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.)

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. ;-)

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. ;-)

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!

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!

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. ;-)

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

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.

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!

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/29/2009)

Second round of the Vegas Verdicts - hopefuls being sent home. There should also be a challenge of two dance groups from Indiana, and another.

Anohter montage of the acts and judges deliberating. We can't go by which acts are shown and which are being described.

Gymnastic dance pair (Dave and Zoe) the one where she (very small) holds him (very large) up. David: We really don't know what to do with you. Can you sustain a show for an hour. Piers: It may not be enough. (Judges chat.) David: Ok. We know you act is different, but it's a million dollar competition. We've made our decision. *Sigh*... You're going through to the next round. Sharon: Practice, practice, practice.

Isharra (The Bollywood Dance troup) and Footworking (from Chicago). Piers: We've gotta make tough decisions. We've made our decision. We've worked out who we thought would go through. We're sorry, guys, cause you're gonna have to leave Las Vegas... ... ... 'Cause you're going through to Los Angeles... BOTH of you. (I HATE when they do that!)

Break.

Jeffery Ou(?) (Piano player), and Rashida (harp player). Sharon: You're both great musicians. We have a harpists and classical pianist, here. One of you is going to go through and one of you is going home. All right. The decision is ... that... Rashida... you will ... not be going to... LA. You won't be going to Hollywood, at this time. Jeffery, you are going through. (They've become friends... It's hard on them both, but Jeffery seems to be taking it harder.)

Quickies: Not going through: The whip act. Acrobatics. Arthur (strange contortionist. The brother (guitar) and girl (singer)... The brother got another opportunity. She let him go. She knew it would hurt her chances, this year.

The little girl who sang "Proud Mary" (giggle-box! LOL). Eleisha. Piers: You were very, very funny in your audition. How do you think your singing went. We thought about you a lot last night. (Oh, boy, she said.) In the end, we all figured what to do. What we decided, Eleisha, is you're going to go to the Top 40.

Break.

Husband and wife jugglers. Sexy and dangerous. Piers: This is where it gets tough for us, particularly for you two, since Vegas is the dream. I'm afraid we're gonna have to see you in the Quarter-finals.

Marcus Terrel & the Serenades. Piers loved him, but not the girls, at the MySpace auditions. Sharon: Marcus, we think you're a great singer. Ladies, we spent a lot of time going over and over your tape. You did, Marcus, but the girls didn't. It's the girls pulling you down. You need high-class backup singers. Marcus says, "It's hard to take, because until I met these girls, I didn't have a direction." Judges say no to the group. The girls say, "If we pulled out, would you take just him." Marcus: I'm going to leave that opportunity up to the ladies. Sharon: Marcus, you will be going through. The girls say, "If we can't all go through, I'd want it to be one of my friends." Marcus goes through alone.

Break.

U4Ria, BreakSk8, Destined 2 Be. After 12 grueling hours, they do the challenge. They have issues, because these groups don't have one choreographer. They know at least one act will leave the competition. Piers: We can put through one of you, we can put through two of you. We can't put through all of you. A montage of the challenge acts. They all feel the pressure when the judges call them back. Sharon: Right now we feel very strongly that there's one of you we want to put through. The other two didn't match up. The group we are going to put through right now, is BreakSk8.

Break.

The Voices of Glory (the brothers/sister trio). David: Well, you guys knocked us out with your talent, but do you have enough to go through. We came to a unanimous decision... And we absolutely agree with you... We love you... You absolutly deserve it.

Quickies - All go through: Woman opera singer... Two dog acts, one from Indy... The old lady break-dancer... PixieSix... A couple of singing acts... Singer and dancer friends... The old lady comedian...

Triplet Violinists: Piers: Voices aren't good enough. Violins, you will make it. Sharon: You are talented. I have to be brutally honest with you. I think you have a long way to go to perfect your act. (the girls start saying they'd do more...) Girls, you know what? We've made our decision. You're going through.

Break.

(Now... How many are left... Only a few more minutes left in the show. They're NOT going to end it on a downer...)

39 acts moved on. Everyone else had to go home.

16yo Mia made it to Vegas last year, but not further. 26yo Kelly who was sent home from American Idol's 1st season. One more spot. (Didn't they do 41, last year?) Both girls are very emotional. Piers: Lots of great female singers. It's not simply a question or either or. We couldn't decide if we should put both of you through, or one of you through. Kelli... For you, the answer's no. She breaks down, saying Please... Sharon: Come here and sit down. You're not a failure. Piers: I'm really sorry. Kelli says "It's not fair" when she goes out into the waiting room. Piers: Mia, it's tough this year. I'm afraid you're going to have to go through. She's in.

That's it. The ones who made it were on stage. Simon calls the judges on the phone on the plane: I've just seen your choices for the Top 40. And we have a problem here. (Simon throws a curveball.)

That's it. Next week, the live quarter-finals from LA.

Full show link: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1140369#vid=1140369

See you then.

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/29/2009)

Auditions are over. This is the first elimination show in Vegas, getting the winners down to 40 from the 160+ they have, now.

The Vegas Verdicts - Shooting for the Top 40!

Some acts won't even make it out of the airport. They make cuts as soon as the plane lands. Narrowing down to the 4 best dance acts.

Split the hopefuls to four groups. "For some, the dream will end right here." They're all in a hanger in Vegas.

Group A - David: Terrific. Raw talent. In the end, we all collectively agreed, you're going through.

Group B - Sharon: It's a tough decision. Our decision is you will all be going home. I'm sorry. Among them, the 9yo Blues player. (Said he'd keep playing his guitar... GOOD. I hope they ALL continue doing what they're doing. I'm assuming that some of those we DIDN'T see on prior shows have made it through, but it's quite possible that they've been cut already.

Group C and D - Piers: Our final decision is that one of the groups is going through to the next round... And the other group ... is also going through.

25 acts have left the competition. (I'm not going to try to say who made it through. We'll see how the show plays them all.) We see them enjoying the Vegas life.

(MAN! I don't think I'd like to be a judge, if they have to drop people before they even get to see/play on a Vegas stage, even a small one. They've got over 120 acts to pare down to the Top 40, tonight and tomorrow. WOW. A lotta hearts are gonna be broken.)

Break.

At the Palms Resort and Casino. The judges continue deliberating, reviewing the tapes. We hear the judges arguing... Some of those acts still in it talking about making it and not making it. (Lots of dreams, here.)

Judges want to see a few acts, personally.

1st act - Keith Johnson (singer - did "Walking in Memphis")
2nd act - Pete Peterkin (imitator)

Piers: I'm afraid we have concluded there are better singers, and therefore you will not be going through. (to Keith). Keith, of course, is heartbroken.

Sharon: I don't know how to put this any other way, but to be really direct. I think we owe you that. ... You're going to go through. (to Pete)

Break.

NOTE: We have some big lightning (wife turned her computer off!) So, I don't know if power will stay on or not. If not, I will have to post this as a partial, and maybe do it again, tomorrow, when they replay the show. We'll see.

13yo Arcadian (dancer). He's through.
Montage: The guy who sang to Hasselhoff, a couple of the dance groups, the young girl singer. The two kid groups (singers and ballroom dancers), the ones who sang "Mountain Music", The S&M lady, among others. (Sorry, I can't remember the names, and sometimes there were more than one at a time. We'll see the ones who went through, starting next week. Watch the link I'll give you when it appears, and you can see the groups, yourself.)

Next in, 74yo retired barber (dancer). Means the world, a dream come true. Loves people, to perform, and the stage. David: You have a way of bringing a smile to everybody, just because of you aura. HOWEVER, we have to judge on your talent. We came to a decision. Anthony, you're going home. You did a great job. Nick to Tony: There's always next year. Tony: I could be dead next year. Nick: Don't give up.

Break.

Three dance groups. Eu4ria, Destined 2B, and another (missed the name). VERY nervous. Piers: Big moment for you all. We came to the same conclusion for each group. We could not decide. Challenge. You will all get the same music and 12 hours to practice, then you will perform for us. Get out there, right now, and get ready.

Magicians. Drew ??? and Constantine & his wife and the first magician through (I forget his name). Piers: Two very similar acts. You both do magic. We argued about this. We couldn't decide. We could put one of you through, or none of you though. Constantine and wife didn't make it. With YOU Drew, you will be leaving Los Vegas... Because we'll be seeing you in Los Angeles. (I don't know that I like the way they do that! LOL... Making it sound like the group is gone, then turning it around.)

Break.

Spiritual Harmonizers (singers, the PO workers). David: We talked a lot about you guys. You guys have heart. Great lead singer. Just too many acts. You didn't make it. Guys, our heart goes out to you. Tough, tough, decision.

Dance groups. This was probably the most competative this year. Both go home.
Belly Dancer. Tough call. You won't be going through.
Acrobatic dancers. Here's the really tough part. It's no.
Girls. We have to put the best of the best through. Unfortunately, you're going home.

Hairo Torres. The break dancer who flipped onto his back. Piers: You're one step away from a life-changing experience. Sharon: It's a very tough decision for us. We wish you so well, we know you are going to go on to do great things. I'll put you out of your torture. Our decision is: You're going through, and you're in the quarter-final. We loved you.

Break.

(This is tough. It's all based on that one audition tape (first show). If they were just a BIT less good than someone else, they're probably out. By the same token, I think they put a few acts through to give some of the others a chance to do a couple of shows to win over America. (The odd-ball acts that we wonder why they DID put them through.) Ah, well. We are not the judges, yet. We'll just have to see what happens with everyone else, huh? Even so, I hope some of those acts that were not put through, either time, still go on with their acts.)

Last two contestants of the day, 34yo Lawrence Beaman ("Ol' Man River") and 35yo Kevin ??? (ex-chicken farmer) ("If Tomorrow Never Comes"). David: ... But then we went and looked at the tape. Sharon (to Lawrence): This is real, real tough. We don't have room for one of you. David: to Kevin: Whether you go through or not, remember, you've made a big impression on all of us, and you DO have talent. Beaman went through. Kevin did, too. WHEW! They BOTH made it. GREAT. They are both good in their own ways. I hope they both get more than one more chance.

Tomorrow. The rest of the hopefuls.

See you then!

(Seems the storm didn't do anything to our cable or power. So... Sorry for the warning, but better to be safe than sorry.)

Here is the link to the individual act videos: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4-highlights/1094635/

Link to full episode: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1138305#vid=1139926

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/22/2009)

Final Audition Show w/Interview with Susan Boyle

Los Angeles

BreakSk8. Best friends, skaters from Kokomo, Indiana. Piers buzzed early. Basically a dance group on skates. Audience likes them - Standing ovation and chant of Vegas. David: Here's the deal. We have a lot of breakdancers on the show, some incredible. I have to think about it. Piers: I loved all of it but the skates. Sharon: We HAVE seen a lot of breakdancers, but none on skates. Yes from me. Piers: Sticking with my gut... No. David: I'm gonna give you guys a break and say Yes. They're in.

Mosaic. A vocal band. "Shining Star" Yes.
The Lollipop Girls. Dancers. Yes.
Recycled Percussion. Yes.
Jeffrey Ou. Keyboard. Yes.
SQ Entertainment. Acrobatic Dancers. Yes.
And a number in a mosaic, yes.
Koshaka(?). Singer. "Natural Woman" Yes.

Break.

8yo Ciana ??? from Hawaii, singer. "At last." Audience - Partial standing ovation in middle, and clapping with the song, then chant VEGAS. Piers: If I were you, I'd start looking for a new house for your parents. I have never heard an eight-year old with a voice like that. Sharon: Did you enjoy that? (yes). David: You're so good. And look at how young you are. David: Absolutely yes. Piers: Yes from me. Sharon: Yes from me. She's in.

Break.

Choir Director, Joseph "Jo-Jo" James from LA, singer, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Bad falsetto. Buzzed off. Audience against him. David: It sounds like one of those balloons. Piers: How do your choruses react when you do that in church? (This is my gift.) David: It didn't work out today. Nope.

Brian and Anthony Lockard. Piano show. Nope.
Inara ???. Classically trained singer with guitarist. Nope.
Scott Renkis and Darryl ???. Comedy Circus. Nope.
Dr Franklin Ruelle. Sticking straws in a potato. Nope

Break.

Beale Street Flippers. Very last act to face judges. Group of friends from Beale Street. Gymnastic Tumbling. To "Billie Jean". Audience standing ovation. Sharon and David: Standing O. David: You are the best flippers we've had on this show, by far. Piers: Two words: Flipping incredible. Yes, all round. Piers: My vote is the biggest flipping yes you've heard... They're in.

That's it for the auditions. (Recap montage of good AND bad acts.)

Break. Next come Meridith Viero's interview with Susan Boyle. Be sure to view the video, when I post the link, or go to http://www.nbc.com/agt, and view it there.)

Susan Boyle interview. (Sorry... I tried to keep up with them, but was missing out on a lot of stuff. Be sure to see the videos of it. I'm sure it will be at NBC.com, and I will post a link, soon.)

Susan Boyle Story: Daring to Dream

It appears Susan has had a makeover, and looks better than I recall having seen her. They told Susan Boyle's story with some comments from Piers, and clips from Britain's Got Talent, the internet, and news. Susan took all questions in stride and seemed to be smiling the whole time. She's recording a new CD.

No matter who said she was great, the one that took her breath away was Donnie Osmond. He taped a message for her. Donnie said, someday, I predict you and I will make a record together. We'll redo Puppy Love. And Susan's biggest idol: Elaine Paige. They bring out Elaine, shocking Susan. Susan is Gobsmacked. Piers: Wouldn't that be an amazing thing... Someone like Susan Boyle, coming from her little village, becomes a star for the next 20 years, rivaling the likes of Barbara Striesand.

Here's NBC's preview and excepts, including a partial transcript from Susan Boyle's interview: http://www.nbc.com/news/2009/07/20/susan-boyle-on-nbc-preview-and-excerpts-from-interview/

Here is the link to the individual act videos: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4-highlights/1094635/

Here's the link to the full show video: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1138305#vid=1138305. Direct to the Susan Boyle Interview: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?vid=1138305&tin=1772&tout=2244#vid=1138305

Next week... Vegas Week. By the end of the week, they will be down to 40.

That's it. See you next week.

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/21/2009)

MySpace Auditions

El Vegas (Jerry) from NJ. Elvis impersonator w/a couple of "Vegas" girls. Piers buzzed early and covers his ears. Audience booing and wanting him buzzed. "Glory Hallelujah". Piers: Every time I think this show gets as whacked as it can be, someone else comes along to [dethrone] the record-holder. Sharon: Jerry, what went wrong. David: I don't know what happened. It was a bit rough for me, but I'm proud to be an American. Nope.

Jumping Eagles, jump-roping group. Piers: Absolutely ridicuouls. Nope
Shawn Berkey from Muncie, Indiana. Singer. Nope.
Don Badlaramos. Shakesperean something. Nope.
Shaunie(sp?). Singing and dancing. Effeminate guy. Piers: Bizarre! Nope

(I'm guessing they've decided to do this first segment, so we all know that they HAVE seen some bad acts. I'm not sure why they do it this way, rather than mixing them in, as they do other segments, but... Let's see if they save one of the best for last, as they have in earlier shows this year.)

Break.

Illinois HS student, Ashley Groff, 18yo, singer, has a fan club on MySpace someone started for her. OMG! A screamer! Piers and Sharon buzzed early. David: OMG! Linda Blair... What happened. Piers: For the first time on this show ever, I was truly scared of you. Nope.

Ishaara. Bollywood Dance troup. From Berkley, CA. "Bally Ho" is the song they danced to(?) David: That was terrific. Piers: Unbelievably exciting to watch. David: Yes. Piers: Definitely yes from me. Sharon: Yes. They're in. (I thought it was interesting and fun.)

Break.

The Flash. Acrobatic Jugglers. Yes.

Duo Design. Very physical act, but also very mental. A couple of bald, muscular guys. Acrobatic movement/balancing act (semi dance). Piers buzzed early. Sharon: Unbelievable control. Piers: Something oddly compelling about you two. You're very strange. David: Your act is very "alien cool". David: Yes. Piers: Just too weird for me, so I'm gonna have to say no. Sharon: I liked it very much, I liked the whole concept. Um... Yes. They're in. (Nick, backstage: They're gonna get their spaceship to Vegas).

Judges take break. David: MySpace is delivering the weird, the whacky, the wonderful.

Break.

Eddie Green, San Diego, CA, 52yo. Started doing his act in a pub one time. Friends and fans have told him he's awesome and should get on AGT. Here he is. A different kinda of puppet act. Eddie and the Puppet Divas. Life-size Tina Turner puppet. David and Piers buzzed early. Sharon, shortly after. Nope.

Marcus Terell and the Serenades. Friends for 10 years, first time they've come together as a group. Singing group. "Hit the Road Jack". Update old songs. Not bad. Interesting. Piers: No easy way of saying this, I love you, these three (the Serenades) I don't. You gonna sack them? (Never). Sharon: I liked it very much. I liked the whole concept. I liked your style. David: I like it very much. If you guys work on the vocals to support him... Yes. Piers: Great potential. I'm gonna make my decision. I'm gonna say, yes. Sharon: Yes.

Break.

College student, Charles Dorsey Jr, from LA, 21yo, Piano player/singer. Mother: He's born to be a musician. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". Yes! He's good. (Still, he should have someone else play keyboards or have a band behind him, IMO.) Audience chants VEGAS. Sharon: So few times in this industry that people come on stage and tick all the right boxes. David: You've got talent. It was terrific what you did. Piers: I think we've found a bit of a star in you. Yes all round. He's in. (Many of audience give a standing ovation.)

Break.

Encore, Dance crew. Yep.
Alycia Cooper. Comedian. Yep.
N2UN. Violin and piano. Yep.
Kara & Corey Britz. He plays guitar and she sings. Yep.

19yo college student, Heavy Vee. "Natural-born dancer". Hip-hop dancing. Piers: Buzzed. She kinda stands in one place and dances. Sharon and David buzzed. Piers: The point of dancing is you're supposed to move around. You moved around about 3-inches. No, all round. Nick comes out on stage. "Maybe you needed a partner." And dances with her. She was there to inspire. Nope.

David: MySpace gave us everything possible.

Here's the link to the full episode: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/#vid=1137646

Tomorrow: Final auditions. And Susan Boyle interview.

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/15/2009)

We're in Seattle/Tacoma, tonight.

24yo Chris Kegley, "Keg, the Lone Ranger of Rock", dreams of being a great rocker. (Is the interview another setup?) Yep... It was a setup. Piers buzzed early. Piers: The reason you're the Lone Ranger of Rock is because nobody wants to play with you, isn't it? (Who wants to see me? The audience boos.) David: I'm gonna leave my vote up to the audience (NO)... My vote's no. Sharon: No from me. Piers: No.

Sylvia Brasil. Sing and Dance. Semi-stripper/Belly-dancer/Singer. No.
Madmat, the Indestructible Man. No.
Pink Gorilla. She strips off the suit to a pink 2-piece. David: What happened to our show? No.

Break.

43yo Kari Kellens. Radiology tech. Dream and goal to be a professional singer. Singing since she was 3. Bi-lateral(?) lip and palate. She's good. "Somewhere Out There". Standing Ovation from all. David: AMERICA'S GOT TALENT. Sharon: Goosebumps and the hair on the back of the head. You've got a voice. Piers: One thing I've learned as a judge... Never judge a book by its cover. (She'd auditioned for a cruise ship, and the guy took one look at her and said, "You're not what we're looking for." David said, "You know, you're gonna go back to that cruise ship and charge him $40,000... You're worth it!" Piers: "You're not gonna be able to do the cruise ship, because you're going to Vegas.") Yes, all round. She's in. (Sorry I can't catch all the quotes, and I hope I got the parts I did right.)

Break.

New York, again.

Simon Shibon. Fire Acrobatics. Yep.
Keith Johnson. Piers buzzed. Bue David and Sharon said, Yes.
Pixie Mystere. Dance/acrobatics. Yes all round.

"Reality", group of best friends. Singers. From Memphis. "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat" from Guys and Dolls. Audience doesn't like it. Piers buzzed. David and Sharon buzzed. David: We're all sitting down because you rocked the boat. Piers: I'm sitting down because you didn't rock my boat. It's not cool. Sharon: What you just performed is something you'd take to an elderly person's retirement home. Nope.

Break.

New York.

From Indianapolis, Indiana. In Indiana, they get shut down/slapped in the face. Dancers. "Destined 2 Be". Song: "Gotta Get Loose". Pretty good. Host: Lotta showmanship. David: Thought coreography was terrific. Great job. Sharon: Great future in front of you. They're in! (Take THAT, Indiana!)

Rashida Jolley from Washington DC. Plays harp and sings. Dad taught her how to be a musician. Couple of years ago, her dad passed. "Killing Me Softly". She drums on the harp and plays. Good. Audience likes her - Standing Ovation. Sharon: Not sure if it works together. Piers: Truth is if you came in and did the normal harp thing... Actually, I think you made the harp quite sexy. Yes, all round. (Sharon: What you do is so unique, I think I need to see it again.) Her dad said "Never give up.

Break.

New York.

Matt and Anthony. Song and Dance. College Roommates. No group name. Anthony tap dances. Matt sings and plays guitar. Interesting. David: You were awesome, and I think it's the best tap-dancing I've ever seen. Sharon: I love this show, because it's unique. Loss of Gregory Hines, and I thought, it's over, but it's not... We have you." Yes all round.

Missed the name. Argentine Tango. Audience loved it. They're in.
The Kalinins. Father and son acrobatic act. They're in.
Christopher and Luara Camp. Whip act. They're in. (David: Weirdly entertaining)

Break.

New York, again.

16yo Mia Boonstrom. Was on last year, made it to Vegas. But was dropped early. Something for her self-esteem, too. Back 100% and ready to make her mark. Piers: Do you really believe you've improved enough in the last year to win the million. (Yes.) Singing "Georgia". Piers has a little smile on his face. Sharon and David are waiting. David gets into it. Sharon looks like she's getting into it, too. Sharon claps. Sharon: I have to say the difference that one year has made... You're personality shines through. Piers: You are a much better singer with a much better range. You've certainly come a long way. David: I think you did great. There's still a long way to go, but you did great. Sharon: You do have a long way to go, but yes. Piers: Yes. David: Yes. She's in, again. (Sharon: She's got a personality now, she was like a wallflower, before.)

Mariah Carey video world premier. (Nick's her husband.) Delusional(?) or "Why You So Obsessed with Me".

Next week, Tuesday: Internet acts.
Wednesday: Final auditions.

I'll post the link for the episode in a few days. And, here it is: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/#vid=1135841

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/14/2009)

And, we're back. Time for new auditions!

New York City

38yo government contractor, Jeffery Widom. Singer. OMG! Bad song choice. His "others" sounded MUCH better, after he was buzzed. All buzzes at once. Nope.

Alex Feldman - "performer" - Nope.
Dorothy Bishop - Opera Singer - Nope.
Moonwalker - Contortionists - Nope.
David Glass - Elvis imitator? - Nope.

Break.

9yo, Tallen Noble Laz. Blues Guitarist. Dad said the kid got HIM into the blues. WOW! The kid is GREAT. Standing Ovation from the crowd. David: You know, you have a major career ahead of you. Piers: I've got a nine year old who's learning to play guitar, and he's just learning to play Three Blind Mice. Sharon: You have the soul and charisma. David: America needs to see you: YES. Piers: Yes. Sharon: And you've made my day! Yes. He's in.

Break.

Looks like some dancers made it through... I don't recall seeing them.

Retired barber, Tony Ferrante, 74yo, dancer (Disco, free-style). Piers buzzed early. Audience likes him. Sharon: Oh, Tony. Let me say you are a snazzy mover. Piers: Let me remind everybody, this is a million dollar talent show. With a great deal of respect, I don't think you're it. David: Yes. Piers: Don't be ridiculous, it's a million dollar talent show. Piers: 100% No. Sharon: All right my darling... I don't think it's definitely worth a million, but you entertained me, so therefore, I have to say yes. He's in. (Ok... He was fun, but not a million dollars.) The audience were chanting his name, and he went back onstage for a cheer.

Two weeks to the start of the top 40 shows.

Break.

Arthur - Strange dance act. Yes, all round.
Nathan Burton, Magician. Yes.
African High Flyers Acrobats. Yes.

Kelly Glover. Singer. From New Jersey. Auditioned for Season 1 American Idol. Was crushed. Went through a lot of emotions. Didn't want to sing anymore. Worked in a casino for the last six years. Wants to prove to America that she can really do it. Great job. David: You didn't give up, did you. NEVER give up. Great, great, great job. Girls from Jersey rock. Piers: We've seen a lotta great singers. Yes all round. She's in. (As she walked offstage, David said, "That blew me away.")

Break.

The Badd Girls from Phillidelphia. Name may be Bad Girls, but we're good. Sing and dance. Want to be big as the Spice Girls. They just aren't good. Three buzzes. Piers: You have as much chance of being the next Spice Girls as I have of being President of the United States. David & Sharon: Sound like... Cats in a basket. Nope.

The Platt Brothers. Dancers/acrobats/mime-type. Standing Ovation from audience. David: Very creative, I really enjoyed the act. Piers: All the tools, and sex appeal for the ladies. Gotta go away and be clever, now. Sharon: Liked interpretation of the music... Clever and funny. They're in. (leaving, David said, America will love them.)

Break.

The Spiritual Harmonizers. PO Workers (same PO) from Richmond, VA. Been singing about 10 years. From 21yo to 76yo. Accapela group. "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday". Standing ovation from crowd. David: That was awesome. Piers: What I normally think about this type of act is they normally bore me stupid. The lead singer was the diffference here. Sharon: This show gives everyday people in America a forum. I'm so glad to have given it to you. Yes all round. They're in. (Why do I have the feeling Piers will suggest that the lead singer go off on his own, later?)

That's it for today. See ya tomorrow.

I'll post the full-episode video tomorrow, if they have it. And they did: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/?apl=true#vid=1135381 . Please see earlier posts for other links to NBC, and individual acts.

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/08/2009)

Houston, Texas, today.

The Texas Tenors, based in Houston. "Mountain Music" by Alabama. Not bad. Partial Standing Ovation. David: I think you did a very, very good job. Sharon: It's very raw, and you need to perform, perform as much as you can. Piers: I began to rather enjoy it. Yes. Sharon: Yes. David: You're going to Vegas. They're in.

Break.

Bruce Thomas, handyman, 51yo, musician. Act is totally unique. Believes the judges will be flabbergasted. Had the talent for 40 years. Manualist. Yankee Doodle. Buzzed quickly. Sharon: Not a million dollar talent. No, all round.

Urban Burlesque Group - Ruby Review. Nope.
In Sterio - Flutists. Nope.
Chrispy? Family Carnival (Staples dollar bills to him. Lifts a weight with his nipple rings.) Nope.

Break.

5 friends. AcroDunk from Houston. Slam-dunks acrobatically. Trampoline-type dunking and acrobatics. Very cool. Worth a million? We'll see. ... Audience loves them... David: On this show, we have seen so many hunks in trunks trying to do dunks, and you are the BEST. Piers: Energy... Sharon: Energy - I could watch you guys all night. Piers: Yes. Sharon: Oh, it's a yes from me. David: Well, it looks like hunks in trunks will be dunking in Las Vegas! They're in.

Break.

In Color? - Dancers? - Yes, they're in.
Anna Pipoyan - Belly Dancer - Yes, they're in.
Eclipse - Rapper - David: We've not had a rapper on this show yet as good as you. Yes, he's in.

8yo girl, Eleisha Miller. Piano, sing. "Proud Mary". Definitely a personality. David: Inspirational to all the kids out there. Very cute, very funny, but singing needs a little work. (I think so, too.) Sharon: I don't know what to do with you. I'm gonna have to say No... I'm sorry. Piers: Yes. David: I love your honesty, and the way you take over the stage. Yes. She's in.

Break.

Timez2 (singing duo), twins. Singers. Definite energy. Rappers. Audience into it. David: Terrific. Piers: I didn't want to like you two, and then you were quite good. Sharon: Alright, you've got the grinding and the pumping and all that, but you have to work more on your voices. David: Yes. Piers: I think Sharon's right about the voices. No. Sharon: Oh, it's yes. They're in.

75yo retired phone operator. Grandma Lee. From Florida. It was my dream, and I finally decided to live my dream. Comedian. Not bad. Audience chants VEGAS. Piers: You may be my favorite contestant this season... ("You know? Everybody says Piers is the mean one, but I think he's cute." (LOL)) (I'd do him!) Yes all around. She's in.

Break.

Barbara Padilla, full-time, stay-at-home Mom from Houston. Singer. Operatic. VERY good. Audience cheers in the middle, twice. And she carried it off. Standing Ovation and from Sharon and David. Piers: What an amazing voice you've got. (I've lived through miracles... I'm a cancer survivor. 5 years, and now in remission. And now I'm here. When you have hope, you keep going.) Sharon: Such an inspiration. Absolutely perfect. Piers: Great spirit and determination. David: You've showed us your heart. Keep singing. Piers: Massive 100% yes. Sharon: You're an incredible woman. Yes. David: Like I said, miracles come true. You're going to Vegas. Yes. (After she left stage: Sharon: Lovely, lovely, and elegant. She does have an amazing talent, and as well as her talent, she's an amazing woman.

Here are some of the individual videos from the show, including some from tonight. http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/
Here's were you can find the full video of tonight when they post it. I will post the direct link when I can. http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-4/1127763/

Direct link to full episode: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/#vid=1133784

Next week... See ya then!

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/07/2009)

And, we begin the auditions, again.

Los Angeles Auditions.

First up, Nathan Watkins aka: "Nasty Nate", 20yo, from Atlanta, GA, Singer. Says he can make all the greats look like amatuers. OMG! NO! Has attitude, but can't sing. Has no pitch control at all. "Simply the Best". Nope. Not by a long shot. Piers and David buzzed. David: Let's just sum this up, that was simply the worst. Piers: You're not going to Vegas, you're going to the local cab rank, to go home. Big no from David. No from Piers. No from Sharon. NOPE! (GOOD!)

Zahid Khan. One man instrument. Nope. Buzzed off.
Lealand Faulkner. Paper mask. Nope. Buzzed off.
Iota Arcane. Fastest Poet. Wrote one for AGT. "read it". Nope. Buzzed off.

Sharon: all the talent is supposed to be congregating here. Maybe they're coming after lunch, 'cause they're not...

Break.

LA, again.

David puts on the Baywatch gear (sunglasses, jacket, whistle, and board... No suit, TG!) Hopeful to "save a few careers".

Sheldon Wesley and ???, fitness instructors, "Footworks Fitness", turns step into a drum and kinda dance around it. Buzzed off.
Scott Weider, Flys a kite. Nope. Buzzed off.
Circus Runaways. Buzzed
missed name. Buzzed.
Buzzes in quick montage.
K-dizzle. Rapper. Nope.

NOTHING, yet.

Today's final act. 49yo Nurse, Terri Williams. Piers: The good news is you couldn't be any worse than what we've seen so far. (Yes she can!) Sharon commits Hari Kari. Piers walks off. David hits all the buzzes. Nope. (Related to Celine Dion? Didn't get the singing gene!)

Piers: Worst day in America's Got Talent. Even the Hoff couldn't rescue us today. Sharon wants to call in sick tomorrow. David said it's the worst day of his LIFE!

Break. Looks like all the weirdos and whackos hit them first day. Maybe another day will be better.

Still LA

Bri, 17yo, sing and play keyboard, "Burnin' up" (Jonas Bros). She's not bad. No buzzes. Crowd chants Vegas. Sharon: Finally someone comes on stage that has their own personality and isn't imitating someone else. Piers: You have raw talent. Piers: Yes. David: You got talent, Yes. Sharon: Yes. She's IN! (They finally got one!)

Break.

Still LA

TJ and the Little Mamas, 6-9yo dancers. Cute. David: Very, very good. Very good. Do you guys wanna go to Vegas? (YES). Yes all around. They're in.

Miss Germany, Fire act. David: One Hot Mama. Yes, all round.
Janice Martin, Aerial Silk, violin and vocal act. She's in.
Scott Brothers. Cartoon Style Popping act. They're in.

Break.

LA still.

Iconic Crew. Dancers - Good. They're in.

Robert Dunn. "Monsier Pedicure". Revolutionary Dance style - Toe dancer. Just dicovered last summer. Wiggles toe to music. Buzzed by all. David: Everytime I think the worst act in history is on our show, you are number one. Sharon: Speechless. Nope. Buzzed out.

Mario Ferrera and wife, Jennifer, Sexy and Dangerous act. Scares her, but he does that. David: You guys have come to play. Juggles chainsaws. Sharon: Got everyone's attention. David: Sexy and Dangerous, you're going to Vegas. They're in.

Break.

Last contestant of the day. Lawrence Beaman, 34yo. Singer. Native of Mississippi. "Old Man River". Deep Baritone/Bass singer. Very good. GREAT in fact. Standing Ovation, including the judges. (Very emotional/crying at end.) Sharon took a tissue to him. Piers: Amazing, stunning performance. Sharon: One of God's acts, you really are. David: What you brought to this show is class, grace and talent. And we have a lot to learn from people like you. Piers: Thing is, I'm not sure how much this audience liked you (knowing). Standing Ovation, again. Yes, all round. He's DEFINITELY in. David: He came on looking beautiful, sang beautifully... and the audience loved him.

That's it for tonight. See you tomorrow.

Full show link - http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/#vid=1133419

America's Got Talent - 2009 (07/01/2009)

Houston

Divani, Singer. from Russia, lives in NY, NO! Can't sing worth ... well, you know. Piers buzzed early. David: What happened, sweetie. D: Well, I can't sing when everybody's loud. She's out.

Jolie and Chester - She sings, he balances a lawnmower. Nope.
Rusty Reese - Singer - "If I Were a Rich Man" w/Sound effects. Nope.
Stone White - Singer - "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy". Nope.

Break.

Back at Houston.

Bunch of girls in red curly-haired wigs. Lake Houston Performing Art Center. Dancers "Shake Your Groove Thing" *Most all students. BIG group. Piers: What was the meaning behind the wigs. LH: We love the 70s and thought it brought out the dance. Piers: I think it worked. David: It's about following your dream, it's about working hard. You are an inspiration to Houston. All: YES. They're in.

Break.

Still Houston.

Pam Martin & Viva (dog). The dog's her dance partner. Not as good as some videos I've seen, but cute, and not bad at all. Sharon: Quite fabulous. (K9 Freestyle). Piers: Great. David: Yes. Sharon: Yes. Piers: There's only one thing I want to say: Viva... Las Vegas.

Break.

Miami.

25yo Marti Brill. Magician. Practice every day. Not gonna screw up on AGT. When people come and see me, they go home and talk about me for years. The magic world will never be the same. I'm gonna show the world that magicians can win AGT. Card from mouth. Card tricks, most of which I've seen before. Piers & Sharon buzz early. Audience isn't with him - Booing. Piers: You are the most annoying man in Miami. David: You ate a lot of cards, man, that was cool. (You didn't like the show?) It's not David Copperfield, no. Nope.

Brandon Paxton. Poems about ex-girlfriends. Nope.
Diego Baner. Singer. Teaches singing. Bass, decent, but no. *VERY hard vibrato
Wrestlers - No! Piers: Complete waste of time. You may have the guns, but we have the Cannon (Nick). As they leave, Nick says "I really respect you guys, please don't kill me."

Break.

Miami.

Joseph Constantine & Casey. Illusionist. Lost everything in the past few years. One trick. Ok. David: Nice presentation, but we've seen that act at least 6-7 times, already. I'll have to think about it. Sharon: Seen the trick many times before, but not seen YOU do it before. Piers: We've seen it before, but that was the best example of it we've seen. And we can see what it means to you. This show is about giving people a break. David: There are about 100,000 stories like yours out there. It's about talent. We've seen this before, and not put them through. My answer is no. Piers: Yes. Sharon: I really appreciate the effort you've made today, and I know how important it is to you. I'm gonna have to say, YES. They're in. Their kids go on on stage with them.

Fuschiaa Foxx. Belly Dancer. Piers: Oxygen for Mr. Hasselhoff. Yes.
Circus R Us. Contortionists, and more. Yes.
Hurricane Trixterz. Tumbling "dancers". Martial Art-type dancers. Yes.

Break.

Miami.

23yo Hirro Torres. from Oregon. Break-dancer. He's got moves I've never seen before. David: Absolutely terrific. Sharon: Unique, what you do. Piers: The question we ask about all acts, is do we want to see more of them. I want to see more of you. H: I was actually worried about you, man. David: Yes. Piers: You are one of the most original acts we've seen. I'm gonna say yes. Sharon: You're going to Vegas. H: Wants to be the first in his family to get out and do something. And feels it's happening.

That's it for tonight.
See ya next week.

Full show link: www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/#vid=1131689