America’s Got Talent Fantasy League Recap: Semi-Finals Week 2. TWO Golden Buzzers. Only THREE advance
America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League two-week semi-final round concludes tonight. Ten acts compete for 3 spots in the finals. TWO judges each week will have the Golden Buzzer and choose two. The audience picks the third. Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum have tonight’s buzzers.
The new format has a couple of twists. Viewers at home picked the show’s 40 acts via online vote. Additionally, the judges–Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B.–each assembled a 10 person “dream team” of acts. The judges mentored their teams, hoping to bring an act to the finale and ultimately the win. The winner of AGT: Fantasy League nabs a $250K prize.
AGT Fantasy League: Semi-Final 2 Contestant Preview
AGT: Fantasy League: Schedule and Format, Details to Know!
At the end of the episode host Terry Crews will reveal the one act the audience voted through to the next round.
Grace Good – Hula Hoop/Aerialist – Team Heidi Klum
Grace is sad that she didn’t impress Simon last time. She hopes he likes her new routine. This time, she’ll revolve it around “one big thing” like Simon suggested. Heidi isn’t so sure.
Grace kicks off on a giant hoop ringed in fire on which she performs acrobatic tricks. Eventually, she brings out a smaller hoop which she lights on fire. She performs a fire eating trick. More fired up hoops! Simon doesn’t look mad. The audience put her through last time, for good reason. She’s pretty great, but for some reason, Simon doesn’t care.
Heidi says, “You delivered the danger and the beauty all together…this is so hot.” Howie calls it the best performance she’s had yet. Mel B. describes the act as “slick and well rehearsed.” Simon thinks he helped her with the performance. “You’ve obviously worked very hard. You really did step it up. Incredible in the end.” So, Grace did finally please him.
Kseniya Simonova – Sand Artist – Team Howie Mandel
This time, she will draw with SNOW instead of sand, and she will incorporate color. Howie is very excited about it. The story is inspired by her struggle with infertility. After 8 years, she had a son. Mel B. was confused by her prior act. Howie helps her shape a coherent routine that even Mel B will understand!
This time, she offers a voice over explaining that it’s “my story.” She’s literally narrating the plot so there is no confusion. Snow is a metaphor for hard times, but also to signify the coming spring. Also, for the first time she uses a physical item,–a pair of children’s socks.
Mel B understood the story this time. “It was really really special.” Howie calls it a beautiful, real story.” Heidi loved it too. Simon calls it unique and beautiful. He was moved by her personal struggle.
Darci Lynne – Singer/Ventriloquist – Team Heidi Klum
The judges got real mad at Darci last time when she set aside the puppets to sing with an electric guitar. BRING BACK THE PUPPETS they said. Nevertheless, the audience voted her through to the semi-finals. Darci is about to release a single. So she’s sticking to her no puppet thing. And this time, Petunia will not even make a cameo. Heidi is worried.
This time, she’ll perform an original song, instead of a cover. It’s a country music song. Thing is, Darci can sing. The ventriloquism put her on the map, but it was ALWAYS clear she had pipes. I mean, if she wants to do something different, judge her on the new merits. The song isn’t great, but she CAN SING. while she needs to work on her puppet free stage performance. If she tours, she’ll improve.
Heidi says, “You need to follow your own instinct. This is what YOU wanted. You did it.” Howie says, “Thank you for sharing another side.” Mel still thinks setting aside what she’s good at, was a mistake. But in the end, if she’s happy, it’s all that matters, she said. Simon is laughing that she ignored his advice. He’s impressed that she’s “sticking with her guns.” Will the audience vote her through? Hm.
Musa Motha – Dancer – Team Simon Cowell – Simon’s Golden Buzzer (SAVE)
Last time, Musa had to perform remotely from London because his visa didn’t go through on time. Musa lost his leg to cancer at 11 years old. He learned to walk with crutches, which led to embracing dance. He’s excited to be performing live in front of the AGT audience.
Musa performs an emotional routine using a song that’s about coming out. “There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s something wrong with the village,” the song goes. “I’ve been told it’s impossible, but I know it’s possible,” Mutha says in voice over as the song ends. Very heart tugging. The crowd is chanting his name.
Simon says “There’s something so amazing about you. The final wouldn’t be the same without you.” Simon saves him with his Golden Buzzer. Good thing, because Heidi might have stolen him.
Sheldon Riley – Singer – Team Mel B.
Last time, Sheldon performed without his trademark mask for the first time. He ripped it off mid song. This time, he’ll be mask free. His performances are usually dark. He’ll challenge himself with something different. Mel confesses that she did not like his song choice at first.
Sheldon sings, “Golden Hour,” a happy love song this time. It’s still pretty dramatic though. Why would Mel not like this song? It’s lovely. There’s no controversy, and the performance is not a stretch for the singer, although it’s still solid.
Mel B could hear the emotion in his voice. Heidi calls his fashion bold and artistic. “You give us a little extra.” Howie thinks he’s one of the best singers on the show, but found the performance “way off.” and felt he shouted all the way through the song. Simon likes that he has a great voice, but “tonight wasn’t one of your best nights.” He thinks Sheldon should front a band. Harsh. Too harsh.
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane – Dog Act – Team Simon Cowell
Simon advises Adrian to some up with more original ideas. This time, we’ll see another side of the doggo Hurricane, Adrian says. Heidi is threatening to steal Hurricane. Uh oh.
The two play video games before taking a nap. Next, we step into Hurricane’s dream, which is the two of them entering the world of the video game. More funny tricks, as Hurricane prevails. “Game over!” Another adorable routine.
Simon calls it “absolutely amazing….I’m so happy that you are back.” Mel B was impressed by Adrian’s moves. “I loved it.” Howie calls him exciting and different–“Kung Fu Canine.” He jokes that it was clear enough for Mel. Heidi compliments the act…but then did NOT press her buzzer. “I’ve got my eye on another act,” she teases.
Process of elimination: She’s gonna steal V. Unbeatable from Howie.
Yu Hojin – Magician – Team Heidi Klum
His last act impressed the panel. Heidi suggests he use another well known song. The new routine will focus on love and romance.
He uses the famous Snow Patrol song, “Chasing Cars” as he performs sleight of hand. He produces a polaroid of Heidi as an homage to her. Ohh. A photo transforms into a camera and then a flurry of rose petals. His sleight of hand is expert. But what makes the act is the lovely flow he creates on stage. He doesn’t need to over narrate what he’s doing. The stories are clear. GREAT stuff.
Poor Mel might still be confused. Pretty sure this is a Mel problem. Heidi compliments him for always inventing something new. “You keep changing things up.” Mel B. says “I didn’t quite get it.” Definitely a Mel problem. The crowd is booing. Howie says, “I did get it.” It’s not a specific story. It’s meant to be impressionistic. Simon got confused too. Eh. Simon doesn’t think it’s enough to get through to the finals. Considering the competition, probably not. But Simon and Mel are being too harsh.
Chapel Hart – Country Trio – Team Simon Cowell
NBC previewed this performance earlier today. Watch it here. Last time, Chapel Hart found redemption on a song that went wrong on AGT. The new song is also original, and it’s about a girl that doesn’t need a guy with a truck. Because she has her own truck! Simon likes the song a lot.
Chapel Hart’s thing is turning Country music tropes on their head. The upbeat song could be a Ford commercial. Maybe the group had that in mind when they wrote it. I mean, if the company ever directs their advertising at women. It’s a solid performance. There is so much competition for that ONE spot, it’s probably not enough. But hitting the stage one more time can’t hurt.
Simon is impressed that they keep singing their own songs. “The real deal…you keep getting better and better.” He hopes the audience votes them through. Mel B is falling in love with country pop. “Brilliant.” Howie calls them “amazing.” He thinks they have a shot for the audience vote. Heidi says they put a smile on her face.
V. Unbeatable – Acrobat/Dance Crew – Team Howie Mandel – Heidi’s Golden Buzzer STEAL
Enjoy the dance group while you can Howie. Heidi is about to steal them. The group, from India, shares about losing a team member to a tragic accident. They honor him every time they perform, placing his name on their uniforms. Howie declares that they are his favorite act. So sad. Say goodbye Howie.
They kick the routine off by tossing a dancer over the judges table before they hit the stage. The act is dangerous. with members tossing other members high in the air. Last time they used motorcycles. This time they perform on and around a twirling structure which also swings and rises in the air. Pretty crazy!
Howie is triumphant. Heidi is on her feet. Terry goes to her first. The crowd is chanting “press it press it press it.” She says, “It doesn’t seem real what you guys do.” Mel B shouts, “What just happened! Incredible.” Simon call it a “difficult act to get right.” He adds. “It’s everything.” Howie shouts “You’re on Team Howie!” Heidi says, “You aren’t any more!” She did it of course. The moment is designed with maximum drama in mind. Howie looks mad. The lead guy makes a point to thank both Howie and Simon.
Shadow Ace – Shadow Puppets – Team Howie Mandel
NBC previewed this performance last week. Watch it here. Howie reminds Shadow Ace that he left last time at the semi-finals. It’s Howie’s idea that he use Simon as a foil for his act.
Shadow performs all sorts of “funny” antics using Simon as a physical prop. This broad humor is not my thing at all. But that’s just me. His crude humor obviously appeals to some peeps. Simon just sits there like a lump. He could at least attempt to participate, as Heidi says.
Howie calls it his funniest routine yet. Heidi call it “so funny” and then yells at Simon for not doing more. Mel B. didn’t want it to stop. Simon appreciates the act even more after watching it up close. He thinks he has a shot.
RESULTS
Terry announces the Top 3 voted on by the audience. The first act in the Top 3 is…Adrian Stoica & Hurricane. The next act in the Top 3 is…Kseniya Simonova. The third act in the Top 3 is…Shadow Ace! Wow. The act finishing in third place is…Kseniya Simonova. The act going into the final is…Shadow Ace. Adrian Stroica is eliminated. WHAT? That is a shocking result. Hurricane is a fan favorite.
Simon seems disappointed that his act Chapel Hart didn’t advance. Darci Lynne sticking to her guns certainly cost her a spot in the finals. But it appears she’s using the show to promote her new single. So she’s probably OK with it. Maybe she’ll pull a Grace Vanderwaal and never appear on the show again. In reality, she’ll probably go back to puppets if her singer-songwriter thing flops. And if she’s successful, Simon will admit that he’s wrong and invite her back.
Advancing to the Final
Musa Motha – Simon SAVED with his Golden Buzzer
V. Unbeatable – Heidi STOLE from Howie with her Golden Buzzer
Shadow Ace – Audience pick
ELIMINATED
Kseniya Simonova – 3rd place
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane – 2nd place
Grace Good
Darci Lynne
Sheldon Riley
Yu Hojin
Chapel Hart
