America’s Got Talent 2016 – Auditions #5 – Live Blog and Videos

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT -- "Auditions Pasadena Civic Auditorium" -- Pictured: Sofie Dossi -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

America’s Got Talent 2016 – Auditions #5 – Live Blog and Videos

Simon Cowell joins Mel B., Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel for season 11 of America’s Got Talent–your favorite summer guilty pleasure. Nick Cannon returns as host. We’ll be live blogging Week 4 of the auditions right here.

The episode begins with a bit with the judges getting lost in their rentals on the way to auditions. Heidi is a menace on the road in a Range Rover.

Ryan Beard – Comedian – 18 year old. He’s an AGT superfan and has always wanted to audition. He’s there with his mom who homeschooled him. Is this guy a comedian? He keeps cracking jokes about his parents and being homeschooled and his general lack of female companionship. He sings a song called “Ladies Man” accompanying himself on keys. So yeah, he’s a comedian. “Who needs friends and relationships..I can get that from my cat.” The judges are cracking up. Endearing, wry and likeable–if he’s not a one hit wonder, he could go far. The girls in the pit love it (I’m sure they’re being cued to clap, though.) Howie thought he “scored well” tonight, and will score even better later on. “You are so sweet and charming!” gushes Mel. Heidi can’t wait until his next song. Simon found him memorable. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOlYdX3-ToE

Next is a montage of magician fails, including a dude with a pink neckerchief and sparkly onesie, a couple of duos with super awkward acts–one including a straight jacket and a plunger.

The Rockets – Magicians – A brother sister act, children of magicians, have their own act. Dad tells them to go out there and have fun “Mommy and daddy are proud no matter what happens.” Aw. Good parents. The kids are 10 and 8 respectively. Sis is the assistant and she’s salty, always keeping big brother in his place. He does the old sawing his assistant in half trick, the result has his sister “split” in two on separate gurneys. He can tickle “her” kicking feet on one side, while she loudly complains on the other. The trick is easy to figure out, but the two are small and sweet, and fun to watch – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce-6G-OjKoQ

A montage of animal acts are next. Simon’s cute dogs, Squiddly and Diddly make a cameo.

Pato and Ginger – Dog Act – When Pato adopted Ginger, she was an abused 1 year old. As he helped Ginger heal, she helped him cope with mental illness that had driven him into the streets to beg for food. Training Ginger has changed his life. She’s an adorable happy looking puppy. They skip rope. Ginger rides a scooter and dances to Footloose. The big trick is balancing on a tightrope. The act isn’t spectacular, but I have a feeling the emotional backstory will carry the day. Mel says, “That made me happy inside.” Heidi felt the act was jam packed with great tricks. “Your act helps all of us,” declares Howie. Simon calls them both “incredible.” Simon wonders if Ginger is really a dog, she’s so talented. His dog loving heart won’t be able to say no- 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6osXu1CXMQ

Back from break, a large children’s gospel choir is singing “Oh Happy Day.” They get 4 yeses.

Raii and Whitney Smith – Singers – This married couple met at the University of Illinois. He had to win her over. Lately, they’ve been background singing for “major artists” (Alicia Keys, Michelle Chrisette). Now, they are ready to step into the spotlight. Simon wonders if they ever want the “major artists” to fall off the stage. Oh, Simon. They sing “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.  They kiss as they finish. Hm. They’re OK. I bet they both get through, but then one is eliminated in Vegas for the dramz. She’s the better singer. Mel calls them “pitch perfect.” Heidi loved it. Howie calls it a “great throwback.” Simon said they broke out of karaoke sameness about halfway through the song. Both are in tears with Nick backstage. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-YAHHSYeyM

Next, is a montage of clowns. This is not good, because Simon hates clowns. So do I. These are mostly joke acts. Simon’s buzzer stays busy. One act, which is actually pretty good, stars a super creepy folding clown. Simon looks visibly uncomfortable. Really, the word should have gotten out. Clowns, don’t waste your time.

Richie Esposito – SCARY CLOWN – This dude has a backstory. His grandfather inspired him to become a clown. He was so invested in the dream…he decided to become a CLOWN FOREVER. That means, having clown makeup TATTOOED on his face. YUCK. Simon looks like he’s going to barf. Crazy clown raps as he juggles: “EVERY DAY I’M JUGGLING.” The buzzing comes fast and furious as he throws confetti over a terrified Simon. “You do scare me” he says. Mel liked his enthusiasm, but not much else. Howie is impressed by his commitment. “That was the worse thing I’ve ever seen,” says Simon.” Howie says yes, but the rest say no.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhrjGN2hd9c

Throwings: Annie and Andre – Danger Act – Four years ago, working with another partner, Annie broke her spine. Yikes. She wasn’t sure she could walk again. The duo met during her recovery and fell in love. Once she trusted him she was able to return to the act. They do an acrobatic act that involves Andre swinging Annie around high atop a platform–letting her go and catching her again. That’s right–if a connection is missed, she’d be toast.  Elegantly choreographed, the couple’s strong connection adds to the intensity.  “That was pretty incredible,” says Mel. “Stunning.” Howie loved it. Heidi calls it elegant, exciting and dangerous. “It was incredible,” says Simon. He’s impressed by their “incredible” relationship. “I love you guys!” – 4 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0d6Gd0St_g

OK. This is gross. A competitive eater is scarfing down dog food with beef bile. WHAT THE HELL. “It’s not an act! Goodbye” says Simon.  Next is a series of weird acts: A guy who paints with his tongue “A complete waste of time. Stupid.” says Simon.

Dan Meyer –  Sword Swallower – This 59 year old has been swallowing swords since 1999. He describes the process–he has to nudge his heart out of  the way? WTF? He’s had injuries too–damaging is esophagus at one point. YUCK. Tonight, he’s trying a trick he’s never done before. Sorry kiddos. I can’t watch.  After a sword, he uses an 8 pound car axle. Blech.  Next, he’ll swallow an entire car. Uh. It’s so exciting, it’s a cliffhanger! After the break, Nick takes the stage to help. A sports car appears. Nick is tasked with steering as the dude pulls the car across the stage like a mule, with a sword down his throat, tether attached to either side of the sword handle. WEIRD. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V08y0DqjkMM

Next is a montage of successful acts. Young female cloggers first.  One of them has a crush on Howie. He hugs her. She squeals. “Can I just ask one question…why?” asks Simon. A married couple juggle with fire on unicycles. It’s like the Ed Sullivan Show! A 14 year old with a big voice sings “Wild Horses.”

Sofie Dossi – Hand Balance and Contortion – Fourteen year old spends all her time practicing her act. Her dad builds all of her contraptions.  She’s super bendy, balancing on  one hand while she twists her body into a pretzel.  She picks up an apple with her feet–over her head–and feeds herself.  The act ends with a bow and arrow, which she shoots perfectly with her feet into a target. She’s really good! Heidi and Howie give her a standing o. They call her amazing and exciting. “What planet are you from?”asks Simon, “You really put on a great act!” Mel compliments her stage presence. Her demeanor is impressively professional. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5P5EyIPBGM

Next is another montage of successful acts, including a bunch of dance acts, featuring jump ropers and hip hoppers.

Christopher –  Puppet Act – Fifty four year old African American fella always wanted to be a part of a musical group. He’s wearing a fake Indian headdress and garb. Hm. Oh. Well. How to describe this. He’s the Indian in the Village People. The rest of the group is represented by puppets, held up by a contraption that allows him to operate all four of them at once.  Well. Ok.  Howie loved it. Mel wants to see his act again and again. Simon thought it was “fantastic.” I don’t know. Christopher swears he can top what he did tonight, but it looks like a silly novelty to me. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-y-J8GeYKk

Brian Justin Crum – Singer – Twenty-eight year old. Here comes the backstory! His mom has always been his rock. She encouraged his singing. He was bullied in school for being overweight and gay. He moved to Oregon, for a fresh start, to live with an aunt and uncle. He’s tackling a tough song, “Somebody to Love” by Queen. He has a strong, if undisciplined voice. He needs to work on control, but he sings with conviction and a strong, clear tone. So, there’s that. He could use a lesson or two, but there’s definitely potential! He gets a standing ovation from the panel, including Simon. Howie says, ‘I think you found EVERYBODY to love you.” Mel B says, “You took us to church!” Heidi congratulates him for showing up those bullies. Simon calls him a fantastic singer. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8t-2mcya2s

Oh, so next week, Nick gets his own “Golden Buzzer” act. Everyone acts like it’s a surprise, as if the same exact thing didn’t happen on Britain’s Got Talent a few months ago.

About mj santilli 34830 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!