of time and talent to play the earth harp. It seems like the judges have already deemed him the winner, what does everyone think?

Staying:

1. William Close

2. Joe Castillo

I could see any of these staying:

3. Eric Dittelman

4. Olate Dogs

5. Unity in Motion

6. Lindsey Norton

I think they are going home, but it could be a surprise: 

7. Sebastien

8. All That!

9. Eric and Olivia

10. David “The Bullet” Smith

Definitely Leaving: 

11. Horse

12. Ulysses

July 24, 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 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

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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.

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July 18, 2012 I Written By

AGT Top 48 Quarter Final Performances Night 3 Commentary

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

July 17, 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.

Who Will Advance After Tonight’s AGT Performance?

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: 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

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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..

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

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.