America’s Got Talent – The Top 5 Compete – VIDEO

By On 09/24/2008 · 47 Comments · In Uncategorized

Next Wednesday is the finale, and I think it’s between Nuttin But Strings and Eli Mattson for the win. Both acts are unique and have performed consistently well throughout the competition. Donald Braswell and Queen Emily are talented, but lack charisma and are a little past their prime. Neal E. Boyd has been inconsistent. His sob story has overshadowed his talent. At this point, I think talent is going to take the contest.

Live from Los Angeles, it’s America’s Got Talent: The Finals! Ohh, because of President’s Bush speech on the economy clusterf**k, the show is going to be shorter!

There’s a tiny montage of all the contestants speaking about their “journey”. Looks like we’re going to cut right to the chase.

Recap and Videos after the Jump…

Nuttin’ But Strings – They claim they’re going to perform the greatest song they’ve ever composed. “We’re going to fight to win this,” they say. There’s more Cirque du Soliel like acrobatics. This week’s it’s guys floating down to the stage with umbrellas. There’s fake rain in the background. Really this sounds a lot like the song they did last week. However, there’s no denying these guys are virtuosos on the violin. “What a start,” says Piers and then “I hope the president is still watching…that was incredible.” Piers is really pulling for these guys. “I’m looking at the winners of AGT,” he says. Sharon says, “It’s just incredible…everything that Piers says and I’ll double it.” “Nothing but Vegas!” screams Hoff. 1-866-602-4801.

Donald Braswell – Donald says he’s decided to go back and sing “You Raise Me Up”. He says it tells the story of his life. I’m not sure it’s wise to sing a retread at this point in the competition. Of course, the audition episode that featured this performance seems like eons ago. Donald gives it all he’s got. He is a very good singer, but I wonder if he’s got enough charisma to compete with some of the more dynamic performers in this bunch. Sharon says, “I think you belong in musical theater.” She doesn’t think he’s got the personality to match his voice. Hoff says, “I disagree…you took me to church.” Why must Hoff scream like a mental patient? “Piers says, “I thought the last note was a little over excited…having said that, you’ve done yourself proud.” 1-866-602-4802.

Neal E. Boyd – Let’s see if we can get through a performance without crying. Nope, we can’t. He BUGS! Neal sings in Italian. And I’m an idiot and will have to do a google search to find the name of this song. It’s one of those 3 tenors deals. Yes, I’ll admit it. I know nothing about Opera. (ETA: It’s “Nessum Dorma”. I. Am. So. Lame.) Neal does a much better job this week. Doing an actual Opera song was a wise move–it reminds the audience that he can actually sing after last week’s trainwreck. Hoff says, “I am honored to be on this journey with you…you got the heart…the humility…blah blah blah.” Whatever, Hoff. Neal starts crying again. Oh geez. Piers says, “It puts me in a strange and uncomfortable position…I totally and completely agree with David.” Sharon says it was the most beautiful version of that song she’s ever heard. Really? Hyperbole much? 1-866-602-4803.

Eli Mattson – He’s performing “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins. He says the song is meaningful, because the last 10 years have been really tough. Ohh! No hat! New haircut! Me likey! Seriously, he had hair under that hat? I generally hate the myriad covers I’ve been forced to listen to all these years on Idol. But, holy cow! I really really like Eli’s version. It’s not overwrought. Nearly all the folks who attempt to sing this pummel it out of existence. This version is beautiful, understated and heartfelt. Good job Eli! Piers says, “You can take all these classic songs, and give them your own interpretation. Your odds to win have just shortened dramatically.” Sharon says, “You have got a great voice, you are a great musician…I think you would be an amazing winner to represent this show.” Hoff called him the dark horse in the pre-interview and says, “…you are real.” 1-866-602-4804

Queen Emily – She’s crying too. Bah. I hate these sob stories. I am not moved! “This is my destiny” declares Queen. She sings “One Moment in Time”. Queen gives it all she’s got. There’s nothing terribly unique or earth shattering about her performance. She’s more church than Vegas. Plus, she’s got her age working against her. Piers says, “You look like a queen tonight…your best performance…I think you’re going to struggle to win against Nuttin But Stringz” Sharon says, “You are a Diva…you just own that stage…you nailed it,, fantastic.” And then, “You look more like a princess to me…tonight was fantastic…whether you win or not, you’re going to have an amazing career.” I don’t think she stands a chance. 1-866-602-4805.

Next week is the Season Finale, where the winner will be revealed…

 
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  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    MJ, will you please post the numbers to vote? I told Bax I’d vote for Eli, but I don’t want to actually watch the show. LOL.

  • baxter

    Ok …seriously…that was a song??? They are quite talented but they stopped playing half way thru the song and yelled and jumped around…WTF??? And what was up with the floating guys with umbrellas???

    That ‘song’ sounded just like last week and the week before. I would last about 15 mins of watching them perform before I ran screaming from the audience.

    Best of luck to them…but not my cuppa!!

    Did they just get the “reverse” pimp spot???

    ETA…I HEART SARAH!!!! Maks just got all my votes on DWTS just for you Sarah!!!! :)

  • Lisa

    Nuttin …. Same old same old. They have this pompous tude that is totally a turn off for me.

    Donald: OMG UGH. His vocals were all over the place and I cringed at alot of his notes.

    ETA…Nuttin but Strings does…Nuttin for me, heh.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    LOL Bax, you’re welcome. And thank you too!! ;)

    And thank you MJ!! I watched one early episode of this show because there was nothing else on, and I just couldn’t take anymore. But like I said, I promised Bax. :)

  • baxter

    Lisa…at least they didn’t do the backbend and then throw their bows on the ground…so that is new…LOL

  • Lisa

    Donald and Neal both are singing songs they have previously performed. Seeing as how we have only seen each perform what 4 times? Not a good thing.

  • Lisa

    LOL Bax! No but they did bring back the acrobats granted they were males this time. All their stuff just sounds the same.

    Eeeuuuwww Neal is cryin again.

  • Lisa

    Eli next! C’mon Eli! Puhlease let it be Your Song, please. Pretty please?

  • terps

    Nuttin but strings gets my vote… they are vegas. Vegas is full of singers, nuttin but strings is fresh and new. Plus they are incredible roll models for innner city kids

  • Lisa

    Against All Odds!!! Loved it!!

    ELI FTMFW!!!!

  • baxter

    SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

    (I have soooo just crossed that line…GULP!!)

    Smokin hair cut…YUMMY
    Great Version of the dreaded AI song…..YAY!!!
    Perfect interpretation…..WOOO HOOO
    Love love loved the addition of the strings…..PERFECT!!!

    ELI…FTMFW!!!!!!

  • Lisa

    Queen goes off on the vocals, alot of bum notes there. WTF is up with the confetti?

  • terps

    I guess it’s cause I’m a guy…. but I just don,t get what everyone see’s in ELI

  • t2

    Has Piers gone off his rocker? I can’t imagine sitting through an hour of Nuttin But Strings playing the same song over and over. I swear that’s the same song from last week. I’ll take a Neal Boyd win over NBS.

    Perfection would be an Eli win of course, because WOW!!!!

  • Lisa

    Terps for me it’s the passion and his voice. His singing is so beautiful & it just draws me in. I am past old enough to be his mom so it’s not a *cute* thing for me.

    I just love passionate singers.

  • Duke

    ELI FTMFW BABY!!!!!!

    everyone else- meh.

    Q. Emmy really butchered that big note at the end. ouch.

  • terps

    I don’t think Piers has gone off his rocker, he just knows how many acts there are like ELI in vegas. Plus a young singer like him would be better of not going to vegas, the home of washed up singers. He needs to get a record deal not a vegas show

  • ktekc

    He has such soul. And his heart pours right out of him when he sings. His origional stuff is awesome. I wonder who they will get to perform with him next week? hmmm. . . anyway must go vote vote vote!!!!

  • terps

    Terps for me ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the passion and his voice. His singing is so beautiful & it just draws me in. I am past old enough to be his mom so ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not a *cute* thing for me.

    I just love passionate singers.

    But wouldn’t you rather see him with a record deal and doing t.v shows instead of being all caught up in the vegas show

  • Lisa

    It’s only one Vegas show for whoever wins. Terry Fator was a fluke. Terry is a phenom. (and coming to the Tulsa Brady theatre soon!).

    It’s a million bucks, and I think he deserves that one mil. The kids has srapped around the usa working for nothing. I think whether he wins or not he will get that record deal.

  • ktekc

    i really enjoyed NBS at their audition but i have steadily gotten bored with them. every performance is the same. . . yeah its fast paced and upbeat but i find myself wondering when the “WHOO! ” is going to happen and the backbend. . they do the exact same thing everyweek the only thing different is the staging. . . and of course the backup dancers. . take them to vegas instead lol its entertaining for awile but i could NEVER watch for 90 min

  • baxter

    terps- Headlining A SHOW in Vegas with the other top 5 in the same show. Read about it on NBC.com. This is not a long term gig. He has worked his butt off, sings with such passion and is multi talented. He plays the piano, writes his own music and sings. I would love to see someone like Eli, that has come from no where, with incredible talent, win a cool million bucks.

    NBS has been on Leno, Ellen and performed at the Whitehouse. Not to mention they had a cameo in a movie, Step Up. So its not like they haven’t had their shot at something bigger, if they haven’t already done so. I am not impressed with their writing talents, because to my ears, all their songs sound identical.

  • Lisa

    One reg phone, two cells, three email accounts, my voting is done! I am wondering about pay phones now, lol.

  • soccerboi

    Go Eli! He managed to take a song that I have always hated and made it into a Wow for me. He could release that song and it would be a hit today. Queen was off key, Donald was off key, Nuttin But Strings is not an unknown talent and who could sit thru an hour of that? Is anyone else tired of Neal and Queen crying? I sure am.

    Eli for the won! Give him the million dollars!

  • Duke

    I think what some people are failing to remember are 3 things:

    (1) one million dollar prize- thats a reward in and of itself

    (2) you will always have the title of AGT winner and will come back to preform on the show- exposure

    (3) yes, vegas is for mostly wash-ups, but a year act in vegas is a solid start and an amazing opportunity. making an album is always up in the air, as much as i like Eli, if he were to not win (praying he does win) i would not be surprised at all to see him put out an album and that be the last of him. A Vegas act is SOMETHING. and its a big something. and its much more reliable for a career than just making an album in hopes that your exposure on the show will help sell it.

    so that being said, i really want ELI to win.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Okay Bax, for you, I voted. I hope Eli wins. :)

  • baxter

    Smooches Sarah!!! :)

  • http://forums.delphiforums.com/fallings/start JudinNH

    I voted all I could for Eli. I echo all of the opinions above and need to add – I really hate the crying.

    Was it me or did the background music take away from Eli’s performance? I want to hear his piano – not drums. Maybe it’s my tv. I sure hope people disregard this drowning out and still vote for him.

    As Sharon says Eli would be a great representative of AGT worldwide. She sees a bigger picture than Vegas for the AGT winner.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I only have so much reality show in me and have not been watching. sorry Bax. For you, I am pulling for a stranger named Eli. :-)

  • Lisa

    The kids has srapped around the usa working for nothing.

    Hooboy. What I meant to say wuz… The kid (Eli) has scrapped around the usa working for nothing.

    Should I admit now that I went for a drive? *coughs*.

  • wjmtv

    What really ticks me off is that most of Eli’s s(c)rapping has been in my neck of the woods, and I never knew. Wah!!

    Obviously, I should get out more. Or at least some.

    He did do a lovely job tonight. I was amazed to discover that underneath the hat was an even younger-looking person than he appeared to be to begin with. Weird.

  • Lisa

    I am heartened to learn that on the official site Eli is leading in the online poll for who is going to win!!! Go Eli!

    Second place is a tie between Donald & Nuttin.

  • gingerly

    Well I voted for the first time this year (for Eli). I’ve never watched the show and tonight Eli’s was the only video I watched (thank you very much MJ), but it was the only one I needed to watch :)

  • baxter

    awww thanks pj….*coughSTILLHAVEAHALFHOURTOVOTEcough* :)

  • PrplDva

    MJ- Neil’s song was Nessun Dorma

    ELI! What a cutie under that hat. He should have taken that off weeks ago.
    I though he did great tonight!

    Eli FTW!

  • Lisa

    LOL Bax. You telling me I should hit more pay phones? LOL Hmmmm

  • J.S.G.

    Yeah, the show’s annoying but then you get something like Eli’s version of AAO, and it makes it all worthwhile.
    He took a song that has been butchered so many times and made like new again.
    Didn’t stray at all from who he is.
    That was amazing.

  • Lisa

    OOOooo Check it out! I got my wish!

    Here is a short clip (around a minute) of Eli playing Elton John’s “Your Song” outside @ J. Jeffrey Taylors, Green Bay, WI.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBhWE0OISew

    I would buy this version in under 10 seconds if he would record it.

    Another interesting song. Eli & Neal both singing Captain Jack.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu-EotxTqrA

  • dancingqueen

    In the minority, because, I still love NBS. I like Eli, so, I’m good if it’s either of them winning.

  • t2

    Are they going to have the contestants do duets with “famous” people again? If so I have all body parts crossed that Eli gets to sing with Elton John and the sing Your Song (hey a girl can dream can’t she?)

    And then they make Neal E. Boyd sing with Paul Potts….because…heh…the irony…

  • Joanna

    Hurray that The Office is back and AGT isn’t on tonight! Hurray!

    But…thanks to MJ for taking one for the team and posting the videos. I can’t handle Springer, the judges, the crying, or the intros about what a tough life the contestants have had. I can stomach 1:30 to watch the actual performance, and that’s about it.

  • dvls

    Wow, Eli looks much hotter with hair!! Why’s he been hiding it under that stupid had all these weeks? Maybe he was saving the cuteness factor for the finals. He really does look a bit like David Cassidy! Wish he would have done a different song though (like a Billy Joel tune). I am soooooooo sick of Against All Odds from hearing it a bazillion time on AI! Eli FTW!!

  • Lisa

    Eli does resemble David Cassidy a bit! I always think of the *Cheshire Cat* when I see him smile tho.

  • Toonces74

    Eli Mattson sounds exactly like Elton John to me. I don’t know why they keep going on about how original he is. He sang “Take a Look At Me Now” as Elton John!

  • baxter

    Well Toonces…Eli Mattson sounds just like…..Eli Mattson to me.

  • dreamr

    I’ve never watched this show, but I came to this thread for the simple reason of wanting to say how much that picture makes me think of an older David Archuleta. XD

    But I watched the five videos annnnd…eh. None of them really grab me. But I haven’t seen any of their previous stuff.

    Toonces, I agree with you. While I was watching that video, I kept thinking the same exact thing. That he sounded a bit like Elton John. lol

  • geekygirl

    Toonce I think the same thing too, Elton John (with a little bit of Billy Joel thrown in). I said it the first time I heard him. Altho he has a better voice than Elton John and he is a lot cuter. And he is the dark horse??? Uh does Hoff know what that phrase means?

    Love his hair and he has great eyebrows! Wonder if he has them threaded? Too perfect! Eli for the win tho, an expressive singer who is a cutie!!

    ETA Nessam Dorma was used as the theme song for the world cup a few years back. The three tenors performed it at the end so they pretty much own it! At the first televised game, the football crowd thought WTF??? with its choice but it became a huge hit. I am surprised he picked it, he did ok but he lost the last note I think.