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!