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Opera on America’s Got Talent

We’ve had a number of VERY lively discussions in the comments of previous posts about the Opera that’s being sung on America’s Got Talent. The most famous one being winner Neal E. Boyd, but also joining the discussion is Donald Braswell and last season’s Barbara Padilla.

The discussion really centers around how good the opera singers are that sing on America’s Got Talent. Many reasonably say that if they had ‘real’ opera talent they’d be singing in other places. The discussion also usually leads to pop opera versus traditional opera.

One of those opera fans pointed out to me that there will be a documentary called “The Audition” on PBS. The movie is about the semi finals and finals of the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions – the most prestigious professional opera competition in North America. In Northern Westchester, NY (Cablevision) it’ll be on PBS on Jan 20th at 9pm.

Seeing this type of hard core opera competition might be a way for people to become more educated on the quality of the opera singers that are trying out for places like the Met. I’ll be keeping an eye out for this. It won’t have the same entertainment value as something like America’s Got Talent I’m sure, but it will have much more educational value. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it myself.

January 8, 2010 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Winner – Kevin Skinner or Barbara Padilla

I’d been thinking this for a while, but the voting on my poll for the America’s Got Talent Winner just confirmed what I was already thinking and just didn’t want to admit publicly. I think I can safely say that the winner of America’s Got Talent season 4 will be either Barbara Padilla or Kevin Skinner. Everyone else has either fallen off the map (Lawrence Beaman), not had enough exposure (Drew Stevyns), or they just don’t have the wide ranging popularity of these two.

Don’t ask me why these 2 are so popular. They are both really really nice individuals, but they are far from the most talented people on America’s Got Talent. However, they’ve done what you have to do most on America’s Got Talent which is win the hearts of the American people.

Since I’m in the predicting mood, I’ll even go on to predict that Kevin Skinner is going to win America’s Got Talent 2009. Yes, it stings for me to say that since he’s a pretty bad singer. Yes, I couldn’t even bring myself to type that he was a pretty good singer. I had to stick with pretty bad. I think people just love Kevin Skinner’s chicken catcher story. I know I laughed really hard the first time I heard it. I like many Americans also love to see someone come from a chicken catcher to shocking America with a win. That’s the beauty of America and Kevin Skinner seems like a really good guy so at the end of the day I don’t have a problem with him winning. It’s just unfortunate that other talent couldn’t have won.

My question for all of you is assuming I’m right and Kevin Skinner wins, will you be coming to Las Vegas to see Kevin Skinner perform in America’s Got Talent Live? Should we all plan a day to go to the show and we could throw a Pure America’s Got Talent party somewhere in Las Vegas? I’m game if enough people are interested.

September 16, 2009 I Written By

Vote for America’s Got Talent 2009 Winner

The performances are over and now it’s time to vote for your favorite America’s Got Talent season 4 finalists. No, this isn’t official. It’s just for fun, but should give a pretty good idea of who are people’s favorite talent on this season of America’s Got Talent. So, vote for who you want to be the winner of America’s Got Talent.


Of course, no matter who is the winner of America’s Got Talent, we’re going to see most of the above list at the America’s Got Talent live show in Las Vegas.

September 14, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Finalists Interview

If you’ve been following me on Twitter or in the comments, then you know I had a chance to be able to interview the finalists of America’s Got Talent. It was interesting, because originally they said it would be all the finalists, then they told me it would just be Grandma Lee. So, I just prepared for Grandma Lee. Then, when I was on the call Grandma Lee, Barbara Padilla, Kevin Skinner, Drew Stevyns (and they said some other name, but I couldn’t make it out) were on the call. Very cool experience.

Of course, the biggest problem was that they only gave me 7 minutes for the interview. Yes, that’s right. I had 7 minutes to interview 4-5 finalists for America’s Got Talent. Plus, I’d only planned questions for Grandma Lee. So, basically I was pretty flustered with what to do. You’ll hear below, but I rushed through Grandma Lee so I could talk to Barbara and Kevin. Listening back I acted like such a fan boi of Barbara and Kevin, but what can I say. I only had a few minutes to think what to say.

All in all, I think you’ll enjoy hearing from some of the America’s Got Talent finalists. I need to find a better way to embed an MP3 file (maybe I’ll make a video out of it), so until then here’s a link to download the AGT Finalists interview. Please excuse the bad recording at the very beginning. I promise it gets better. Also, I’ll put a quick summary of my thoughts from the interview.

Grandma Lee – It was interesting that she’d already toured the country as a comedian. They make it sound like she’d never done this before until America’s Got Talent. Another storyline ruined;-) Granted, if you’ve read this blog for any time, then this is nothing new.

Barbara Padilla – She was so gracious and kind and her accent was beautiful. I almost felt bad for discounting her previously. I guess maybe it’s just not me being a huge opera fan. It is interesting that I think she’s going to get a good part of the women vote, cancer vote, hispanic vote and opera junkie music fan vote. That’s a lot of good people backing her.

Kevin Skinner – I loved talking with Kevin. He really is what you see on TV. I loved when he talked about bonfires not happening in LA.

Drew Stevyns – I had to dig him for kicking out my EriAm sisters. Like he says, it’s entertainment. Sadly they cut the interview off as I started with Drew. He’s very personable though.

Overall Impressions – Interviewing these people was a lot of fun. Far too short, but still worthwhile. Talking to them like this really made them real to me. I guess when you see them on TV the show kind of makes them what they want them to be. Talking to them gave me a feeling that these are good people just trying to do what they do.

Let me know what you think of this interview. Just be kind. I was shooting from the hip and I don’t do this very often. Also, I’m really subconscious about hearing my own voice so take it easy on me.

September 11, 2009 I Written By

Final 5 America’s Got Talent 4 Finalists

The pairings in this episode of AGT weren’t good at all. Maybe it was just me, but it was really predictable. A couple locks (Barbara and Lawrence). Hairo was more popular than the little kids. Recycled Percussion did a much better performance than Mario and Jenny.

Of course, if you’ve read this blog the only group I’ve ever been really excited over was the EriAm Sisters. I think they have the most potential in this season and they’re the only act that has given me chills this season. So, obviously I hate that Drew Stevyns made it through and the EriAm Sisters did not. I guess it proves the fact that it’s a bunch of women and little girls who are voting for the cute boy. Grrrrr…that’s all I have to say about that. I’ll miss the EriAm sisters. I hope they somehow get invited to perform in the AGT Las Vegas show. Otherwise, I’m not sure I want to go.

I think the show actually did a pretty good job of trying to say that it was just the judges who decided to only put through 5 instead of 4. However, maybe that was just good cutting. Still felt like they had it planned the whole way to me.

Yes, this season is going down as extremely disappointing for me. Let’s just get it over and get on to next year’s talent;-)

September 9, 2009 I Written By

Final America’s Got Talent Semi-finals Performance Show

We’ve been having a lot of discussion going on about the various episodes of America’s Got Talent. I’m still watching the show, but I figured I’d post the thread for other people to start discussing the show. I’ll add my review of tonight’s semi final performance show once I’m done watching. One thing is certain. I was right that tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent is packed with at least twice as much talent as last week.

Time for my thoughts:

Barbara Padilla – Absolute lock for the finals. I’m not a huge fan myself, but I’ll admit that her performance tonight was her best yet. She’s also smart (or the producers are) for her to sing Ave Maria which is a special song for many people. She’s also got the cancer vote which I think is much larger than anyone would probably think. I’m not sure that’s the most politically correct thing to say, but I think that a lot of cancer survivors want to help other cancer survivors. That’s not a knock. I do the same thing with people I relate to. Either way, you can guarantee she’ll be in the finals.

Drew Stevyns – His song was a bit disappointing for me. I love him last time. He does seem to have the potential star quality in his performance. Although, I think in tonight’s performance he was a little too concerned about the camera. I’m not sure he’s a superstar, but I’ll admit that I’d love to hear him sing some more songs.

EriAm Sisters – If you’ve read for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of these sisters. They did have a slow start to their song, but once they got going it was amazing. In fact, it was the first time I got chills this season. There talent is amazing. How old is the youngest girl again? Oh, that’s right – 12. Seriously amazing voice. Too bad she looks older than 12.

Erik and Rickie – They should have stuck with a nice fast song where they could rock it out like they did in their audition. It just seemed slow and labored to me. Still cute as all get out. Plus, their interview section was the best of the entire show.

FootworKINGz – The producers ruined this act for me. I don’t think anyone can seriously think that FootworKINGz would have chosen to do power rangers. If they did, then I apologize to the producers, but I’ll never believe that power rangers would have been on these dancers minds. The song aside, the boots they wore were horrible also. Didn’t show very well the footworking they did. Horrible outcome for me.

Hairo Torres – He’s unique, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t do enough to go on. I wonder if he’ll head over to SYTYCD. He’d be great in the auditions of SYTYCD.

Jeffrey Ou – Wrong song. Not enough energy. The story of him getting a girlfriend was priceless. I’m quite sure he doesn’t give a rip about winning this show. He got himself a lady thanks to AGT. Beautiful!!

Lawrence Beamen – I thought this was his best performance. Maybe Piers likes the old school stuff, but I didn’t. I also can’t help but wonder what religious group he was with as a kid. I think he’s almost as close a lock as Barbara. I’d never pay to go see him, but he’s OK for me.

Mario and Jenny – What were they thinking? Bad Tapping. Bad Drumming. No danger. Pole dancing. Just all wrong. Worst performance they could have ever done.

Recycled Percussion – This group rocked it. I think the concept is actually the best part. I’m not sure the 4 guys are going to be the best to perform the concept. However, I could see a show like this in Vegas. It’s like a mix of Blue Man Group and Stomp. 2 popular Las Vegas shows.

Some great acts are going to be sent home tomorrow.

September 8, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent Final Quarterfinal Performance Projections

Tonight is the final performance of the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals. Take a look at the acts that are left in the America’s Got Talent top 40 and my take on each of them:

Recycled Percussion – This has the potential to be a great act. Considering what they’ve done to produce the other acts, I think this could be a surprise hit. Kind of reminds me of that Stomp act in Las Vegas. At least that’s what it seems like. Although, we’ve only seen a little bit of it so far.

Erik & Rickie – These kids are so cute. However, kids haven’t faired all that well on this season of AGT. Although, I won’t be surprised if they get sent through just cause they’re so darn cute. Of course, my problem is still that there are at least a dozen couples like these 2 at any ballroom dance competition.

Ishaara – I’m sad they call this Bollywood. It’s entertaining, but really isn’t Bollywood. I don’t think they’ll have enough wow and pop to make it past this round. Still will be fun to watch tonight.

Barbara Padilla – This is the producers lock tonight. She’s going to perform last. I think we can almost guarantee that. I don’t like her that much, but others do. Not that I really have anything against her, but I just don’t think she’s all that good. She already has her ticket punched for the next round.

Chris Allison – We haven’t seen enough of this guy to say much. Although, this type of act is usually either a big wow or a big dud. I predict dud with one wow moment.

Pam Martin and Viva – I didn’t like her before and I still don’t. Her biggest problem is that they already let one dog act in. They can’t put 2 through can they?

African High Flyers – I liked these guys better than the flippers. A decent chance to get in and expect at least 2 WOW moments in the act.

Anthony Morigerato & Matt Lucas – I’m not sure how these guys take their act to the next level. Will be fun to watch. If the singer takes center stage it will be a colossal mistake. If the tapper takes the spotlight get them ready for the next round.

EriAm Sisters – I’ll admit these have been my favorite since I first saw them. They’re the only act I’ve really gone back to watch a number of times. So, I’m completely biased. I’m not sure what they’ll bring tonight, but if it’s anything like there first performance punch their ticket to the next round.

Mia Boostrom – I think I get Mia and Bri confused. So, now I don’t remember who was who. I know Mia was on a previous season. Her Georgia On My Mind was nice this year. We’ll see what she brings this time before I make judgment.

The Lollipop Girls – They shouldn’t have brought this group back. Simon just likes himself a burlesque act, but I predict they won’t be good at all.

Drew Stevyns – No way we can judge him since we didn’t really see him before. Or least I don’t remember anything. So, I’m guessing he’ll go the way of all the America’s Got Talent Wild Card acts.

Feel free to follow along with me as I comment on tonight’s show on my Pure AGT Twitter account. I will be watching on the west coast time though.

August 25, 2009 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2009 Top 40

I haven’t had a chance to do a writeup about tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent where they finalized the America’s Got Talent top 40. However, just because I’m behind I didn’t see any reason that I should post the full list of America’s Got Talent 2009 top 40.

Pete Peterkin (impressionist)
Arcadian Broad (13 year old dancer)
AcroDunk (acrobatic basketball dunkers)
Platt Brothers (Pantomimers, dancers, and acrobats)
Recycled Percussion (percussion group)
David Johnson (Hasselhoff singer)
Thia Megia (14 year old singer)
G Force (dance band of young girls)
Erik & Rickie (8 year old dance couple)
Mosaic (a capella singers)
Texas Tenors (singing trio)
Manuela Horn (yodeling dominatrix)
The Fab Five (clogging sisters)
Drew Thomas (illusionist)
Hairo Torres (break dancing contortionist)
Lawrence Beamen (bass singer)
Kevin Skinner (singer)
Paradizo Dance (acrobatic dancers)
Ishaara (bollywood dancers)
FootworkKINGz (dance group)
Jeffrey Ou (pianist)
Eleisha Miller (singer and pianist)
Mario & Jenny (chainsaw juggler)
Marcus Terrell (singer)
BreakSk8 (break dancers on roller skates)
Voices of Glory (singing trio)
Barbara Padilla (opera singer)
Chris Allison (ate a lightbulb)
Rockin’ Rory (flying disc dog act)
Pam Martin and Viva (dancing dog)
Carol Lugo (62 year old dancer)
Charles DeWayne Dorsey (singer and pianist)
Pixie Mystere (preteen gymnastic troupe)
Grandma Lee (standup comic)
African High Flyers (acrobats)
Alizma (triplet violinists)
Anthony Morigerato & Matt Lucas (guitarist and tap dancer duo)
EriAm Sisters (trio of sisters)
BRI (singer and pianist)
Mia Boostrom (singer)

I think this will be a pretty interesting group of performances. I still think this is a bit of a down year for America’s Got Talent. I don’t see many (if any) real superstars in this list. However, it should still be quite entertaining and fun to hear their stories and see these people live their dreams.

July 29, 2009 I Written By

Lackluster 6th Episode of America’s Got Talent Except Grandma Lee

Ok, so I think I’ve used the term lackluster a few too many times with America’s Got Talent this year. What can I say, it’s just been good but not great. I’m not sure if they’re just not showing enough quality acts or if it’s that enough quality acts haven’t been showing up. I just haven’t been impressed.

That said, this episode had no one who will win America’s Got Talent this year, but it was a decent show with more entertaining talent than any of the other previous shows.

Grandma Lee might just have been the highlight for me. Although, I must admit that she was funnier during the judges comments than she was doing her set. However, she did have some pretty funny jokes in it. The Krispy Kreme joke was funny. Check out the video of Grandma Lee to see what I mean:

I know that America’s Got Talent wants us to like Barbara Padilla, but she was another walking cliche. Cancer Survivor, lost voice, couldn’t sing again, family etc etc etc. She was an OK singer, but I must admit that I wasn’t really impressed. She has the instrument to be good, but she wasn’t that polished. I was just all around unimpressed with her performance. Piers didn’t stand for it and so he wasn’t impressed either. His comments show that he was just being a pawn to let her tell her story. He’ll be kicking her to the curb in Las Vegas. Maybe some of you will disagree, but I didn’t think she was very good at all:

The fact that these were the only 2 America’s Got Talent videos on the NBC site says a lot about this episode of America’s Got Talent. No one else is really worth mentioning for more than a half a breathe.

AcroDunk – I wasn’t as impressed as the judges. Definitely is an awesome half time show or something like that. I just don’t see it being an entire show in Las Vegas.

Timez 2 – Did this remind you of Flava Flav or was it just me?

Anna Pipoyan – Belly dancers always get Piers and Morgan. At least attractive ones.

Eclipse – I had just told my wife that they’d never had a decent rapper on America’s Got Talent and so I was glad to see that Eclipse was actually quite decent.

Eleisha Miller – Wonderful personality. I’m just not sure if personality counts as a talent in this contest.

Here’s to another week of America’s Got Talent. I don’t know why, but I’m already ready to get to the Las Vegas show where the real talent starts to show itself.

July 12, 2009 I Written By