America’s Got Talent Finale!!!

I know, I know, this is super late, but better late than never right?

Out come the judges with their typical lights and cheers. Who do the judges will win? Piers, unlike previous years, has no ideas who, any could. Sharon looks about to cry and says the night is bittersweet but she can’t wait to see the results. David (continuing in the “Hoff”isms) doesn’t really say anything intelligent but ok.

Singing “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is the top ten. This only confuses me since not everyone in the top ten sings. I guess they do now/don’t have a choice? Well, Grandma Lee just talks and out comes Thelma Houston who isn’t part of the show at all really. Internet sensation or something? Oh and the dancers dance and Recycled Percussion plays their “instruments,” that makes sense.

Leona Lewis is on now. I don’t think I knew she was discovered on a talent show (The X Factor). I also didn’t actually know she was British so…I like her though I don’t care all that much for the song she performs for the finale.

Then we get a performance of…I don’t event know what to call it really. Poor acts? The Audition Allstars apparently.

Cirque du Soleil performs which is pretty cool. Hear so much about it but never actually saw it before. I didn’t realize it was a whole performance with singing and dancing, I always just thought it was just a fancier version of Barnum and Bailey’s Circus or something. Some crazy costumes in this performance and some cool tapping which I think is the highlight of the whole thing.

Filler about how awesome the show and contestants are. Time to narrow the field a bit.

Hairo Torres vs Barbara Padilla. Well, this one is pretty obvious though I liked Hairo as well. Maybe people can’t relate to opera? Even with that I can’t imagine her not making it. Sure enough Barbara Padilla makes it in and she looks utterly shocked.

Laurence Beaman vs Voices of Glory. Not sure what I think here. Voices of Glory isn’t consistent enough yet but I don’t really like Laurence Beaman. The act taking the next spot in the top five is The Voices of Glory. Well, hard to be bitter when it’s such cute people making it through. (Judges give a standing applause, as does the audience.)

Texas Tenors vs The Fab Five. I hope it’s the Fab Five. I don’t like the mix of styles the Tenors do. Sadly The Texas Tenors make it through.

Kevin Skinner vs Drew Stevens (the judges are whispering about something). This one is also pretty obvious as far as decision goes. Moving through to the top five is…Kevin Skinner.

Grandma Lee vs Recycled Percussion. Once again, I wouldn’t even hesitate to choose Recycled Percussion. I have yet to laugh at Grandma Lee’s jokes so I don’t think she even deserves top ten much less top five. She’s got a pretty big fan club in the crowd but Recycled Percussion makes it through. (Yay!)

Piers thinks that a number of the acts could have won previous seasons (even the ones already eliminated) showing how strong this season is.

More about bad auditions. David is very showman throughout everything. Then the judges talk about each other. Sharon loses her judgment when someone hot goes off. Piers is funny when obnoxious. And he loves the buzzer. He has a ten second attention span. David is “hoff” his rocker.

Shakira sings her new single “she-wolf.” I’ve never liked her all that much but I’m impressed that she manages to stay upright in those heals. Though her dancing seems worse than ever. More awkward than anything else.

Top five…more weeding out. Going home first of the top five is Voices of Glory. They handle it with dignity and smiles. Sharon cries and tells them it’s just the beginning for them.

The act finishing in fourth place and leaving is…The Texas Tenors. David says they’re well on their way. “It’s only the beginning.”

Finishing in third is…(I like them all now!!! Though I think Kevin Skinner is the least talented of the group) Recycled Percussion. They’re proof that small town boys can make it to big stages.

Piers thinks Barbara Padilla and Kevin Skinner are super different acts and the dream playoff. He can’t call it. Let’s see.

Rascal Flatts performs now with their fourth song to debut at number one. I don’t know what else they sing other than “Life is a Highway.”

100,000 acts are narrowed to the bottom two. We watch a bit of their journey.

Is it time for the winner to be announced? Nope. Susan Boyle performs “Wild Horses.” It’s her first performance in America ever. (How awkward that they show a girl making a face.) She actually doesn’t look bad when she was younger. I kind of can’t believe she didn’t actually win. She had a bit of a nervous breakdown after the show but now she’s better and more confident. This is once again an example of someone whose talent I see but whose style is not something I enjoy.

And now, to announce the winner. Winning $1 million and a 90 minute act in Vegas is…KEVIN SKINNER!

America’s Got Talent- Top 10

No surprise, the music they play in the background as they list the contestants it “Let It Rock,” which is one of three songs of summer (“Halo” and “Already Gone” being the other two).

Ten acts are performing tonight. I’m not sure why they changed the day of the finale from its regular night to Monday. Perhaps so as not to conflict/compete with other shows. Monday night does seem to have the fewest fall shows this week.

Show begins with the as always not very exciting judge entrance. I am not a fan of Sharon’s dress but I do like David’s suit. (Nick says he will miss the dramatic entrances, I won’t.)

Voices of Glory performs first and they seem to be better than previous weeks. Piers thinks they could win the competition with the act. Sharon says they delivered. David says hat trick, slam dunk, the best ever! (I don’t think he knows what a hat trick is…)

Hairo Torres is next. He agonizes over the right song choice. (As important for a dancer as a singer in his book and I agree.) In this performance he wants to just show himself and take it back to his finale. His dancing is so weird and creepy but he’s so impressive for his strength and energy and facial expressions. Sharon tells him he took a big risk and gave an emotional performance and she thinks he did the right thing. (I’m so curious to see how he would do with professional choreography.) David says he could be great. Piers loves him but has to be honest and say he doesn’t think it worked. (Boos.) He thought the show with other dancers brought his performance to another level and this dropped back again. Hairo wanted to do something that would make him happy.

Laurence Beaman performs third singing “My Everything.” As I’ve said more than once, he’s not bad, but he’s not for me. Whereas Barbara Padilla sings something I care nothing for but at least she blows me away, I don’t feel particularly strongly about him one way or another. David says he started humbly but he is a star. Fantastic, slick, cool performance. (Finally done with the Hoff jokes.) Piers says he’s the new Barry White but it’s not quite there yet. Fantastic vocals but need more love. Sharon asks how he felt about it (he felt good) and says she thought it was comfortable and natural.

Barbara Padilla singing her audition song is up now. It all sounds the same to me either way so whatever. As always good. Piers thinks Americans sympathize with her. Sharon can’t believe how far she’s come. David says the world is hers.

Fab Five is on next. They say they’re doing moves they haven’t done since they were kids. Not such a fan of their outfits. The music sounds too quiet. They do a great job with formations and of course special effects like fire and fireworks. Sharon says it was beautifully choreographered (choreographed, Sharon?). She says they belong in Vegas but the competition is tough. David asks if they ever stop smiling. He can’t stop smiling watching them. Great energy.

The Texas Tenors are singing “My Way.” I don’t particularly love them either but I do think this was their best performance yet. David says they have guts. Terrific! Piers thinks they’re fabulous cheese. Sharon says triple cheese, perfect vocals, superb harmonies, she loves them.

Drew Stevens follows the a capella performance. He’s good but not great. Piers felt proud of the show. He thought he performed his best ever. A wildcard could go all the way. Sharon says she’d choose him if she were a manager. She seriously thinks his trousers could be tighter.

Grandma Lee‘s turn. She comes in pregnant? Piers’s baby apparently. Sharon says the material got her. They all loved it. I didn’t laugh at any of her jokes, maybe smiled at a couple so…

Kevin Skinner is up now. He wants to do the best he can for the people. He’s singing “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith. Excellent. such a nostalgia song. I saw them perform this concert once, they pulled Liv Tyler onto the stage for it. Not his best performance but still good. David says he could win. Piers says it wasn’t perfect. They say he doesn’t have the best voice but that’s ok.

Recycled Percussion, the group I am very excited to see. I wonder what they will do now. Water and see through shirts it appears. As always crazy and fun. Piers says brilliant and creative. Most exciting and most dynamic. Sharon hands it to them. Hoff says they’re insane. He wants to drum and shower all day.

America’s Got Talent Semifinal Results 2

Sorry this took so long to put up, it’s been a long day of traveling and I’ve only just managed to sit and watch the show. For some reason the finale will be on monday next week (an attempt to boost the ratings for another show perhaps?), this seems like a good way to hurt the show’s ratings due to confusion. As said on tuesday, the top five acts will be going through with no judges’ vote. The only down side to this is that the drama of the vote is gone. I’m just curious how often the judges have opted for the lower of the two acts they had to choose between.

Piers says the show is high stakes, shows up to par shouldn’t win $1 million. I thought we were through with the Hoff jokes but we’re not. Unfortunate. I wonder how often we need to get a list of the semifinalists. There are only ten and we’ll be seeing them as they get called up.

FootworKingz and Hairo Torres first. Who do I prefer? I’m not sure, I think Hairo Torres is a little stronger though FootworKingz are a lot of fun. The act moving on to the finals is…Hairo Torres. Piers gives him a little congratulatory speech.

We get a shot of the judges deciding to send both teams through last week. The Fab Five seem to be comforting the kids even though they haven’t made a decision. They sit there saying that the two groups both represent America in different ways. They were the only groups they didn’t want to choose between and both deserve it. David suggests they change the rules and Piers latches onto the idea: “We’re the judges, we can change the rules!”

More Orville Reddenbacher product placement. Think the partying is really before the show? Before people get bad news…They may not want to party after being buzzed. Oh, I guess not since they’re asked specific act related questions.

Eric & Rickie vs Jeffrey Ou. I prefer the dancers though I’m not a particular fan of either. I think the kids have great potential but that they’re not ready yet. In five years they can take on So You Think You Can Dance but right now they lack the technique. America has voted…both are out.

Mario and Jenny vs Recycled Percussion. I like both of these groups though I disliked Mario and Jenny’s performance last light for the reasons that Piers said (lack of excitement/danger, different act). One is safe. One is going home. I can’t imagine Recycled Percussion not making it. Going through is…Recycled Percussion.

Tony and Grammy Award winning performance by the cast of Jersey Boys. It’s a very calm act relative to other ones, but they’re good. Nevermind, it picks up midway through. The judges give a standing ovation (this is the type of act that I think would be best in person) and Sharon is so short she looked like she’s still sitting.

Laurence Beaman, Drew Stevens, the EriAm Sisters, and Barbara Padilla last. 3 of 4 should be making it. Definitely Barbara. I hope Drew Stevens. Then I don’t care, but I suppose the EriAm Sisters. The first act that will be performing in the final is…Barbara Padilla.

Laurence Beaman has made it through.

Drew Stevens vs the EriAm Sisters. One spot left. The act going into the finals is…Drew Stevens.

America’s Got Talent Semifinals 2

Apparently five will be going through this week with no judges’ pick thanks to the way they changed the rules last week. (Some people were very unhappy that the judges didn’t pick.)

Piers stands behind the decision to send both groups through. Rules are meant to be changed. According to Sharon last week showed that there are real stars. Hoff promises not to use the word Hoff anymore, but he is Hoff-ully excited.

The ten semifinalists are: FootworKings, Recycled Percussion, The EriAm Sisters, Mario and Jenny, Laurence Beaman, Drew Stevens, Hairo Torres, Jerrey Ou, Eric and Ricky, and Barbara Padilla. Lots of pressure for their acts. They’ve been working hard. They’re nervous. This isn’t a walk in the park. They worry about Piers buzzing people.

First is Recycled Percussion. One of the guys says drumming got him through tough times. (His parents got divorced and his dad was a homeless alcoholic. His dad is sober and in Hollywood now.) The band’s message is being drug-free. They say this is bigger and better than anything they’ve ever done. I’m excited. Stomp is so cool. They perform with a van that the top half is lifted away from in the middle. One guy without a shirt. One guy smashes his guitar at the end. It’s pretty cool though I think that live it would be more amazing. Piers says there were moments where he couldn’t figure out if they’re mad or talented. Very inventive and creative. They’ve got excitement, entertainment, everything desired in a Vegas act. Sharon thinks he’s absolutely light but he left out how ripped they are. David says they have just the right amount of grease. Great act! They keep coming back with more.

Second comes Laurence Beaman. He grew up in a strict, controlling religious group. He sings Alicia Keys’s “Fallin'” and while it’s surprising since he’s a guy, I think he sounds great. Much better than last time. (There’s one awkward moment but otherwise…) My only complaint is with the background singers, I think they should have been a bit louder to harmonize with him better. Sharon likes hearing him sing contemporary. She loves his rich voice but she could have done without the vocal acrobats (I partially agree, some of them he didn’t do well). She thinks he’s got it so he does need to go over the top. David liked his choice of song. Piers lives him but didn’t like the performance. (David asks if he was watching…) He likes the older music. Well that’s cause you’re old Piers! (If he makes it through he wants to do the Lord’s Prayer. Classical style. Interesting.)

Eric and Rickie now. Eric almost fainted when he heard they were going through. They feel like stars now. All their friends and classmates say they’ll vote for them. Eric is excited about the nice cars in Hollywood. They’re working extra super duper hard. Eric’s dream is to buy a ferrari with the prize money even though he can’t drive. The set up is Global Toy Shop. Piers buzzes midway through. I like the song but I just think they’re not good enough yet. I think in a few years they will be amazing dancers and right now they are just good for their age. Nick wants to understand how Piers can X lollipops and dolls. Hoff says they can have their own amusement park. Piers tries to talk and gets booed. He tells the kids that he likes them but that he thinks the music didn’t work to their dance style. (The judges get into a discussion about whether or not America has custard. For the record Sharon, we do have it, but it’s gross.) Sharon says she loved everything and can’t fault anything. She points out that nowadays people do ballroom dancing to pop music all the time. He apparently doesn’t watch the other dance shows.

Jeffrey Ou now. He’s upset about the technical issues and thought it would mean he was sent home. But he’s back so he has a chance to prove he’s worthy. The show has given him confidence. He has a girlfriend now. (It kind of sounds like she just likes him because he was on TV…) Nick says his keyboard is connected to the lights so he’s controlling the lights. Ok…oh, once he starts playing you kind of see what he meant. The lights flash on and off in time with the music. Piers buzzes. It’s kind of boring but he is talented. The problem is, it’s piano there’s only so much you can do with it. Piers thinks the performance was out of control (like his hair). He says he hardly hit a note. Sharon says he’s given himself personality, people will remember his look. But, the playing was “out there” and sounded more like silent film music. It wasn’t very good. David asks if he hit all the right notes. He says he did. David thinks he enjoyed it, he’ll tell him later.

Hairo Torres is fifth. He was never good enough in anything but dancing. His mom is his biggest supporter. All she wants is for him to be happy. He hurt his back in rehearsal and worries that it will hold him back. Hopefully the adrenalin will keep away the pain. The song is “I Gotta Feeling.” The theme is school dance. He does some of the weirdest looking moves ever. He would probably make a very good gymnast. Sharon loved all the new steps. David thinks it was great. Piers likes that Hairo dances the same way he does.

The EriAm Sisters are on now. They have a hard time deciding on the song. David thinks they should concentrate on singing over dancing. They chose “Miracles” from the Prince of Egypt, sung by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. I love this song. They have some really good moments but its otherwise just okay. I don’t think this was necessary the best choice though they get to show off some nice range with it. Piers thought it was a shaky start, flat in the first third, but he put it down to nerves and what happened next was they got confidence and it became really good. (Exactly how I felt.) Sharon says they weren’t working together in the beginning but it came through and they got it. Be careful with arrangements, only one can lead. They deserve to be in the semis. David agrees, he loves their spirit. Terrific at the end. Congrats.

Mario and Jenny talk about the rock bottom moments of their career. This has given them confidence and creativity again. They’re so sore from practice but it’s worth it. It starts with some dancing. Mario taps in boots which is strange. Piers buzzes. Jenny hangs on a pole. Mario drums and then balances a drum of fire on his head. Well…they lost most of the fear and excitement that they normally have. Piers thinks they blew it big time. It lacked the danger, illusion, and excitement. It’s not the act that was put through. Sharon says it showed that they aren’t one dimensional and as far as putting on a show, there’s nothing they can’t do. Very diverse. David liked it very much. A lot went on and he thought it was entertaining. He thinks they’re ready for Vegas.

Drew Stevens sings a song I don’t recognize but he sounds really good. Better than last time. He has a super raspy voice that reminds of someone but I cannot think of who at the moment. Sharon tells him that so far the contest has been a rollercoaster for him. This week he chose a great song. Very aggressive. He made it his own. She didn’t like the song but she likes him. (I liked it.) She thinks he has star quality. David admires him for going for it. He doesn’t know if it worked for him in the beginning, Drew sold it. Bring it on. Piers says it was a massive gamble and it paid off.

FootworKingz barely made it through. Many in their community do footworking but no one has gotten so much prestige. Their theme will be superheroes (familiar theme, remember So You Think You Can Dance this year?) They plan to dance faster than ever. Oh I love it, incorporating the power rangers. Piers buzzes. Sharon buzzes. (One of the guys costumes is unraveling. Correction, two of them.) Well, I think last time was better, but I don’t think it warranted the buzzes. David says they’ve come a long way what he needs to see is for them to dance. Forget all the other stuff which gets in the way. Just dance together. Piers thought it was career suicide. They’re now the uncoolest. He doesn’t like that they included the power rangers. Sharon’s issue was that they do the same moves in different costumes, they need to do new things. That I agree with.

Last but not least, Barbara Padilla. She’s a cancer survivor which has given many people hope. She will be singing a prayer tonight. As always with her, she’s super talented but not my type of thing. Piers says not many can do what she does. Sharon says her skill surpasses even those who dislike opera. David says god has a plan for her. She gave a blessed performance and brings hope to people.

My preferences for who to go through: Recycled Percussion, Mario and Jenny, Drew Stevens, Barbara Padilla, and then I suppose FootworKingz or the EriAm Sisters though I’m not particularly invested in either. Who do you want to make through?

Results here!

America’s Got Talent Semi Final Results 1

Filler, filler, filler, exclusive performance by David Hasselhoff, filler, filler, filler, meet the judges…

Piers says last night’s show was the best ever so there will be shocking results. Sharon can’t wait to see which four are chosen. “Pimp Daddy Hassel” is looking forward to sharing the stage with Miss Piggy and Kermit.

Now for the results:
Group One: Arcadian Broad, The Texas Tenors, and Drew Thomas Magic. The first act going home in the group is Drew Thomas Magic. His daughter is crying which is sad. Only one is going through. America has voted. The act that is moving on into the finals is The Texas Tenors. They come over and give Arcadian a hug which is cute. David thinks America made a good decision. (They make it sound like America was voting between the people within each of those groups when that’s not how it works at all.)

3 spots left. Earlier today, Sharon was talking to Miss Piggy about having lunch with Kermit, making the muppet jealous.

Muppet performance first. They fight about him eating with Sharon and sing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” Kermit hands Nick a CD that says “in case Miss Piggy throws a fit.” It’s a collage of pictures of them together. She forgives him. This is such a strange act…

Product placement: at the Orville lounge we zoom in on a bowl of popcorn with the Orville Redenbacher’s logo on it.

Group 2: Grandma Lee, Tony and Rory, and Paradiso Dance. This is my least favorite group. I wouldn’t come to watch any of them for 90 minutes. Only one group is going through to the final. America has voted. The next act to go home is…Paradiso Dance. (Grandma Lee has got a bunch of people shouting her name.) Now, the act taking the second spot in the final is…Grandma Lee. She gets a huge chant with Sharon and David standing up to applaud. Piers thinks she’s a very special lady and “‘why can’t she win this show?”

Next performance by David Hasselhoff who is performing “Feeling Good.” It looks like an old time movie. David is singing. He’s actually pretty good. Oh, and now he’s dancing. Not as good. It sort of like an old man’s dance. He’s clearly not in the shape he was in during Baywatch.

2 spots left. Group 3: Kevin Skinner, Acrodunk, The Voices of Glory, and the Fab Five. Well this is frustrating because I like all of them. Though I like Voices of Glory least. This is the strongest group up. The first act going through is Kevin Skinner and he gives the promised biggest smile he can produce. Three acts, one spot. America has voted. The next act to go home is…Acrodunk. (Shrieky girl cheers for them and boos the results.) I’m surprised by that but I really want the Fab Five to get in. Sharon always gets so emotional at this point and everyone added so much. It’s all bitter sweet.

One spot left in the final. They came in 4th and 5th. Only one will move on and it’s the judges choice. She says she has a soft spot for the Voices of Glory and they’re nearly there. The Fab Five are gorgeous and unbelievable dancers. She can’t decide. She won’t do it. David tells the Voices of Glory that they’re so young and they have so much to bring. Fab Five are so on their game. Piers said they debated and having already lost one great act (Acrodunk), they don’t want to lose another so they’ve decided the only fair way is to have no judges’ pick. Voices of Glory and The Fab Five will be going through.

So to recap, going through are: The Texas Tenors, Granmda Lee, Kevin Skinner, The Voices of Glory, and The Fab Five.

America’s Got Talent Semi Finals 1 (10 of 20)

Ten of the top 20 perform in the first of two semi-final shows. 4 spots will make it into the final. Piers says they have to be worth $1 million. Sharon says show personality. Hoff is “hoffstatic” because the talent tonight is “hoffstanding.” He must be cringing every time he makes one of those jokes. If not, I’m cringing for him. (The Vegas will be hosted by Jerry Springer by the way.)

Performing tonight are: Drew Thomas Magic, Fab Five, Texas Tenors, Voices of Glory, Tony and Rory, Acrodunk, Kevin Skinner, Grandma Lee, Arcadian Broad, and Paradiso Dance.

The contestants size each other up and think about how huge the stakes are now. The quarterfinals gave them months of practice, the semifinals got only days. In a minute and forty-five seconds they have to do more than ever before. They’re so close.

Acrodunk is first. One of the guys met his dad for the first time in over twenty years last week. They’ve added fire to their routine. They’ve got a number of injuries. Can they pull through? Lots of smoke… They kinda look like power rangers but they do put on Let It Rock which is always a sure bet. Their performance ends with one of the guys diving through a hoop of fire to slam dunk into another hoop of fire. (It’s exciting my only complaint is very few actual dunks and a few times where the stage is left completely empty.) Piers says one of the most exciting, thrilling, dynamic, and entertaining things ever seen on the show. Sharon loves them, new elements, so exciting. David says they came to play and are on their way.

Second comes The Texas Tenors. Their unique style mixes country and opera music. Tonight they will be singing a ballad as per Hasselhoff’s advice. (So cheesy looking…they sing Unchained Melody.) I can’t really make out any of the words which is kind of irritating and as I’ve said before, not such an opera fan. Sharon says “whew well…fantastic.” Electric eye contact, nailed it. She offers her number to Marcus (the blond). David says they’re front runners to win. Piers says he told them to be less cheesy and they return with the cheesy pop song in history and sing it in the cheesiest possible way. But it was brilliant. They’ve only been together a few months but they just have a fun time.

Next up is Paradiso Dance. He’s been working out a bit more to get in shape plus he burned his hand. Oh cute, they’re doing the Shrek  song (really the Monkees’ I’m a Believer). Every time it started to get boring they pulled out a pretty cool lift move. I will say I think this was their best performance yet. Sharon asks how his hand is doing. She prefers the romantic style of dance but she appreciated the lighthearted funniness. Hoff likes their outfits and prefers the beauty of the romance. He hopes they’re voted back. Piers says it’s hard to follow the last acts and he thinks they forgot about their unique selling point (her lifting him) and that drifted away. (Dude, she can only lift him so many times. I also find that part so inelegant, so I don’t care for it.) They wanted to show a sense of fun.

Drew Thomas is next.  He’s been with his daughter this whole time, which is great. Everything has been built by them. Making it into the finals would give him a chance to give his daughter everything. It starts with a letter from his daughter that is narrated aloud. One buzz comes from Piers in the middles. It’s sweet because he incorporates his daughter into it, though not as exciting as his other shows. Piers hated it. (Boos from the crowd.) The music was too slow, the pace was absurd. The trick is the same as before (disappearing and reappearing assistants). His daughter, who is on stage with him, starts crying. Sharon starts talking to her to make her smile. She says she thinks it was fabulous. David says it’s nice to have a part be heartfelt and he likes it.

Tony and Rory are next. Sharon defends her choice to put them through. Piers disagrees. (Tony had to quit his job to do this because he had no vacation time left.) Oh the song Let’s Get It Started. Good choice. Definitely the best one yet, no dropped discs this time. Sharon says Rory delivered. He looks fantastic and was spot on. (Sharon doesn’t know what a frisbee is.) Sharon is furious at his boss for not giving him time off. David says he stepped it up and made a Vegas-worthy performance. Mr. Ogre-Morgan. No buzz. He said much better, honestly that was miles better than the last performance.

Voices of Glory. Older brother’s a jock. Younger is an artist. Sister’s a diva. Their parents are proud and tell them to just do their best.  The problem is that the brothers have good background voices but their not very strong otherwise so when the sister’s not singing it sounds really shaky. I think they’re good but I couldn’t listen to them for a 90 minutes show. David says they can bring the world together. They’re sweet and honest. Piers likes what they stand for (purity, polite, respectful, family) and they’ve got talent. She’s given her best vocal performance. They’re going to have to let her do the singing. Sharon asks if they thought they’d make it to the semis. She says the next time she sees them it will be at the final. If they won, they’d give 10% to charity and then let their dad divvy up the rest.

Fab Five are seventh. They grew up on a dairy farm where they had to work and do chores. Their dad is finally able to come to their performance (he usually misses them because of work). They do a band stand/ drumming routine to Lose My Breath and it’s a really good performance. (They even use bleachers which is really impressive the way they do it.) Possibly my favorite of the night so far. (Not the most attractive of outfits but well themed.) Piers says people forget how complicated and difficult their routine is. He would have liked to see a change of pace. They are brilliant but it will be tough to get through. Sharon says she loves the way they keep delivering the high energy. David says they’re better every time. They began performing together upon their father’s request.

Grandma Lee is up next. 75 year old comedian. She has ten grand kids. Her husband saw her perform one time before he died. There wasn’t time for comedy while she was raising her kids but now she has time to concentrate on herself. People her age consider their best years behind, she considers hers ahead. Umm, there are strippery oiled guys dancing in front of her. Until she tells them to cut the crap. Sharon loves Grandma Lee for her dirtiness, naughtiness, and irreverence. She’s got it happening. David says unlike other comedians, she’s actually funny. Piers loves her material, her delivery, and her achievement. He hopes she makes it through. I do not. I just didn’t think it was that funny. Amusing, but not Laugh Out Loud.

Arcadian Broad is up now. I love him. Since starting on the show, he’s had an easier time to talk to people. Especially girls. The girl he likes supports him. He will be doing partnering this time, which is a risk since she’s never been on stage before, but he wants to step it up. Ha, he chooses Together from High School Musical. It’s so cute and the lifts are well done. (I’d like him to expand on the different types of moves he does.) David loves the presentation and the whole thing. Piers says he’s very talented. He wondered if Arcadian was good enough for the finals given the standards of the acts and the answer is no. (LOTS OF BOOS.) He thinks the show is too early for him. Arcadian responds that he hadn’t planned this and the producers told him this. Piers says his technical ability isn’t quite good enough. Sharon says it isn’t up to him it’s up to America. Well done.

Kevin Skinner is the last one to perform singing “You Were Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson. He has a couple rough patches. I don’t think he picked the best song for his voice. I always like his performances but I think he’s been better. Piers says he has an ability to move an audience like he’s never seen before. He’s his favorite to twin the whole competition after that performance. Sharon loves to see him smile. He nailed it, perfect song choice. She’s sure he’s coming back. (If he comes back he’ll give her the biggest smile his face can possibly produce.) David says he’s come  long way and will go a long way further.

My votes go to Fab Five, Arcadian Broad, Acrodunk, and Drew Thomas Magic. (I’d put Kevin Skinner up there but if I have to choose four, those are the ones I like best.) Who would you vote for?

Check out the results now.

America’s Got Talent Results 4

First off, the EriAm Sisters vs Drew Stevens. America has voted and the first of five acts going into the semi-finals is…Drew Stevens. A little disappointed there. I kind of preferred the girls but what can you do? Just kidding…both of them made it!!! Haha, way to change things up but ouch that was mean.

We’re informed that the contestants have worked hard to get where they are and practice a lot. Well that’s a good sign. It’s cute to watch the contestants cheer each other on backstage and react the acts getting buzzed. Anyone else notice that each episode has “the best talent yet?”

Stepping forward is Pam Martin’s Top Dogs, African High Flyers, and Coney Island Chris. I think of these three I’d pick African High Flyers but honestly I’d pick none. Oh, and sure enough, they are all out. (I wonder why in the last results of quarterfinals show they decided to change the format…)

3 spots left.

Ishaara, Recycled Percussion, and Matt & Anthony are put forward. I’d be shocked if Recycled Percussion doesn’t make it. Only one is going through to the next round. The next act to go home is…Matt & Anthony. No shock there.With two left who will go through? Recycled Percussion.

5 groups left, two spots remaining…

Performance by Reba McKintire. Oh, she’s still around?

The Lollipop Girls Vs. Mia Boostrom vs Eric & Ricky vs Barbara Pedilla. I like all but the Lollipop Girls…First act going home is The Lollipop Girls. Good. Now I think I prefer the singers because while the kids are cute I don’t think their technique is there yet. One of the acts moving on is…Barbara Pedilla. (Sharon says she’s perfect.) Who will the judges choose between Mia and Eric & Ricky. David votes Eric & Ricky. Sharon votes Mia. Piers is the tie-breaker and he chooses Eric & Ricky.

Check out the Top 20 List and watch their quarterfinals performances.

America’s Got Talent: Final 10 of Top 40 Perform

5 spots left in the semi-finals. Morgan compliments Nick’s jacket. It’s all about the talent, be great. Hasselhoff has found a way to insert hoff into everything (even “mazelhoff”).

Ishaara the Bollywood group is first up. They’re all first generation Indian Americans who met at Berkley (even the tall, pale blond?). I think the bots shimmied better than the girls…This performance was stronger than the last one. I’m not in love with it but I think they did a good job. Piers says it was a wonderful way to start the show. Great energy and smiling. Sharon says they’re exotic, sexy, and great dancers. Hoff says America’s got Bodywatch (?!?) They’re the best dance group on the show by far.

Random comment, in seasons 1-3 the winner has always been a singer (in season 2 the winner was a singer/impressionist/ventriloquist). I wonder why that is.

Next up is cancer survivor Barbara Pedilla. She has adopted a daughter because she can’t conceive due to the radiation treatments. I don’t remember her from tryouts which is surprising considering her story. She’s an opera singer. She’s very good but I personally really don’t like opera. (Like her dress though.) She’s got a huge voice, I’ll give her that. Sharon tells her she’s taken her breath away. David thinks she’s a star. Piers says she’s the reason Simon Cowell created the show. She’s raised the bar. (I’d probably vote for her even though I dislike opera.)

Third comes a woman with a dog dancer, the performance is called Pam Martin’s Top Dogs. It must be brilliant since a dog act has already gone through. The dog is really cute but it’s just not enough for a 90 minute show in my opinion. I’m surprised she didn’t get any buzzes considering that not that much happened. David says whether she wins or not there is a place for her in Hollywood. Piers was certain he would buzz because he doesn’t like dog acts but the dog didn’t make a mistake. Sharon says it’s incredible. She has 16 dogs who can do nothing but pee on curtains. (16 DOGS!!!!)

African High Flyers are up next. They used to perform for tourists in Kenya. They plan a bigger show where one mistake is dangerous. Piers buzzes. They add some fire stick limbo. Fun but not worthy of another spot. Piers buzzed because he couldn’t watch them go for a long time. How far have they moved from their audition? Not far enough. Sharon says great energy and enthusiasm but they still need to add new elements for the next stage. David doesn’t know what they were watching but he loved it.

Mia Boostrom is on now. She’s been put down for being heavier. She’s not very big, not enough that I even noticed until she started talking about it. It might just be the close. She’s a pianist and singer and she sings Halleluyah. Great choice. She gets better as the song goes on and it’s an interesting remix. (Do they require most singers to have bback up dancers?) Sharon: WHOA who knew? You delivered. David: Look at how far you’ve come! Classy and beautiful. Piers: Love your guts and resilience and he thought she missed some notes, it was good but she’s not top among the other singers.

Erik and Ricky are up. These 8 and 9 year olds have been dancing since they were 4. They just have to hold it together. They’re so cute. Much as I dislike the passodoble (sorry Mary Murphy) I think they’re actually better than their audition. Sharon and David stand up to applaud. Hoff thinks they were so great, Ricky is so cool and Erik is the man and he thinks they could go all the way. Piers wants a man to man word with Erik, he’s the man. One of the most charming acts yet. Sharon thinks they brought in the right amount of drama.

Coney Island Chris is seventh. Being a comedian is a difficult life. He needs to horrify. He’s risking his life in this performance. Sharon and Piers buzz him when he lights his tongue on fire. He gets a final buzz after lighting his butt on fire. The audience seemed to be laughing at all of his jokes. Piers didn’t find it funny or shocking. Sharon agrees, he’s not on the level of the acts that have gone on so far. (She says “I don’t know how you got this far.”) Hoff just says it wasn’t there.

College roommates Matt and Anthony, the tap dancer and guitarist are up next. There’s just not enough going on in this performance and the back up dancers are poorly utilized, should have gotten some tap dancers. A single buzz from Piers. No shock there. Sharon thinks the dancing was incredible but there’s something in the combo that is missing. David thinks it works but were slightly off at times. Piers thinks the singing isn’t up to par with the dancing. I didn’t think he singing was noticeably bad.

Here comes the wildcard act The Lollipop Girls. They’re all crying as they talk. Fun, entertaining, saucy. If they don’t make it Hoff will go into a depression. The judges were all uncertain before but were impressed.

Drew Stevens is on now, the second wildcard. Piers doesn’t think his voice is strong enough and I kind of agree. He sings “How To Save A Life” and the opening is a little weak though he does improve as the song picks up a bit but not enough. Piers not strong enough but best performance for him. Sharon says she was surprised. Hoff is glad he came back too and had heard him backstage and thought it was a guest star.

On comes Recycled Percussion stomp group. I love stomp. They certainly stepped it up with fire and saws and stuff. All three judges give them a standing ovation. Well, I know which group I like best of the night (possibly the whole competition). Sharon doesn’t even recognize the group it’s gone up so much. David just wants to go bang on things. Piers says not everyone takes the advice they’re given but boy did they take it. (Now how will they top this? That’s what I’m curious about it?) He thinks a load of trash can win the show.

The EriAm Sisters perform now. They’re a sister group. The second all sister group. They sing Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love.” I think they chose the wrong song because the background is hard to keep on beat and harmonized and they are off for a bit though they definitely get better. David says the show is becoming America’s Got Kids and their singing is great talent. Piers likes their cheeky dancing. The 12 year old has the biggest voice and he thinks they’re the next Destiny’s Child. Sharon says they delivered and hopes America brings them back so she can see what else they can do.

The voting lines are now open. Results tomorrow.

America’s Got Talent- 3rd 10 of Top 40 Perform

Piers says he finds it easy to be right but that his co-judges made the wrong decision. Sharon thinks singers must be brilliant to make it because this show isn’t just about singing, it’s about variety. David talks and makes me want to gag him…(I know you’re washed up but no need to be corny please).

The FootworKingz are up first. This is their chance, their time. It’s Chicago’s culture. Their feet move at 170 beats per minute. How do they know that? The night before one of the guys hurt his foot. This is the fastest routine they’ve ever done. On the one hand it’s cool, on the other because it’s only their feet it gets redundant. Piers says they’re better than he remembers. Sharon says brilliant. David says Hoff the charts! How will they top themselves?

Marcus Terrel and the Serenades is second. He has new back up singers. Hopefully they can get chemistry in such a short time. Poor song choice, Simon would chew him out for it. It doesn’t shut off his skill and the back up singers are eh. Sharon thinks he’s fabulous and the ladies are better. David says these women are much better. Piers said he’s a great singer. (Sharon barks at him.)

Pixie Mysterie‘s oldest member is 11. They’ve been together for 5 years. These kids are really cute. My only thing here is while the tumbling passes were cool, they got a little redundant as there was little actually dancing and a lot of cartwheels. David says they “came to play.” Piers says he’s disappointed for not being able to hit his buzzer. Sharon says they’re all magic and she wants to put them in her garden.

Jay Matioli the magician performs now. He’s one of the wildcard acts. He tries to make magical cool and relatable. This will be the first time he does some of the acts.He incorporates some Michael Jackson dance moves into his act. Piers and Sharon buzz. Piers says it wasn’t surprising. Sharon says it was too typical. David says he started with a bang but the scarves really brought it down. Good attitude and presentation but big enough?

On comes Bri. Sharon hopes this seventeen year old remains unique. She’s singing Pokerface. She starts slow and then speeds up and then slows down. I think it started good, had some rocky moments, and then ends well. Sharon’s applauding along with the audience. She tells Bri she took a huge risk by changing up the song and she owned it. She has nothing negative to say. David’s all “wow!” He wasn’t such a fan of the dancers at first but then it all worked. Piers says not much excites him these days but her performance did because with all the female singers out there who dominate the charts have their own style and she does too. Bri is speechless.

U4ria Dance Crew, the second wildcard of the night, performs now. They’re a new crew so they have some disagreements. So far no wildcards have made it so they hope to be the first. (The camera angle is so annoying and makes it hard to follow the dance.) They set it in an insane asylum. Not so impressed with this dance crew. Maybe watching Randy Jackson’s America’s Best Dance Crew I’m spoiled. David loved it. Piers says he thinks they’re the first wildcard act that he’s pleased to see again and he thinks they taken their act forward and he thinks the dancing this season has been unbelievable. So far this quarterfinals is one of the best ever. Sharon loved the routine but she doesn’t know if they’re the best technical dancers. Luckily for them most of America won’t vote by technique. And often can’t tell the difference.

Dave Johnson sings country about the Golden Girls. Piers buzzes. He doesn’t sound very good. This is not as funny as his tryouts. Sharon buzzes. David just likes him because he wrote a song for David. David finally buzzes and the song ends. Piers tells him he was not hot. (Boos) He doesn’t get it or think it’s funny. Sharon he was kinda folky with silly lyrics which isn’t her thing. David says it won’t make it further.

Hairo Torres next. He’s dancer/contortionist. Can one dancer headline in Vegas? Tonight’s performance is…everything. Until the next stage. He has backup dancers and a funny story line about a nerd who can’t help himself but dance. It’s very clever and funny. Sharon thinks he looks like Jerry Lewis on acid. She wonders if he can do the thing on his own but he was great so far. David thinks he’s the weirdest dancer everywhere because he’s all over the place but great and entertaining. Piers he should think more about his choreography for a 90 minute show. (He had a bunch of dancers with him so I don’t know why they keep making a big deal about him being alone.)
G-Force, a group of three sisters, is up next. All under 13. They want to be the girl version of the Jonas Brothers. Can they handle the pressure? They seem confident. Bad song choice. They play their instruments well but they aren’t singing loud enough. Piers buzzes. I think the nerves have gotten to them a bit. Especially the lead singer. David goes first and says they were his favorite in the beginning, they were a little off on the vocals but they have a major career ahead of them. Piers says he loves them and their instrumental skill but the vocals were off. If they can fix that they have a potentially great act. Sharon says their audition was better but it’s understandable.

3 acts let. Jeffrey Ou is up with classical music. He’s shy and socially awkward but when playing he’s comfortable. He reminds me of Arcadian Broad the way he smiles when he plays, looking so happy. You can’t actually hear the piano playing once the music picks up. David says you couldn’t hear the piano. And he doesn’t need the backup dancers. Piers says something was wrong that it couldn’t be heard but he doesn’t know how to judge it. Apparently the audio cable was knocked out. So what will happen then? Well there’s no redo…Sharon prefers him as the mad professor/not as current.

Mario and Jenny who juggled chainsaws go now. Their act is all about the danger. He looks like the anti-christ or something. They juggle guitars on fire and do other fire things. It’s pretty cool looking though I don’t think I would go to a performance like this. Sharon says their execution is excellent. They belong in Vegas. David says they’ve come to play and were better than before and could even win. Piers says this was as near to a Vegas act as they’ve seen and he is glad he won’t be voting.

Laurence Beaman is the final act of the night, another singer. Emotion=strength for him. Or so Sharon hopes. He sings “You Are So Beautiful.” Again, poor song choice. It starts too slow without showing off his voice. He has a good voice but the song doesn’t getloud enough to show it off for the most part. Piers gives him a standing ovation. I wish Simon was on this show. Sharon says “OOOH smooth.” She likes his song choice. David says he feels sorry for everyone else in thecompetition. He did’t win my vote. (If I ever bothred to vote.) Piers didn’t think anyone would beat FootworKingz but hethinks he is a guaranteed star.

America’s Got Talent: Results 2

Which five groups from last night will make it into the top 20?

First, a recap so we can have a refresher on last night (even though from 8-9 was a refresher show…)

Eleisha cried last night 😦 That’s my only issue with this show. Kids at a certain age are too young to take critique as anything other than bashing. (Some adults can’t even understand it.) So I wish they had a minimum age, even if it was like twelve, which is around when kids begin to experience cuts etc for teams.

Piers says he was right for all his buzzes but he was sorry/uncomfortable about making Eleisha cry.

The twelve acts are called onto the stage.

Fab Five vs Beale Street Flippers. One is safe one is eliminated. The act moving on is…Fab Five. (Duh!) David thinks it was the right decision.

LMFAO performs. Don’t actually know who they are. And I’m okay with that. It’s weird.

Voices of Glory Vs Eleisha Miller Vs Carol Loo. Well, this is a pretty obvious result as well. The next act to go home is Carol Loo. And now, the act going through into the top 20 is…Voices of Glory. (Again, duh.) Eleisha hugs the others. She says she promised her mom that if she didn’t make friends she wouldn’t watch it. She’s good.

The Texas Tenors vs Pete Peterkin. Now it’s not as obvious a choice. Although not that hard either I think. The act that is safe is the Texas Tenors. So far no surprises. (The show last night wasn’t all that great as compared to last week.) Why does Piers think acapella is unusual? What planet is he from?

Magic show by Penn and Teller (who have a show in Vegas) where they saw a woman in half. They then show the way the magic trick is done and “accidentally” actually cut her in half.

Up now is SQ Entertainment, Alizma, and Paradizo Dance. I’m thinking SQ Entertainment but people seem amazed that the girl lifts the boy in Paradizo dance so I don’t know. I don’t think it’s such a big deal and I wouldn’t want to go see it. The next act going home is…Alizma, the only act to get three Xs last night. Two acts left, one is going through. America has voted. The next act moving one step closer to $1 million is Paradizo Dance. (Well, that’s unfortunate but I’m not so surprised.)

Last but not least, the fifth and six spot. Charles Dewayne vs Rory and Tony. The judges get to pick. Sharon passes. David picks the dog. Piers says Charles (if he doesn’t go through it’ll be the biggest scandal!) Sharon says it’s gonna have to be Rory and Tony. Piers is scandalized.

Some acapella by Voicemale-
(the quality isn’t great because the recordings are on cameras)
(a recording)
(an acapella dance competition that they won for best choreography)penn and tellerelei