America’s Got Talent moves on from the Quarter Final performances to the You Tube submissions. Were these acts really chosen based solely on a You Tube submission? If so, that could explain why most of tonight’s performers fell flat. But, oh, that’s pretty much every week on AGT, isn’t it? Never mind.
Probably moving on: (I really got this wrong last week!) Matt Wilhelm, Powerhouse, West Springfield Dance Team and Gymkana.
VIDEOS: America’s Best Talent
TNC Elite
Cloggers. The routine felt like a tap dance recital, said Howie, and I have to say I agree with him. Piers and Sharon weren’t impressed either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5sHdha9UO8
Illustionist Brett D.
The judges liked the concept–building the magic act around the iconic Marilyn Monroe who appears and disappears–but the execution was poor. The middle part was a huge mess.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoxMbLSUkqI
Gabe Rocks
The bull dog who does the “tricks” is adorable, but there have been way better doggie acts on David Letterman’s stupid pet tricks over the past 30 years. Piers hated it, but for some reason, Sharon and Howie LOVED IT. Bowled over by doggie cuteness, I suspect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCuudiSDt-o
Aeon
This combinations of street dance and gymnastics was poorly choreographed and executed. Sharon and Piers hated it. Howie liked it–thought it was edgy, original and new.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xYlQ7-a4nE
Brena Bell – Creepy kid gymnastics
Ugh. This little girl is straight out of Toddlers and Tiaras. Her routine was a mixture of dance and gymnastics that bordered on child porn. I felt really really uncomfortable watching it. Gah. Parents what the hell is wrong with you? Take your little girl home and let her grow up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDUwEZ-tw34
Kevin Colis – One more WGWG
Another crappy white guy with a guitar. He’s very humble and sweet, and the judges liked him. Apparently, he’s only sung on You Tube (I bet that’s not really true). As an underdog type, he’s ot a chance to advance to the semi-finals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CWcObcOx1o
Beth Ann Robinson – Tween Dancer
No doubt this 14 year old dancer has talent. Her routine mixed up contemporary, jazz and ballet. But I think she’s too young. In 4 years, when she’s old enough, she should check out So You Think You Can Dance. By then, she could be phenomenal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zab7VgOF7fc
Gymkana
University of Maryland gymnastic troupe perform a routine that is clever, professional and visually stunning. The judges loved it. They have a shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTPoq_diYj8
Kalani Basketball Freestyle
Whee! Spinning basketballs! How exciting! Only not. For an act like this to work, the tricks have to be fantastic and mistake-free.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH6erTMpUFs
West Springfield Dance Team
This young dance troupe performed a routine that owes a lot to Thriller, with the goth costumes and spooky eye contacts. Professional and well choreographed, they have a chance to advance. The judges were impressed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEpM20erHYw
Matt Wilhelm
Want to advance on America’s Got Talent? Whatever your act is? Perform it under a black light. Matt was chosen by the You Tube community as their favorite submission, so I expect he’ll have no trouble advancing to the semi-finals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHRQGmee1pc
Powerhouse
Not only did this Burbank, CA show choir inspire the creation of Glee, but I do believe the high school where these kids are from has been used by Glee production to film some of the hit show’s best loved numbers. *Heart* Howie buzzed them because he felt their performance of “Firework” was not up to Glee standards. Silly Howie. Those Glee routines are created by world class pros and are performed by professional actors in their 20s–not to mention autotuned and backtracked to the nth degree. The kids, singing live without any pro advantages, are irresistibly infectious. Piers said it best, “It’s Glee meets Star Trek, meets a two ton slab of cheddar cheese. It’s the cheesiest thing I’ve ever seen. Does it make me happy? It does!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEnqTHb8iYg
