Wednesday, September 16, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (09/14/2009) (W13N2)

THE FINALS RESULTS SHOW, tonight. (Week 13, Night 2)

The Top 10 Acts: The Texas Tenors, Grandma Lee, Kevin Skinner, The Voices of Glory, The Fab Five, Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beaman, Hairo Torres, Drew Stevyns, and Barbara Padilla. Here are their bios (from NBC's AGT site)

[Links on the act names, below, are to their video from the finals show. Click their names to be taken to NBC and see the videos.]

Montage of the Finals show and the acts.

The show begins.

Also tonight: Leona Lewis, Rascal Flatts, Shakira, and Susan Boyle.

Introduction of the judges.
Piers: I normally work out 1 or 2 acts I think will win. Tonight, they are so good, I can't do that.
Sharon: I hate that now, after tonight, it's over, but I can't wait to see who America will vote for.
David: I'm just very excited tonight, because we've had a long journey for all the acts.

Song: Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me That Way" - The Top 10 Finalists start it out, and Thelma comes onstage. Acts join her in the song. Nice. Cool way to bring the acts on!

Break

Introducation video of Leona Lewis. She performs "Happy"

Break

Montage to "Simply The Best" of the Auditions. Many of those who were "X"ed off.
"The Audition All-Stars" live to "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now". Again, many from the montage.
Scary to think that this is probably part of the Vegas show!
Ends with Granda Lee and Piers in a magician's "box" behind a curtain, she in a wedding dress, and Piers "caught" making out with her. LOL

Break

Cirque de Soliel performs "Banana Shpeel".
[This show does strange things to you! For example, I, immediately, thought that if they were being judged by the judges, they'd have been buzzed before the act got rolling! LOL]

Acts in the Orville Lounge - After Monday's Show.

Break

Another montage of Acts - Many of the most memorable acts and the Top 10, and a few of those "x"ed. "The highs and the lows".

The Top 10 are onstage. After the break, the Top 5 will be revealed.

Break

Step forward: Hairo Torres and Barbara Padilla
The act taking the first spot in the top 5 is ... Barbara Padilla

Step forward: Lawrence Beaman and The Voices of Glory
The act taking the next spot in the top 5 is ... The Voices of Glory

Step forward: The Texas Tenors and The Fab Five
The act taking the next spot in the top 5 is ... The Texas Tenors

Step forward: Kevin Skinner and Drew Stevyns
The act taking the next spot in the top 5 is ... Kevin Skinner (OMG!)

Step forward: Recycled Percussion and Grandma Lee
The act taking the final spot in the top 5 is ... Recycled Percussion

Piers: It's amazing to see the acts still here, but it's also amazing to see the acts that are gone. Three or four could easily have been in the top 5. So, I would say this is officially the best season we've ever had.

Break

Montage of the judges backstage, onstage, etc. having fun and getting laughs.

Shakira performs "SheWolf"

Break

Top 5: The Voices of Glory, Kevin Skinner, Barbara Padilla, The Texas Tenors, Recycled Percussion

The act finishing in fifth place and leaving the competition is ... The Voices of Glory
Sharon: This is just the beginning for you. We are gonna see a whole lot more of you guys. You aren't going anywhere. And I love you. (Montage of VoG throughout the show.)

The act finishing in fourth place and leaving the competition is ... The Texas Tenors (Wow!)
(Montage of TT throughout the show.)
David: Congratulations and just let me buy a ticket to your show. You guys are fantastic. This is only the beginning... Only the beginning.

The act finishing in third place and leaving the competition is ... Recycled Percussion (OMG!)
(Montage of RP throughout the show.)

Leaving Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla, about as opposite of a pair as there could be.
Piers: I think I think what everybody thinks. You have two completely opposite acts - The country boy and the opera singer - the chicken farmer and the woman who beat cancer. I can't call it.

(Unbelievable!)

Break

Rascal Flatts perform "Summer Nights"

Montage of Kevin Skinner's journey to the Top 2.
Montage of Barbara Padillia's journey to the Top 2.

Break

Montage of Susan Boyle's journey, and she performs her version of The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses", singing in America for the first time. (From her debut album, "I Dreamed a Dream".

Break

Again, Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla.

America has voted. The winner of the $1,000,000 and the headline show in Las Vegas is ... KEVIN SKINNER! (OMG! YAY for him! WOW!)
Kevin: I'm ready to perform. I'm gonna go out there and give them the best performance I can. I love you all!

(Barbara has a full career ahead of her! She's going to go a VERY long way, as should ALL the acts in the top 10 and more.)

Full-Length Video from tonight's show

Full Season Four episodes
Newest videos (where tonight's acts' will appear, and the start of the video library for AGT)
Top-rated videos (watched most often, I'm sure)
If you're interested only in knowing what the music done on the show was, it's here.

Monday, September 14, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (09/14/2009) (W13N1)

THE FINALS, tonight. (Week 13, Night 1)

The Top 10 Acts: The Texas Tenors, Grandma Lee, Kevin Skinner, The Voices of Glory, The Fab Five, Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beaman, Hairo Torres, Drew Stevyns, and Barbara Padilla. Here are their bios (from NBC's AGT site)

[Links on the act names, below, are to their video from the semi-finals shows. Click their names to be taken to NBC and see the videos.]

The show starts.

Montage of the top 10 acts, and some of what the judges said about them (good stuff).

Nick Cannon (host) comes out, explains a bit, tells us about the finals (Wednesday at 8PM, the results show. A number of stars, and Susan Boyle will perform, then), and introduces the judges (Piers Morgan, Sharon Osborne, and David Hasselhoff).

Piers: I don't think there's a clear favorite. This is the biggest talent show in the world. All I said to them is this, "You all have a one-in-ten shot at it."

Sharon: Just think about that million dollars. It can make me funnier, dance better, whatever.

David: When you're headlining in LV, that means that people are paying to see you, and you're there to MAKE money, not LOSE money.

The finalists all come on-stage, being introduced to the live audience.

Break

Voices of Glory
Song: Whitney Houston's "The Greatest Love of All"
Beautiful! They are great. All judges standing.
Piers: I've waited the whole time with you three for it to click, and you to get it right. Then tonight, out comes your little Diva, then you boys come in. Tonight, you may well give your mom a check for a $1,000,000. It's that good.
Sharon: Perfectly in synch and you delivered.
David: You not only brought your mom out of a coma, you brought Piers out of a coma. Fantastic. Out of the park... You hit it out of the park.

Break

Hairo Torres
Sing: Taco's(?) "Puttin' on the Ritz" / Neyo's "Closer"
Nice. He emoted very well. As a solo in a Vegas act, it would work well.
Sharon: You took a really big risk, and you gave a very emotional performance. And I think you did the right thing. Very emotional and I loved your music choice.
David: I loved the way you started out, then you went into ... oh no... but if you do a Vegas act, you need to bring it back and tie it all together.
Piers: I love you as a person, but I've got to be honest, here. I don't think it worked. Once we saw you in a group with other performers, it was fun. Being alone on stage, though, I don't think it worked.

Break

Lawrence Beaman
Song: Barry White's "My First My Last My Everything"
Personally, I think he's got technique, but he's not as emotional as other acts. Good, but...
David: And now you're leaving us a star. Whether you win or not, you will be playing all over the world.
Piers: That is why I wanted you to sing Barry White. Having said that, it's not quite there, yet. When you went toward the women, Barry would have scooped them up. You looked a bit like a deer in the headlights. We need a bit more love.
Sharon: How did you feel? I thought it was very comfortable - probably the most comfortable I've seen you on stage - very relaxed, very comfortable performance that you gave up there.

Break

Barbara Padilla
Song: "O Mio Vino Caro" from IL CRITTICO
Beautiful. She IS a star. Judges and audience standing ovation.
Piers: Millions of Armeican's are looking at you and thinking she's one of us.
Sharon: You look like a billion dollars, and sound like three billion dollars. How far you've come in such a short time. And just think what you will be like a year from now, even better.
David: Like looking at Audrey Hepburn, you're so beautiful. Forget Vegas. You have bigger stages to play.

Break

Fab Five
(stepping out of their comfort-zone for the finals, doing moves they haven't done since they were kids)
Song: Britney Spears' "Circus"
Some in audience standing ovation.
Sharon: I tell you ladies, that was beautifully choreographered. The whole stage... You ladies belong in Vegas. It's going to be so hard on the voter.
David: Do you girls ever stop smiling. But you know what? I can't stop smiling when I watch you.
Piers: What is extraordinary, is you've been dancing with each other for over 20 years, and you're still friends. I think what we're seeing is an act that's put more hours into practicing than any other act, tonight.

Break

The Texas Tenors
Song: "My Way"
Wow. That was fantastic. Standing O by everyone.
David: Man you guys got a lotta guts, coming out and doing a Frank Sinatra song. And I LOVED it. You coulda gone any way, cheesy, like you've done before. You could have gone country, but you did it YOUR way.
Piers: What do you mean cheesy? That was the most cheesy thing I've seen. I could feel the mozerlla seeping off the stage. I was walking down Malibu and started singing Unchained Melody, and it was YOUR version. Here's the thing, you're cheesy at times. Las Vegas is cheesy at times. You guys have become my guilty pleasure.
Sharon: Tonight it was triple cheese. You've vocals were right on, your harmonies were right on, and as I said before, I love cheese, and I love you guys.

Break

Drew Stevyns
The dark horse. He came back as a Wild-Card.
Song: The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You"
Great. That was fantastic. I think he has a very "Rob Thomas" voice.
Piers: Watching that I just felt very proud of the show tonight. All the acts are performing out of their skins. Every time I see you, I'm very embarrassed that we left you out of the top 40.
Sharon: If I was a manager and looking for a great rock singer, I would pick you. You check all the boxes, you're good-looking, you have a great voice, and ... your trousers could be tighter, though. LOL You are a dark horse. This is going to be very interesting.
David: Great job, man. Your best performance of the whole season, you have a great chance to win this whole thing. Great job.

Break

Grandma Lee
Carried out on a sedan, appearing pregnant. "Cut the Crap" (cuts the music). Says, "Well discuss this (her belly) later, Mr. Morgan."
Standing O.
Sharon: Your material tonight, the Ryan Seacrest joke, just got me. It's gonna be so hard to choose.
David: It's so hard to choose. Every time you come on here, you're funnier and funnier.
Piers: You shameless little hussy. First of all you cheat on me with The Hoff, then with Simon. I want a paternity test, 'cause if you win the million dollars, I want my slice of the pie.

Break

Kevin Skinner
Song: Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing"
Piers stands, then the other judges. Good version. He's got a kind-of-a very early Randy Travis-type voice. VERY country.
David: You've been one of my favorites all along, because you ARE what this show is about.
Piers: Not perfect, you hit a few flat notes, but you are a rough diamond, You're unpolished. This time last year, you were catching chickens. What would be a better way, America coming out of this recession, but with YOU winning this competition.
Sharon: You DON'T have a the best voice, but neither did Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and (missed it), but they are all unique. YOU are unique. You don't NEED that "great voice". Wonderful.

Break

Recycled Percussion
Song: "Wipe Out"
They start on stage, then run to the top of a piece, and drum, then get into the piece, thunder sounds, two on top are playing (on guitar), and two inside in "rain". Water bouncing off the drums...
Cool. VERY Vegas. That was GREAT!
Piers: That was an absolutely brilliant way to end this show. I would put you in Vegas tomorrow.
Sharon: I have to hand it to you, you are all so creative. You belong in Vegas.
David: You guys are insane. You make me want to beat on things, and now I wanna take a shower, and put drums in the shower.

OH MAN! HELL of a choice. EVERY ONE of these acts are great in their own way. This is getting harder and harder each year.

Wife: Five on The Three Tenors, and Five on Recycled Percussion
Me: Five on The Three Tenors and Five on Recycled Percussion

I've said it before, and will again here, and again, next year, I'm sure. Every one of these people need to be doing their acts on stage somewhere, making their living doing it. That goes for many of those that DIDN'T make it THIS far, too.

That's it for tonight. See you Wednesday for the Results show.

Full-Length Video from tonight's show

Full Season Four episodes
Newest videos (where tonight's acts' will appear, and the start of the video library for AGT)
Top-rated videos (watched most often, I'm sure)
If you're interested only in knowing what the music done on the show was, it's here.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (09/09/2009) (W12N2)

Results from last night's semi-finals show. Because of the judge's voting on two last week, America gets votes all five acts through, tonight.

Tonight: (click their names to see their semi-finals act): Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beaman, Erik & Rickie (couldn't find on NBC, so here's YouTube's version), Jeffrey Ou, Hairo Torres, The EriAm Sisters, Mario & Jenny, Drew Stevyns, FootworKINGz, Barbara Padilla. And a performance by the Jersey Boys.

Montage of last night's show. Introduction of the judges. Some words from the judges on last night's show. And introduction of the acts from last night.

Next Monday - FINALS

First up: FootworKINGz and Hairo Torres
The act going into the finals is ... Hairo Torres.
David and Sharon stood, clapping.
Piers: You have got a reward tonight for real dedication to giving us the real you, and someone who really really wants this, and I salute you.

Break

Last week the judge's pick, they decided to change the rules affecting tonight's show. It happened during a commercial break, and the camera's were rolling. They show a montage and the discussion about bending the rules.

Orville Lounge After Show montage.

Next up: Erik & Rickie and Jeffrey Ou

Break

Between Erik & Rickie and Jeffrey Ou
Both are out.
Sharon: What do you think about these results? They've done very well for getting this far. Each act has done very very well. But America has spoken.

Six acts remaining, four places left.

Next up: Mario & Jenny and Recycled Percussion.
The act going into the finals is ... Recycled Percussion.
David: Did America get it right? I want to say to Mario & Jenny, you're dream is to play Vegas, you'll get there.

Break (four acts, three spots)

Jersey Boys - Medley: "You're Just to Good to Be True" / "Walk a Man" / "Who Loves You Pretty Baby" (Nice)

Break

Next Up: Lawrence Beaman, Drew Stevyns, The EriAm Sisters, and Barbara Padilla
The act taking the fourth spot in the finals is ... Barbara Padilla
Piers: I watched back the performance you gave last night, and I think it was the single greatest vocal performance we've ever had on the show. Everyone now knows that you are the one to beat.

Two spots left.
The act taking the next spot in the finals is ... Lawrence Beaman
Sharon: I'm very happy that you're through to the final. And, you've already told us what you're going to sing, right? (He's been going back and forth.) Just be yourself.

Two acts left, only one can stay in the competition. It's crunch time, when we come back.

Break

Between Drew Stevyns and EriAm Sisters
The act going into the finals is ... Drew Stevyns
David: I think America made the right choice. You have originality and commercial appeal. You sang from your heart and went for it.

And now, the 10 finalists are: The Texas Tenors, Grandma Lee, Kevin Skinner, The Voices of Glory, The Fab Five, Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beaman, Hairo Torres, Drew Stevyns, and Barbara Padilla. They will also have many surprise guests.

That's it! See you next Monday.

Full Show Video from tonight's show

Full Season Four episodes
Newest videos (where tonight's acts' fates will appear, and the start of the video library for AGT)
Top-rated videos (watched most often, I'm sure)
If you're interested only in the music done on the show, it's here.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (09/08/2009) (W12N1)

Week 12, Night 1. Second Semi-Finals Show. 10 Acts, Live from Hollywood. Acts have one minute and 45 seconds (1:45). No judge's pick this week. So, apparently, they're assuming the judges picked their two last week. Therefore, this week, it will be the top 5, voted on by America.

Tonight: Jeffrey Ou, Lawrence Beaman, Mario & Jenny, Hairo Torres, FootworKINGz, Drew Stevyns, The Eriam Sisters, Recycled Percussion, Barbara Padilla, and Erik & Rickie.

Again, the first episode is introducing the judges and the acts. The judges talk about their decision last week, and about the acts in general.

Break

Recycled Percussion (from week 10)
(Tonight they're playing things they've never played.)
Song: "Highway Star". Beating on a van, guys playing on top. The top lifts up, and two guys on drums underneath. WOW. They are Vegas!
Piers: There were moments in that where I couldn't work out if you were incredibly talented or a bit crazy. Showmanship and entertainment. You provide it all. Sharon: Piers is right, as usual. He did leave out that you are very ripped. And your act was great, too. David: I think what she's saying is you have just the right amount of grease. You keep coming back and back and back with more. You have one more shot. (I liked last time's better, but it was very cool and entertaining. And, as I said, VERY Vegas.)

Break

Lawrence Beaman (from week 9)
Song: "I Keep on Falling In and Out of Love with You"
Sharon: Lawrence. Nice to hear you sing something contemporary. Beautiful voice, but I could have done without the vocal acrobats. You've got it, you're a very special guy. You don't need to do the warbling. David: I liked your choice. Tonight you went out on a limb, because that's a very hard song to sing. Piers: I love you, I think you're a fantastic guy to have on the show. I didn't like the performance. I like you singing the old stuff. I still see you as Barry White. Seeing you as Alicia Keyes is confusion. (Said he'd do the Lord's Prayer, classical style, in the finals if he makes it through. I DO think the warbling didn't do it for me, and again, I didn't think he "emoted" as well. That will come in time, but he's got to make it through. I think I'd LOVE to hear him do the Lord's Prayer. We'll see.)

Break

Erik & Rickie (from week 10)
They come out doing MJ's Black & White, stepping out of "toy boxes" like dolls. Piers buzzed. Not really ballroom song, but
David: I mean first their was Donnie and Marie, now there's Erik and Rickie. Who cares who says you can't play Vegas, I think you can. The show will have to be at 4 in the afternoon... Piers: You know I like you guys, so it's not personal. Putting that type of music to the way you dance I don't think works. It's like eating fries and custard. Sharon: There was not one thing I could fault. I loved the music, the set, and think you guys are fantastic. (Cute... I don't know. We'll see how the other acts do.)

Break

Jeffery Ou (from week 9 - remember there was a failure in the sound halfway through.)
(His keyboard is connected to the lighting system. I don't like classical songs that sound "wrong", and this was one of them.) Piers buzzed.
Piers: I think I'm gonna have to name you Oh Jeffery after that. It's like someone plugged Mozart into an electic socket. It was all over the place. I don't think you hit a note. Sharon: The playing was pretty out there. It sounded like the old movies. David: Did you hit all the right notes? I don't know Hungarian Rhapsody. I think I expected birds to come out of your hair. (He looked like Mozart. He may have hit all the notes right, but who could tell, but a conductor. I'm sure he did, but I think he made a wrong song-choice, if HE made it. Wonder if the producers had anything to do with the choice. If so, then they ARE stacking the deck.)

Break

Hairo Torres (from week 9)
(He hurt his back landing in practice. We'll see how he does.)
Song: Black-Eyed Peas "Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night"
Audience gives a standing ovation. Sharon: You added a lot more new steps that I've never seen before. I like that. I hope that America votes for you and brings you back. David: Hairo, you're like the perfect date for the Prom. I was watching you and the guy next to me was laughing. And it was because you are entertaining. Piers: I was wondering why I liked you. It's because you dance exactly like I do. (haha). You make us laugh. You entertain us. (He's a great street/break dancer. He MIGHT make it to the next round, but I don't see him winning.)

Break

The EriAm Sisters (from week 10)
{They had a couple of songs to choose from. They had some issues over the choice, but finally have chosen.)
Song: "When You Believe"(?)
Piers: I thought it was a shaky start, you were a little flat in the first part of the song. We have to remember it is a big moment in your lives. I gave you a little latitude to see what would happen next. What happened next is you got your confidence, and it became a very good performance. Sharon: You have to be careful in your arrangements. You all tried to do lead, and when you came together, it was great. David: It was a little shaky in the beginning, and was great at the end. (They harmonize wonderfully, but when soloing, may be a little flat. That will change with more practice. It may not have been the right song choice. They ARE good. But good enough?)

Break

Mario & Jenny (from week 9)
(He's from seven generations of circus performers. His grandfather was born a gypsy. She was told she was wrong for dancing - too tall, not right.)
Song: Marilyn Manson "Beautiful )People"
Piers buzzed. (Mario danced, played drums, then set the bass drum on fire, and balanced it.
Piers: Didn't work for me at all. I think you blew it. What I got tonight was that Mario could skip, dance (not very well), play the drums (not very well). Sharon: For me it shows you are not one-dimensional. The only thing we've never seen you do is sing. You're very diverse. David: I liked it very much, a German, Techno-weird-type show. I think you guys are ready for Vegas. I hope America votes you through. (I understand they were showing their diversity. The problem I see with that is that you get voted on or off the show, by many, for that ONE act - People don't include the "whole show" when they vote. We'll see. They're good.)

Break

Drew Stevyns (from week 10)
Song: Wham! "Wasted Chances" (a rocking version)
Sharon: So far this contest has been like a roller-coaster ride for you. Tonight's song choice, you chose to sing it lower range, and you did make it your own. I didn't like the song, but I like you. David: I admire you for going for it. Dokken is one of my favorite groups, and that's the feeling I got from that. I'm not sure you hit it in the beginning, but congratulations for going for it. Piers: That was a massive gamble to do that song that way. I think it paid off.
(I liked the version of the song. But I'm not sure if he should be the one singing it that way. It's only him and his guitar on stage. I think I'd prefer hearing him do more of a Croce-type song.)

Break

FootworKINGz (from week 9)
{Going to try to dance at 188 beats per minute, tonight.)
Song: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (rock version?)
Piers buzzed. Sharon buzzed.
David: Ok. You came a long way from the streets. I don't need the lasers. I just want to see you guys dance. When you do all the other stuff, it just gets in the way. Piers: I thought that was career suicide. You guys were the coolest guys I've seen in years. And now you're the uncoolest. Sharon: My problem is that you do the same dance moves in different costumes. You've got to quit doing that Russian Cossack move, we've seen it. But I liked it. How's that?

Break

Barbara Padilla (only video I could find on NBC. I believe she would be on Week 9's full video. CLICK HERE for the YouTube version.)
Song: "Ave Maria" (Standing ovation, including the judges)
Piers: Wow. Wow wow wow. Not many things leave me speechless. That just did. The whole of America is going to remember where they were when they heard you sing that song. Because tonight, a superstar was born on this show. Sharon: It doesn't matter what genre of music you like on this show. Music trancends. David: You know they say that God has a plan for all of us. God certainly has a plan for you. He gave you the tenacity to beat cancer, and put you here to heal people.

That's it for tonight.

If the producers are making song or dance selections, then they ARE "stacking the deck". Jeffery Ou's performance was good, but again, who knew if he hit the right notes but professional conductors and pianists. Of course, they say that the acts have the final say, but we know what that means elsewhere - young actresses losing weight when they are F.I.N.E. fine, people fired because they "had the final say", etc. I hope that's not happening here, though from others I've seen, and heard, who knows?

Wife: Recycled Percussion, Erik & Rickie, Hairo Torres, The EriAm Sisters, Barbara Padilla
Me: Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beaman, Hairo Torres, Drew Stevyns, Barbara Padilla

Full Show Video

See you tomorrow for the results show. ;-)

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (09/02/2009) (W11N2)

Results from last night's semi-finals show. Three acts voted on by us, and forth & fifth place by

America's vote, voted on by the judges.

The acts (click their names to see their semi-finals act): Acrodunk, Arcadian Broad, Drew Thomas Magic, Paradizo Dance, Grandma Lee, Fab Five, Kevin Skinner, Tony Hoard & Rory, The Texas Tenors, and Voices of Glory.

See my prior blog for more links, info, and each act's performance that brought them to the semi-final.

First up: Arcadian Broad, Texas Tenors, Drew Thomas Magic
Only one is going through to the final.
The next act to go home is ... Drew Thomas Magic
The act going into the final is ... The Texas Tenors
David: America made the right choice. I see you three cowboys in Vegas. I wanna say goodbye to

Arcadian. It's not the end for him, and the same to Drew Thomas.

Break

The Muppets, Kermit and Miss Piggy do "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart".

All the acts in the Orville Lounge after last night's show.

Break

Next up: Grandma Lee, Tony Hoard & Rory, Paradizo Dance
The next act to go home is ... Paradizo Dance (ARE YOU KIDDING ME!)
The next act to go trough to the final is ... Grandma Lee. (WOW!)
David and Sharon are standing. Piers: I think it was all down to the Union Jack shorts. I think you are a special lady, especially with all we know about you, now. You're very funny. And why can't it be you?

[Well that screwed up our votes! Only ONE of our votes are left for two spots. THIS is gonna be interesting.]

Break

David Hasselhoff performs. "I'm Feelin' Good".

Break

Next up: (the rest of the acts) Kevin Skinner, Acrodunk, The Voices of Glory, and The Fab Five
The act taking the third spot in the final is ... Kevin Skinner. [COOL!]
One spot left in the final. Three acts left.
The next act to go home is ... Acrodunk
Sharon: I always get so emotional at this time in the show. You get so attached to everyone. It's bittersweet.

Now, among The Fab Five and Voices of Glory. The judges will decide. When we come back.

Break

Judge's Choice:
Sharon: All I have to say is Voices of Glory, you know I have a soft spot for you. They are nearly there. They've contributed so much to this show. Fab Five are all beautiful women, great dancers. I can't choose. David: (to the acts) Don't look at me like that... and don't look at me like that. You're so young... And you are so right for this competition... I can't... Piers: We were in three minutes of discussion during the break. We either send them both through, or we send them both home. We've decided that there will be no judge's pick. We're gonna throw out the rules. We're gonna send you both through. (Interesting. Wonder if they'll do that next week, too? ;-) )

That's it for this week. See you next week.

Here's the full results show video.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (09/01/2009) (W11N1)

Week 11, Night 1. First Semi-Finals show. 10 acts tonight. Live from Hollywood. Three will be voted through by us, one will be chosen by the judges. Acts have one minute and 45 seconds (1:45) to wow everyone.

Tonight: Acrodunk, Arcadian Broad, Drew Thomas Magic, Paradizo Dance, Grandma Lee, Fab Five, Kevin Skinner, Tony Hoard & Rory, The Texas Tenors, and the Voices of Glory.

First section is introducing all the judges, all the acts. The judges talk about what they will be looking for, the acts talk about who they think has a good act and what they need to do.

Break

[In the following, click the act names, and see their performance from the semi-finals]

Acrodunk (from Week 7)
(They end with two flying through a burning hoop, shooting at a burning basket and make it)
Standing ovation from the judges. Piers: That has to be one of the most thrilling, entertaining, dangerous thing I've seen on the show. Brilliant. Sharon: You make the Harlem Globetrotters look like ... forget about it. David: You came to play. You started off so cool, got a little shaky, then you just nailed it. (Some are hurt, but they did a great job.)

Break

The Texas Tenors (from Week 8)
Singing "Unchained Melody" (2nd tenor sings in Spanish, then back to English)
Sharon: That was fantastic. And the eye contact was electric. You guys nailed it, so professional. David: I can see that billboard in Las Vegas with the Texas Tenors, right now. You are the front-runners. Piers: I say be less cheesy, you come back with the cheesiest pop song in history, and sing it in the cheesiest way, and you think you know more than me about music? (they start to make a point, and Piers interrupts). Let me stop you right there. You think that... And you'd be right. That was brilliant. (EXCELLENT. They did wonderfully, mixing pop with opera, and it worked well. My wife says they could easily make it in Nashville.)

Break

Paradizo Dance (from Week 8)
(He burned his hand, and HOPES he'll be able to lift her)
Song: "I'm a Believer"
(starts with her standing on his head, and goes from there. Some fantastic lifts in there.)
Sharon: How is your hand. I don't know how you did some of those things. It's nice to see you do something more light-hearted. I prefer the romantic, but I liked you getting out of your comfort-zone. David: You are so talented, I hope America votes you back. Piers: It's very hard to follow the previous acts. I want to see you lifting him, which was what was so surprising in the first show. If you come back, I want to see more of you lifting him. (I thought they were great. He does some lifts that are damn-near impossible for anyone else. And tonight he did it with a burnt hand! Yes, her lifting him is surprising and fun, but still... I think they SHOULD go through.)

Break

Drew Thomas Magic (from Week 7)
(Built their own props on a shoestring budget, and they have the scars to prove it.)
Piers buzzed 1/2-way through. Piers: I like you Drew, but I hate this... I thought it was... I thought the music was ridiculously slow, the pace was slow... I think the only disappearing act will be you. Sharon: You were fabulous. I am still trying to figure out where the assistants are. David: You know what, I applaud you using your daughter. And in Vegas, it's nice to have the heartwarming stories. I loved it. (Piers made his daughter cry. BOOO to Piers. Yeah, it was slow, but it told a story, which many acts don't. I like him.)

Break

Tony Hoard & Rory (from Week 8)
(Sharon got grief for putting them through. Tony & Rory are now celebrities in New Castle. Biggest sacrifice Tony had to do: Quit his job of 24 years in a factory. He did to do the show.)
Song: "Let's Get it Started". Sharon: Well, Rory delivered, tonight, he was spot on, and your outfits are terrific. This guy laid you off because you wanted to do this show? (yes). I thought you were fantastic. David: Can Rory wear that outfit to the park? (He has all kinds of outfits.) Good job. Piers: Well, as you can see, I didn't buzz you. The reality is that the dog went back to what he did in the audition, and that's not drop any Frizbees. (They're great. I hope they get through.)

Break

The Voices of Glory (from Week 8)
Song: "Any Time You Need a Friend" or "Love Will Make It All Right"
David: You know, you guys could bring the world together. You're so sweet, so honest. Amd that's what music is all about. Piers: I really like what you stand for. More importantly, you've got talent. You guys have to remember, she's the Diva. Reminds me of when Janet Jackson first showed what she could do. You guys have to back up and let her sing. Sharon: I'm not going to say anything about your voices, your talent, your ... I'll just say that I'll see you in the finals. (They are good, but Piers is right. SHE is the BIG talent in the group, and the boys singing even the short solos here were not as strong as as she was. SHE is the star. The boys are good, especially with her, but... I hope they make it.)

Break

The Fab Five (from Week 8)
Piers: I think we often forget this kind of act, just how difficult it is. I'd like to see a different pace. Maybe slow it down, etc. Can you get through with the standard that's been set? Sharon: I like the way you keep coming back with the energy. Your footwork is very fast. Very Vegas, darlings, it really is. David: Every time I see you, I ask what are they going to do this time. You are great. (Wow... That was fun! They are great. This is gonna be TOUGH to chose, tonight.)

Break

Grandma Lee (from Week 7)
(Stands behind a couple of Chippendales Dancers, pushes them out of the way, and says, "Cut the crap" to start her act.)(Standing ovation from crowd.)
Sharon: Grandma lee, you know I love you because you're naughty, dirty, all the things I like. You're 75 years old, and you've still got it. David: I was so touched by your story, it was so heart-felt. I don't care how old you are, you're funny! Piers: I loved the new material, I loved what you said about your husband in the video, and I think if he were here, he'd be really proud. You deserve it. (Her stuff IS funny. She's great, but there are just too many other good acts, though. I don't think she'll get through. I hope she gets a good job from this show.)

Break

Arcadian Broad (from Week 7)
(He's brought a partner in, tonight. He knows it's a risk.)
David: I loved your presentation. Great job. Piers: No doubt you're a very talented young man. I asked myself if you are good enough to get to the finals, with the acts we've seen tonight. And the answer to that question is no you're not. On the basis of tonight's performances, I don't think you're good enough. Sharon: Every time you come back, you show us a different side of yourself. (He tried to say that the producers suggested he do High School Musical - that it wasn't really his choice. Nick then said that acts have the final say on what they do. He was good. And, if the producers decided what he did - How many kids his age can argue well with grown men? - it's too bad. Too many other acts were great. He should be back, next year, though, I hope. He'll be a year old, more confident, etc.)

Break

Kevin Skinner (from Week 7)
(Singing his father's favorite song. His father is too ill to travel, but he'll be watching.)
Song: "You Were Always on My Mind". He was a little flat in parts. Piers stood for him! Piers: That's the whole thing about you, Kevin. You have tears in your eyes, and I almost had them in mine. You are my favorite to win this competition. Sharon: Love to see you smile. Again, you nailed the song. You've got that kinda Johnny Cash downer thing going for you. I love it. David: You have come so far, man, from walking out here with your hat one backwards. You've come a long way from that porch.

Wife: Texas Tenors, Paridizo Dance, Tony Hoard & Rory, Kevin Skinner
Me: Texas Tenors, Paridizo Dance, Tony Hoard & Rory, Kevin Skinner

The Muppets will be here tomorrow, and an exclusive show by David Hasselhoff.

That's it. See you tomorrow.

And, once again I will say that every one of these acts, and some from before, should be performing, and making a decent living at what they do, even if they don't get through. If any talent scouts are watching, they should go to the videos, below, especially the full shows, and see everyone.

Full Show Video from tonight's show

Full Season Four episodes
Newest videos (where tonight's individual acts will appear, and the start of the video library for AGT)
Top-rated videos (watched most often, I'm sure)
If you're interested only in the music done on the show it's here

The act that wins will headline 10 shows (I believe), at least the first hosted by Jerry Springer. The show starts October 7th at The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (I believe this is what the winner wins, besides the $1M. They will be THE headliner for the show, and other acts from the show will be involved.)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/26/2009)

Last quarterfinals results show between: Ishaara, Coney Island Chris, Matt & Anthony, Pam Martin's Top Dogs, African High Fliers, Erik and Rickie, The Eriam Sisters, Mia Boostrom, Recycled Percussion, Barbara Padilla, and the Wildcards: Drew Stevyns and the Lollipop Girls. Also, a performance by Reba McIntyre.

This was a hard group to choose from. Every one of them (well, with the exception of one or two) were great.

First up: The Eriam Sisters & Drew Stevyns.
Next act going through: Drew Stevyns... SO ARE THE Eriam Sisters.
They paused so long between telling the sisters they were going through, even Piers thought it was mean. Nick said it wasn't him... He just did what the card said. Piers said the girls sang great, and they need to do more of that. He congratulated Drew, telling him he was hungry this time, but he's gotta keep that hunger going next time.

[Only three spots left, now. I can think of two. We'll see if I'm right.]

Break

They showed the acts showing up, practicing, playing on the set, makeup, costumes, etc.

Next up: African High Fliers, Pam Martin's Top Dogs, Coney Island Chris
America has voted, and you all are out. [I had the feeling that was going to happen, when they put the first two through.

Relaxing in the Orville Lounge (after show)

[The next seven acts are going to get down to three]

Break

Next up: Recycled Percussion, Matt & Anthony, Ishaara
Next act to go home is ... Matt & Anthony. [I figured, from this group]
The act going on to the next round: Recycled Percussion. [YEAH!]
RP spokesperson said they weren't sure whether they'd made it through or not. The voting had to be the closest, yet, and that there were a lot of good acts on this show.
David: (Are you happy to see them back?) ARRRGH! ... You put together a fantastic show. You deserve it. I want to say one thing. Goodbye to Ishaara, it's not the end for them. They were fantastic.

Break

Reba sings her new song: "Consider Me Gone".

Break

Next up: The Lollipop Girls, Barbara Mia Boostrom, Barbara Padilla, Erik & Ricky
Four acts, two spots left.
The next act going home is ... The Lollipop Girls.
The next act going into the semi-finals is ... Barbara Padilla. Sharon: How can you compete with perfect, and she's perfect.

So, we have Mia Boostrom and Erik & Rickie. 5th & 6th in the audience vote. The judges will decide.

Break

Between Mia and Erik & Rickie. One spot left.
David: This is the part of judging that I absolutely hate. You both deserve to go through. For this competition alone, my choice is: Erik & Rickie. Sharon: E&R you remind me of salt shakers, you are so adorable. Piers: If you asked me last night, I'd have said Erik & Rickie (very charming). But I watched it again last night, and you did wonderfully. The act I have to put through is ... Erik & Rickie. Mia was upset, but held it all in, and said that it just goes to show that you can't give up. Keep trying.

A montage of the 20 semi-finalists. 10 acts next week. (Missed it. We'll catch it next week.)

[I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I hope that there are talent scouts watching this show. There are a LOT of good acts that haven't made it through to the finals that SHOULD be doing this for a living. And, the diversity is so great, those scouts could pick and choose the best at doing what they need.]

So, the finalists are: Acrodunk, Drew Thomas Magic, Kevin Skinner, Grandma Lee, Arcadian Broad, Fab Five, Voices of Glory, The Texas Tenors, Paradizo Dance, Tony Hoard & Rory, Jeffrey Ou, Lawrence Beaman, Mario & Jenny, Hairo Torres, FootworKINGz, Drew Stevyns, The Eriam Sisters, Recycled Percussion, Barbara Padilla, and Erik & Rickie.

Here's the full episode: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1151190#vid=1151190

Here's the show site: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/

Here are the highlight videos (especially, individual acts) from Season 4: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4-highlights/1094635/ (plenty of other options on this page.)

Here are the full episodes from Season 4: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4/1127763/ (again, there are plenty of options on this page.)

C'ya next week. ;-)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/25/2009)

Last Quarter-Final: Ishaara, Coney Island Chris, Matt & Anthony, Pam Martin's Top Dogs, African High Fliers, Erik and Rickie, The Eriam Sisters, Mia Boostrom, Recycled Percussion, Barbara Padilla, and the Wildcards: Drew Stevyns and the Lollipop Girls.

Ishaara from Berkley, California (Bollywood and modern dance)
Piers: What a wonderful way to start the show. I think you have an incredible freshness about you. You're having fun and so are we. Sharon: This is what I mean by "If you dance, you've got to be different." Sexy and exotic. David: America's got ... Bollywatch! You guys are by far the best one (dance act) we've got. (Nice. They are an entertaining and interesting group.)

Break

Barbara Padilla from Texas (Operatic singer who had cancer)
Sharon: What a magnificent woman you are. You've taken my breath away. So perfect, the performance, the way you look, you are a star. David: There is a saying, "You are exactly where you're supposed to be in life. You are spiritually blessed. Piers: Look at you. The reason Simon Cowell created these shows is so people like you, a great mum, living her dream... You've raised the bar so high tonight, I don't anyone beating you. (Excellent. She should make it through, if America has ANY taste!)

Break

Pam Martin's Top Dogs from Texas (Dog act)
Dancing to "Now That I Can Dance". David: You know what, there's another act that had a lot of dogs, and they're playing in Hollywood every night, now. Even if you don't win, you have a great act. Piers: I was sure I was gonna buzz you. But Spike did not make a mistake. Sharon: Pam, you are just the best, and Spike is incredible. (Pretty good.)

Break

African High Fliers from Florida (acrobatics)
Song: I Like to Move it Move it". Piers buzzed. Piers: Eh, well ... Here's why I buzzed you. When I saw Barbara earlier, I thought I could watch her for an hour. I didn't think you raised the bar enough tonight. Sharon: We told you before that you needed to add other elements to the act. I don't know if you added enough. David: I don't know what they were watching, but I loved you. From Kenya to America to the biggest stage. If you don't make it, you are STILL a Vegas act. (I don't know that they could carry a full 90-minute show by themselves. With others, sure. They ARE good at what they do.)

Break

Mia Boostrom from Massechusettes (singer - Didn't make it past Las Vegas last year)
Song: Hallelujah. Sharon: Mia, who knew. That's a huge, huge song that you took on and you did it. You are unique, and it's great to be unique. You've blown me away. David: You know Mia it's just amazing, when you started, you were 14-15, now you're 16. Look at how far you've come. You're beautiful and classy. Piers: I thought you missed some notes. To be honest, do I rate you higher than (other singers), and to be honest, I can't. (It was a great song selection. Piers was right on the final high notes, she was a BIT off, but still, a great performance.)

Break

Erik and Rickie from Washington (state) (kids - ballroom dancers)
Sharon & David standing ovation. David: You guys are so little I couldn't find you. Then you dance so great. Rickie you attitude is so great, so cool. Erik, you are the man. Loved the choreography. Piers: Have you been doing some secret practicing behind Rickie's back? Because in the audition she was much better than you. Tonight, you were the MAN. Sharon: Just the right amount of drama brought into the dance. I know there are millions of people who adore what you're doing. I just hope they vote, vote, vote for you. (Wonder if, whichever way this goes, they'll make an appearance on Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance?)

Coney Island Chris from Connecticut (shock/comedic performance)
Piers and Sharon buzzed. David buzzed at the end. Piers: Chris you committed the absolutely cardinal sin of anyone that does what you do. It wasn't entertaining. Sharon: Come on, you're a grownup, you can hear a pin drop in the room. I don't know how you got this far. David: I thought you were going to set yourself on fire. I was hoping you would. (It's a "clown" act of sorts. He was NOT funny tonight. Kinda a Pee Wee Herman voice... Just strange, far as I'm concerned.)

Break

Matt & Anthony from New York (one guy sings & plays guitar, and the other tap-dances)
Song: Freedom. Piers buzzed. Sharon: I think Anthony... You know what I think of your dancing. There's just something about this gelling that's missing. David: I think the combination works. It's a little rusty going up the stairs, but tight coming down. It was just a little off tonight. Piers: What the other two are struggling to say is you're a great dancer, and you're not that great of a singer. (They were both pretty good... Anthony WAS better. I don't know that he'd be that good without Matt, though. They DO play off each other.)

Break

The Lollipop Girls from California (dance with the art of tease)
Song: Big Spender. David: You were voted off, but you're the Lollipop Girls - You may take a licking but you keep on ticking. You were terrific. Las Vegas NEEDS an act like this. Piers: You want some oxygen David. Ladies, I could watch... I could watch that for a very long time. I wasn't sure about you before, but I'm certain, now. I like you. Sharon: It's so much fun what you do. It's so fun. It's great to see what you do. (Yeah, that was fun, and very Vegas. I don't know about making it through, though.)

Break

Drew Stevyns from Maryland (singer/guitar player)
Song: How to Save a Life(?) - Piers: How many jobs have you done outside of music. I don't think you're the best singer in the competition, at all. I think that was the best performance you've ever given. Sharon: Loved your song choice, it suited your voice. You actually surprised me, and I'm so glad we brought you back. David: I was in my dressing room during rehersal and I heard someone singing, and I asked "Who is that?" and it was you. Great emotional job. (Yep. I don't know that he's the best, but he's at least as good as the chicken farmer.)

Break

Recycled Percussion from New Hampshire (make music with almost anything)
Song: Ballroom Blitz. Standing Ovation from ALL the judges. Sharon: I tell you something guys. I applaud you. Just fantastic to watch. So much energy. I can't wait for you to come back so I can see what you bring us. David: I can't wait to go bang on things. You did what we told you to do, and you brought it. Piers: What can I say? We give lots of acts advice. Sometimes they take it, sometimes they ignore it. I could not believe what I was seeing tonight. 25 times better than the audition. Now we have to ask ourselves if a pile of trash can win America's Got Talent. I think they can. (THAT was COOL! THAT is a Vegas Act. They HAVE to make it through.)

Break

Eriam Sisters from Seattle (3 sisters - singers)
Song: Looking So Crazy in Love(?). David: You know this is becoming America's Got Kids. Your strong suit is your voices, not your dancing. If you come back, do more singing. Piers: I like the dancing. You have a cheeky way of dancing. You are the next Destiny's Child. Sharon: It's really hard to do what you did. But you did it. I just hope America brings you back. I want to see what you will bring us next.

That's it!

Wife: Barbara Padilla, Mia Boostrom, Lollipop Girls, Drew Stevyns, Recycled Percussion
Me: Barbara Padilla, Mia Boostrom, Lollipop Girls, Recycled Percussion, Eriam Sisters

Reba McIntyre will be here live tomorrow for the results show.

Here's the full-episode video: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1151014#vid=1151014

See you then. ;-)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/19/2009)

Results from last night, among: FootworkINGz, G-Force, Lawrence Beaman, Hairo Torres, Mario and Jenny, Bri, Dave Johnson, Pixie Mystere, Jeffery Ou, Marcus Terell and the Serenades, Wildcards: Jay Mattioli, and U4RIA Dance Group.

Remember, our votes count completely in for 1-4. The judges choose between #5 and #6.

First Up: Bri and Jeffrey Ou.
The act going through to the semi-finals is ... Jeffrey Ou. Bri went over and gave Jeffrey a big hug. The judges are unbelieving, too. Sharon: There are very few times I'm at a loss for words. I'm at a loss for words.

Break

Ashley Tisdale - "It's All Right. It's Okay" (MUCH better song than last week!)

Clips of the acts in the lounge last night (after-show).

Break

Next up: Jay Mattioli, Dave Johnson, and Lawrence Beaman
The next act going home is ... Dave Johnson
The nest act going through to the semi-finals is ... Lawrence Beaman
Piers: If I was Lawrence, I'd be confident, but not too confident. We have some great talent in the show. You have two more performances. Song choice will be important.

Next up: Marcus Terell and the Serenades and Mario & Jenny
The next act going through to the semi-finals is ... Mario & Jenny
David: (Do you agree with America's choice?) Yes I do, but what a difficult choice. Marcus Terell has a great career ahead of him. (I agree-wds.) Mario & Jenny, you deserve to be here.

Break

Daughtry - "No Surprise"

Break

Next up: G-Force, U4Ria Dance Crew, Hairo Torres
Next act to go home is ... G-Force
Next act to go into the semi-finals is ... Hairo Torres
Sharon: (What does he have to do to go forward?) He has to keep being himself. He is so likeable with great talent and ability.

Break

Fifth and Sixth - Pixie Mystere and FootworKINGz (Judges decide)
[Wow! I can't believe that FootworKINGz came in that low in America's voting!]
Sharon: (Who do you want to go through?) I love our little Pixie magic. I love you. However, you are very young, and you have a lot more chances in your life. I think it's FootworKINGz time, now. Piers: (He was surprised at some of the choices America made.) On one hand, we have Pixie Mystere, one of the most talented young dance groups, and on the other, we have FootworKINGz, one of the most talented adult groups. I'm going to go with the group I feel has the best chance of winning, FootworKINGz. (David, would you have chosen FootworKINGz?) Yeah I would have.

Ok... That's it for tonight.

Here's the full-length video of the results show: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1147472#vid=1148102.

See ya, next week!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/18/2009)

Third show of the Top 40.

Tonight: FootworkINGz, G-Force, Lawrence Beaman, Hairo Torres, Mario and Jenny, Bri, Dave Johnson, Pixie Mystere, Jeffery Ou, Marcus Terell and the Serenades, Wildcards: Jay Mattioli, and U4RIA Dance Group.

Last week, between Tony Hoard & Rory and Charles DeWayne. Piers: I find it easy to be right, unlike the dog who dropped everything that came his way, others dropped the ball... Sharon: Excuse me... Excuse me... If you're a singer, you have to be a GREAT singer. David: Delicious, Hoff the charts, Hoffalicious.

First up: FootworKINGz from Chicago. (Dance group)
Piers: I'm not sure if you are one of the best dance groups we've ever had or THE best dance group... Sharon: Brilliant choreography. You are the KINGZ at what you do. David: Hoff the charts. How are you going to top it next week. I'm telling you guys, you're on the way to the top 10.
(Nice... Not sure if one guy fell on the last move, but if he did, he was hurt pretty bad last night.)

Break

Marcus Terell and the Serenades from Missouri (new girls) (singer)
"Release Me"(?) Sharon: Oh, dear, Marcus, how fabulous are you. And the ladies, you have smoking voices. This is what we me, you see, Piers, if you sing... David: We were right. You got new girls. And they can sing. Piers: This was big pressure for you tonight. You could either sink or swim. I hope you understand why we were so adamant about changing the girls. (Marcus: Chemistry is good.) (He LOOKED like a Vegas act. The girls didn't prance around as the originals did, but it was obvious they were "part of the group". New girls worked. Maybe if he makes it to Vegas, he can get the original Serenades some jobs as background singers/dancers. They gave up an awful lot for him to get to this point.)

Break

Pixie Mystere from New Jersey (Kid dance troup)
"(Let Me Be a) Dancing Fool" (Buble(?)) - David: How do you feel about going to school in Las Vegas. If you make it, your show will probably be at 4:00 in the afternoon. Piers: I'm so disappointed. I haven't hit my buzzer once tonight. You came back with a great choreographed routine. We had fun. Sharon: You are definitely Pixie Power. Magic. Usually when we get these dance groups, there are two or three brilliant ones, and the dodgy ones are in the back. You are all brilliant. (Very good, no... Great. But why don't people complain about some of the dance moves THEY did, instead of Miley Cyrus holding onto a pole that was used to keep her balance on a movable cart? I mean, they are MUCH younger, and doing Rockette moves.)

Break

Jay Mattioli from Virginia (magician)
Piers buzzed,. Sharon buzzed. Piers: The point about magic is it's supposed to be surprising. I've seen all of that stuff. Sharon: What are we going to do with you. When you brought out the scarf, I thought oh no, he won't and then you did. You just added a contemporary track to a standard magic act. David: You have to be careful with scarves and stuff, because you're playing to a big auditorium, and people in the back need to see it. I liked your attitude, I liked your presentation. I don't know if it's enough to make it to the next round. (It was pretty standard magic, but his attitude was pretty cool. It was pretty close-up magic, so, he may not make it. He's good, though.)

Break

Bri from Vegas (singer and keyboardist)
"Poker Face"(?) - Sharon: You took a huge risk by trying to make the song your own. You did it. You made it your own. There's nothing negative to say. David: You came, you made it your own, the dancers were a little scary, but then it kicked in. Piers: Not much excites me, these days in my old age. That did excite me. You have got exactly the right package for the right time. (I didn't really like the song - at least the part she played - but she did do it well, showed her vocal ability, and it changed up from sultry to rock. She's cute and the judges were right. We'll see.)

Break

U4RIA Dance Crew from Florida (Dance group)
David: You guys are Hoffnuts. Dance number in an insane asylum. I loved it. I don't know why. Very sexy in a very strange way. Piers: Catrina. You're scary. You are the first wild-card act I'm pleased to have back. The dancing has been unbelievable. Sharon: I loved the routine. A great deal of fun involved. I don't know if the dancing is technically good enough. (Didn't impress me. It was KINDA fun, but... Something seemed to be lacking.)

Dave Johnson from Washington (Comedic singer/songwriter)
(Life-long fear of performing in public. This is the guy that did the love song to David Hasselhoff.)
"The Golden Girls" - Piers buzzed. Sharon buzzed. David buzzed. Piers: The Golden Girls were hot, I agree. Dave, you weren't hot tonight. I didn't get it. I don't think most of the audience did, either. I just wasn't funny. Sharon: Kind of a folkiness going on with funny lyrics. David: Kinda like the Smothers Brothers without the Smothers or the Brothers. Thanks for singing about me in the beginning. (He sounded like one of the comedians on Bob and Tom. Not quite as good - at least this song wasn't - but it's a start. He should continue doing what he does, and now he's played for more than 20, he should consider going to open mike nights at comedy clubs. He will need a little speaking "schtick" though.)

Break

Hairo Torres from Oregon (acrobatic break dancer)
He came out looking like Erkle. "Everybody Dance Now". Sharon: You come out here looking like Jerry Lewis on acid. But you moved... You're a great contortionist. You are unique. David: I think you're like the weirdest dancer I've ever seen. But great, and entertaining. Piers: I agree with David. You are a bit strange, but you're also very entertaining. I think you need to think about the choreography. For a 90 minute set in Vegas, I don't think this would work. You've got to think outside the box. (He did some VERY strange moves. I did think he was entertaining. But for a 90 minute show in Vegas? This is 90 seconds, and he was a little tired. How would he do 90 minutes. He IS a solo. But MAN is it fun to watch. We'll see.)

Break

G-Force from Ohio (three - young - girl rock group)
Piers buzzed. David: You guys are always my favorite from the very beginning. I'm not gonna say anything negative, but your vocals were off a little bit tonight. Get those right, you have a great career ahead of you. Piers: I think the vocals were way off tonight. If you can get the vocals right, you have the potential to be a great act. Sharon: I think some of it was an eight-year-old on drums realizing that so many people are watching. Work on those vocals, and you could be a great act. (For their age, I think they did a fantastic job. Vegas, though? I see them on Disney Channel. Think about it.)

Break

Jeffery Ou from Texas (classical keyboardist)
He played a little classical music then did "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" (couldn't hear the piano. That wasn't his fault, though.)
David: I don't know. We couldn't hear the piano. It's a little hard to make an judgment. I liked the dancing girls, but you don't need them. Piers: We clearly had a problem. The Elton John part we couldn't hear. I would have loved to have heard that part. (One of the girls kicked the cable out.) Sharon: I know we all wanted you to play something current, but I think we preferred the mad professor. (The audio was lost in the 2nd half. I hope people let him through. He was pretty good, and WAY out of his "comfort zone". If they don't automatically pass him through if he doesn't win the top 5, they need to bring him back for another shot. It's unfair to vote based on PART of his act. And, far as the dancing girls go, they worked for this act. They wouldn't, necessarily for the classical part, but... )

Break

Mario and Jenny from Vegas (husband and wife - dangerous juggler)
Juggles flaming electric guitars, then spins a flaming cube, then blows fire.
Sharon: You know that I adore you. You always bring an element of danger. You're a great dancer Jenny. The fire, the danger. You belong in Vegas. David: Every time you come back, you bring more and more to the performance. Piers: That was near to a Vegas act. America will have to decide. I'm glad it's out of my hands. (They LOOKED like a Vegas act, tonight. I've seen the stuff done before, but not like this. They are good. They SHOULD go through.)

Break

Last act:
Lawrence Beaman from California (singer)
"You Are So Beautiful" Piers standing O. Sharon: Smooth like velvet. That voice. You can touch it, it's so smooth. Great song choice. David: When you first came out and sang "Old Man River", I thought, "I hope he can sing Pop". With tonight, all the others are trembling. Piers: I think you're the new Barry White. I thought you are the nearest thing to a guaranteed, nail-down star we have produced on this show. (Not sure if it was a great song-choice, but he was VERY good! And I also thought of Barry White.)

This is tough, tonight. Everyone was good, if not impressive.

Wife: Marcus Terell, Bri, Hairo Torres, Jeffrey Ou, Mario & Jenny
Me: FootworKINGz, Marcus Terell, Hairo Torres, Mario and Jenny, Lawrence Beaman

Tomorrow: Ashley Tisdale and Doughtry will be here for the results so.

Link to the full-episode video: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1147472#vid=1147472

See ya then!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/12/2009)

Results from last night's show: Paradizo Dance, Carol Loo, Eleisha Miller, Tony Hoard & Rory, The Texas Tenors, Alizma, Charles DeWayne, Pete Peterkin, The Voices of Glory, The Fab Five, and SQ Entertainment, LMFAO, and Penn & Teller.

Again, Four are based on our votes, the judges pick the last one (5th and 6th).

First up: Fab Five amd The Beale Street Flippers. Fab Five.
David: I think it's a great decision. But Mamas. From Morgan, Utah. You deserve to be here.

Break

LMFAO plays. "The summer's party song." (Why couldn't the judges have buzzed THIS act? GEEZE)

(They show the acts from last night in the lounge - after-show party).

Break

Next up: Voices of Glory, Eleisha Miller, and Carol Loo.
Next act to go home is Carol Loo. Next act to go on is Voices of Glory.
Eleisha is happy for them. Cool. She ALMOST cried during the pause.
Sharon: Last night it took a man to agree with Piers that it was a bit dodgy in parts. I think Nadia should do more leads and you guys concentrate on your harmonies. But you know I adore you.

Next up: Texas Tenors and Pete Peterkin. The next act to go on is The Texas Tenors.
Piers: I think you guys have got a real chance here. People like you. Three words: Less cheese, please.

Break

Penn and Teller saw a woman in half, showing how some others do it, then take it a step further.

Break

SQ Entertainment, Alizma, and Paradizo Dance.
The next act to go home is ... Alizma.
The next act to go through is ... Paradizo Dance.
David: America got it absolutely right. You're the full package and you're in love to boot. Ride it, baby, ride it.

Two acts left. Tony Hoard & Rory and Charles DeWayne. Fifth and Sixth. The judges will vote on them.

Break.

Sharon: Needs more time. David: We have a distinct advantage sitting here. We know what all the acts are. We've seen a lot of good singers. Can Charles do it? I don't know. Can you (Tony & Rory) compete with the other acts? I don't know. Tony & Rory. Piers: If Charles doesn't go through tonight, I think it will be the biggest scandal. Sharon: OH! Charles, you are so talented. I have to vote with my heart. Tony & Rory! (Piers shakes his head). (WOW! I don't believe it. Even Tony is shocked.)

I really like Tony & Rory, and they're from Indianapolis, not very far from here. But he made quite a few mistakes last night. I'm glad he made it, but he's gonna have to be SPOT ON TARGET next time!

I think Piers is pissed about that last one. Betcha Charles gets a reprieve from Simon! We'll see.

Full show video: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1144888#vid=1144888

That's it! See you next week. ;-)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/11/2009)

Live show again. Tonight:

Live. Tonight's quarter-final round: Paradizo Dance, Carol Loo, Eleisha Miller, Tony Hoard & Rory, The Texas Tenors, Alizma, Charles DeWayne, Pete Peterkin, The Voices of Glory, The Fab Five, and SQ Entertainment.

Wild-Card act, The Beale Street Flippers and SQ Entertainment.

The Fab Five from Utah. (Cloggers - All sisters/mothers)
"Dial 911" was the song. Piers: I like acts that do what it says in their names. You are five

ladies, and you are fabulous. We look for everyone to step it up at this level. You did. Sharon:

Absolutely brilliant. You're fantastic. David: Blazing Mamas! I'm gonna set my house on fire, will

you come and put it out? You brought your A-Game. (They did a good job.)

Break

Charles DeWayne from California (musician/singer)
Bill Withers' "Just the Two of Us". Sharon: I think they like you. It's great to see you here on our stage. You know I'm a big fan. Great song for a dinner with my old man, but not for this show. Bring it up next time, please. David: More intimacy to bring us into you. The best part was when we got to see your face. You'll be back. Piers: Apologizing for the negativity of my two cohorts. I am even more convinced, after that, that you could be a major star. (I think the song worked well. He did a wonderful job with it, too.)

Break

Carol Loo, 63yo from Jersey City (Unique Dancer)
Piers buzzed her. David: Hofftastic. I love your energy. Terrific. Great Job. Piers: I'm trying to find some positives from this. It's a million dollar competition, I don't think it's a million dollar act. Sharon: You have chultzpa for doing what you did at 63. You can dance. It's different, but you can dance. (Ok. It was fun, but I don't see her going through.)

Break

Tony Hoard & Rory from New Castle, IN (Frizbee Dog act)
Comes out dressed like Hoff on Baywatch. Dog's dressed, too. Piers buzzed. Piers: He dropped almost every frizbee you chucked at him. But, just to clarify my thoughts, I don't blame Rory, I blame you. Poor old Rory was trying to catch up, and he almost fell off. Sharon: I think the dancers and loud music distracted him. David: I liked it all. I think the new show should be called RoryWatch. I loved it. (I like them, and they could do better, but I'm not sure they'll make it. Too much was missed. One Frizbee scooted off the stage, and Rory wanted to go for it, but was called back. And he missed a few - not almost ALL, as Piers said. We'll see.)

Break

Eliesha Miller, 9yo from Texas. Singer/Dancer
"I Got the Music in Me" Piers buzzed. Sharon: Did you enjoy the dancing. (Yes I did.) Good, cause you dancing was really really good. But we did have a couple of problems with the vocals. David: I'm don't know if you're gonna win this competition, because I love your energy. I know you're going to go on to a long and lasting career. Piers: We're friends, right? And friends are honest with each other. I think you need to fire your vocal teacher. I think you are an amazing young girl, you're incredibly funny, you have great confidence, you're great on stage, but I don't think singing is what you do best. (For her age, I think she sang decently. I mean, as a broadway show-singer. She does dance well, and takes control of the stage. She could easily play Annie.)

Break

Paradizo Dance from Brooklyn (the husband and wife - 11 months - dancers - where she lifts him some)
David: I wish I could vote, because I'd vote for you guys. You've already taken it to the next level. Piers: That was incredible. It's an incredible act. Every time I think about the difference in weight... It's an incredible thing that you do. Sharon: I love love this show so much because it gives people like you a stage. It's just magnificent. Very unique, and I love that about you.
(She held him up twice, but there were some GREAT moves in there. They SHOULD go through!)

The Texas Tenors from Texas (singers)
"God Bless the USA (I Proud to be an American)"
Piers: God Bless America! That makes me proud to be an American, and I'm not even American. That was one of the cheeziest things I've ever seen. But with the harmonies, it was stunning. Sharon: Very patriotic. I loved it. But you in the middle, you're hott! David: I don't think he's hott. You guys would be great on the 4th of July. You need to do a ballad and draw all these ladies into you.
(GREAT. Cheesy? Maybe a little, but they did a fantastic job. Wife already says, They get my vote. I don't think she cares if they can sing. Well, she IS very "country". )

Break

SQ Entertainment from Boston (Dance crew - w/stunts)
Sharon: That was mean. You're mean but good. I know typically you perform in the street, how was it on the stage, lights, audience. I thought the choreography was great. It was really entertaining. David: I thought the dancing was great, but I couldn't figure out the story. If you get voted back, try to bring it all together and tell the story. Piers: I'll be honest. I didn't think you should have come back. After that performance, and I don't say this lightly, it will make me miserable to say this: I was wrong. I got the meanness. I got the story. Could have been a bit tighter, but I liked it. (Not that good, far as I'm concerned. I don't think they'll make it.)

Break

Pete Peterkin (mimic)
Comes out as Obama. Turns tables on Jamie Foxx imitating Obama, does Jamie Foxx doing Ray Charles singing "Georgia". David: When you came out as Obama, I though, Oh man, I've seen this before, I need to buzz him. Then you did Ray Charles. That was good. Piers: The Obama material was terrible. The Ray Charles was good, but I couldn't get it straight. Obama imitating Jamie Foxx imitating Ray Charles. (A little over your head. - Piers buzzed him.) It's never too late for a buzz. It was confusing. Sharon: It was really over my head, too. It was good. I know it was good, but next time, simpler is better. (Yes... Simpler would be better. I don't know about him. He's one I could see doing Obama on Jay Leno or SNL. Not sure about a Vegas act. If he gets through, he's gonna have to pick it up.)

Break

Alizma from Nevada (triplet violinists)
"Natural Woman" They sing first - two on violin and one singing, then they do harmonies. Sharon buzzed. One hits a high note, and David and piers buzzed. Piers: Seriously, I think my eardrums exploded. Sharon: Why are we doing the stipper moves, girls. I don't know if you're a stipper, a violin act, or singers. (We love sexy.) I can tell. David: It was just kinda all over the place. Your singing wasn't your forte, but your violin-playing was. But your singing was like strippers on acid. That's not what you should be doing. If you come back, you should look at the tape, and do that. That's what got you to the next round. (DAMN! That high note was high. Piers said, "High-G", and she did it again. They can sing, but their accents are so strong, it's hard to understand. They like "sexy", and think that that's Vegas. Yes, and no. At least not through this show. I doubt they'll make it through, though they ARE VERY nice to look at, and do seem to be talented violinists. Singers? Not so much.)

Break

The Beale Street Flippers from Tennessee (Acrobatic dance)
Piers buzzed at end. Piers: I just got a bit bored with that. You are great flippers, but if you asked the audience if they wanted to watch that for 90 minutes, they'd say no. Not varied enough. Sharon: He is right, you need to diversity. David: I thought you guys did a terrific job. If you are voted back, you need to do something to sustain it. You're the best flippers I've ever seen. (They are good, but this one was not near as good as their audition, I didn't think.)

Break

Voices of Glory from New York (3 kids, siblings, singers)
"You'll Never Walk Alone". David: That was what this show is about. You guys are fantastic. You guys have the right attitude. Piers: I thought it was a bit shaky in parts. Loved the suits. What we discovered tonight, is you have a star in your midst. It's your little sister. When you got shaky, she took it over. Sharon: I think tonight is your night. You're very special. (Great haromonies. Near the end, the recording kicked in too soon or something, and Nadia pushed through it.)

Wife: Fab Five, Charels DeWayne, Paradiso Dance, Texas Tenors, Voices of Glory
Me: Fab Five, Charles DeWayne, Paradiso Dance, Texas Tenors, Voices of Glory
(WOW! A rarity! We both picked the same five!)

NBC will post the new individual videos here: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/. You can also look at some of the past acts there.

Highlights from Season 4 are here: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4-highlights/1094635/

They'll post the new full season 4 shows here: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4/1127763/.

And the full show is here: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1144450#vid=1144450

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/05/2009)

Results of last night's show between: Diva League, Thia Megia, The Platt Brothers, Arcardian Broad, Acrodunk, Grandma Lee, Mosaic, BreakSk8, Drew Thomas Magic, Manuella Horn, Kevin Skinner, and Lake Houston Dance. Only five acts will go through.

They proved, by another angle, that Acrodunk DID get the last shot in. Piers bet Sharon and David, and lost. LOL

Four are based on our votes, the judges pick the last one.

First up, Acrodunk and BreakSk8. Acrodunk.
Piers: Unlike most of [the other acts] there's a real sense of danger in what you do. Much more than the "average half-time show".

Break

Terry Fater does some of his show. Has a DVD of his Vegas show coming out soon.
They show the winners from last night partying.

Break

Next up. Lake Houston Dance, Drew Thomas Magic, Manuela Horn.
Next act leaving is Lake Houston Dance.
Next act going through is Drew Thomas Magic.
Sharon: It was pure magic. I've never seen a trick like that done anywhere. You really deserve to be here.

Next up. Kevin Skinner and Mosaic. (DAMN! Wanted BOTH of them to go through.)
The next act going into the semi-finals is Kevin Skinner.
David: You are what this show's about. Pure unadulturated talent. You're going to go all the way.

Break

Mariah Carey sings "Obsessed" live. (She's Nick Cannon's wife, in case you didn't know.)

Break

Next up. The Platt Brothers, The Diva League, and Grandma Lee.
The next act to go home is The Platt Brothers. (WHOA! Really?)
The act going into the semi-finals is Grandma Lee. (Cool. I am glad she made it through.)

Two acts left, one more place. Arcadian Broad and Thia Megia.
They came in fifth and sixth. Now the judges decide who stays and who goes.

Break (figures)

Piers: Very difficult choice because you have two very talented people. Thia.
Sharon: Both represent the youth of America. Arcadian.
David: This show is about talent and diversity. But whoever loses can move on. Arcadian.

That's it.

Go here, and select the "chapter" (usually a single act) you wish to see of last night's show: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1142106#vid=1142106

Go here, and select the individual act you would like to see from Season 4: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4-highlights/1094635/

And, go here to see all the America's Got Talent videos on NBC: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/ (including previous seasons, I believe)

And, go here for the full results show: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1142371#vid=1142371

See you next week.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

America's Got Talent - 2009 (08/04/2009)

First Top 40 show. From now on, America votes on the acts shown. This is a 2-hour show, live from Hollywood.

Simon has asked the judges to bring back up to eight acts. Wild Card acts.

Performing tonight, 12 acts: Diva League, Thia Megia, The Platt Brothers, Arcardian Broad, Acrodunk, Grandma Lee, Mosaic, BreakSk8, Drew Thomas Magic, Manuella Horn, Kevin Skinner, and Lake Houston Dance.

Tomorrow night, we'll find out who is staying in the competition. I'm not sure when the Wild-Card acts will be shown. I believe all of those listed made it through the auditions. Judges can buzz the acts, BUT OUR votes count.

BreakSk8. From Kokomo. (Dancers on skates)
New stuff... Choreography, props, extra dancers. To Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal". Piers: No doubt you're talented. Here's my problem. Michael Jackson, rest his sole, there's a reason he didn't dance on skates. Guys on wheels are too slow. Sharon: I thought it was a great way to open the show. Loved the music. I think there's a long way for you to go. I think you'll show us longer, faster... David: I like the whole setup. Even though the girls are beautiful, you don't need 'em. (I thought it was pretty good. I hope they go through.)

Break

Thia Megia. 14yo. From California. (Singer)
Song: "It's the Climb" (or "Always Gonna Be Another Mountain")
Sharon: Oh Thia. You did not disappoint me tonight. The thing I love about you is you're 14, you look age-appropriate. It's great to see a 14yo without showing her midrift. I want to see you grow on this show. David: You came to play, and you nailed it. Congratulations. Keep the emotions. Piers: One word: Brilliant. (Nice song. She's good.)

Break

The Platt Brothers. From California (comedic acrobatic dancers)
David: You guys have a uniqueness. I like the humor and the phyicality. Piers: Here's my problem. I like you guys a lot. Million dollar competition. I don't know what your act is. You have to work out what the theater is. Sharon: They're right. You have to sort out. I know you're trying to cram it all in. Slow it down, and keep to that vision. But I do like you. Nick: How do you feel about the comments: I think they're spot on. When we do it, it seems funny. It does take an outside eye. (They are good, but this one seemed too ... mixed. Judges were right. I'd like to see how they take the criticism, so would like to see them again. We'll see.)

Break

The Diva League. Transvestites/transexuals (dancer/singers). Want to be the "Glampires of Hollywood".
Piers buzzes early. Piers: First of all, congratulations on the song choice, because it was quite disturbing. ... drag queens that can't dance, is not what America needs right now. Sharon: I love it. It's fun, it's entertaining. It's not rocket science, it's entertainment. David: I agree with Sharon. (VERY strange. The song was strange and I didn't know it. Their "dancing" was more "posing". I don't think so.)

Break

Manuela Horn (Dominitrix singer/dancer - dressed as a "sexy" housewife)
Pussycat Dolls "Dontcha". "Dontcha wish your momma could cook like me". David & Piers buzzed early. Piers finally buzzed. Just starting to yodel. Piers: Manuela. What happened to the seven foot yodeling dominitrix? It was a train-wreck. It was like putting Hannibal Lector through and getting Miley Cyrus. Sharon: Everything we loved about you, you stripped away. David: We voted you through because we loved the character. Sharon: The pacing of the set was too slow. (She was trying to get the sexy part in.) David: Don't give up. (I don't think so. I was surprised she made it through the auditions at the cost of other, better acts. I know she was trying to show another side, but still...)

Break

Grandma Lee. 75yo comedian. From Florida.
David: Grandma Lee, you're not gonna go to Vegas in ashes. You're gonna go to Vegas. Piers: What I love about you, is you come on the show, at an advanced age, and you give it everything. And you have great comic timing. (She's good. It was best when she "got" the judges, bring out a Britsh flag colored pair of underwear, and said something Piers leaving them at her house, then another pair colored like Baywatch shorts, saying she got David in the limo.)

Mosaic. Acapella singing group of six.
Song: "Very Superstitious" into "I Wish Those Days Would Come Back"(?)
David: I thought you started off a little light, but you got better and better and better. If you make it through, start with the energy you had at the end. Piers: I was barely great. I mean, even Stevie Wonder doesn't do it acapella. Tough. Sharon: I thought at the beginning there was too much. When you got to the end with the pure harmonies and vocals... S-Smokin. (I think they were great.)

Break (Nick: Up next: One of the most dangerous acts we've EVER had on the show.)

Acrodunk
Standing ovation from the crowd. Sharon: I thought, Ok. How can they do this in Vegas... How can they make this a show. And you just did. David: Hunks in trunks can dunk. I did not think in my dreams you could be better and you were. You're on your way, man. Piers: Did you get that last one in? I reckon you missed that last one. I'm kidding. That was one of the most extraordinary acts I've ever seen on America's Got Talent. I could watch you again, right now. (They were good. It was a bit hard to follow, but that is probably what makes them good. And they never missed a shot.)

Break

Arcardian Broad (Dancer) from Florida
Starts off playing piano (classical) breaks off dancing to Footloose.
David: All those kids teasing you in school are watching you, now. You might even win this competition. Piers: I don't want to see you playing the piano ever again. let me explain. You're not a bad pianist, but you are a dancer. If you dance like you did in the second half of that performance, you will go all the way. Sharon: It was nice to see that you are not one-dimensional. I think the piano player was a bit too long. You're 13 years old. You are brilliant. (It was surprising to see him play piano, and he was good, I thought. But he IS a dancer. And he's great. He should make it.)

Break

Drew Thomas Magic (stylish magician) New trick, never been done before, even by them. from Florida.
Piers: Wow. I don't know how you did that, again. Magicians, as you know, don't normally go very well. If you want to be the next David Copperfieild, you can't come out in your old shirt and jeans. Sharon: Look like a star. David: You know, you could win this whole thing. You came to play. Good job. (It was a bit slow, but Damn! How'd he do that? It was a single camera shot!)

Break

Kevin Skinner (the singing chicken farmer) from Kentucky.
Song: "To Make You Feel My Love"
Sharon: Oh, Kevin. You are such an honest man. Let me also tell you, the new 'do? Fantastic. You're so genuine. Well done. I'm so happy you're hear with us. David: You know you come out here and talk like and then you sing, with such heart. Piers: This is the only show on earth where a guy can go from catching how many chickens in a night? And can sing like you did. (missed a bit, there). (He is a REAL country singer. I think he did a great job.)

Break (One more act to perform)

Lake Houston Dance (large group of kids. These are one of the wild-cards.) from Houston.
To a new, fast version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"
David: I am so glad you came back on this show. THIS is what we're talking about. You had attitude, you were fun, congratulations, you're on your way. Piers: I didn't think you were as good as your audition. I prefered the afros, for one. There was too much on stage. I loved your dancing, but you were falling over sleeping bags, and other stuff. Sharon: There are so many of you, it's hard to focus on one. I hope your friends in Houston get to stay up late and vote for you.

Wife: BreakSk8, The Platt Brothers, Mosaic, Drew Thomas Magic, Kevin Skinner.
Me: BreakSk8, Arcadian Brand, Mosaic, Drew Thomas Magic, Kevin Skinner.
I liked others, too (Platt Bros, Grandma Lee and Acrodunk, but we only vote for five, each.

We'll see who makes it through, tomorrow.

See you then.

Here are the Season 4 highlights from NBC: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4-highlights/1094635/ and the Season 4 full episodes: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4/1127763/.

Full show link: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1142106#vid=1142106 Enjoy!