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.

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.

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.

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. ;-)

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.

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.)