America’s Got Talent 2016 – Auditions #6 – Live Blog and Videos

The show kicks off with a montage. A 83 year old woman sings the National Anthem while standing on her head. A middle aged woman, reads butts. No really. She reads Nick’s butt in his American flag boxers. A woman from Ann Arbor Michigan…I’m not even sure what the heck she does. Is that Tuvan throat singing?

Cody Carter – Baton Twirler – He’s 14 years old. He wants to twirl for a major university, and ultimately the Cirque du Soleil. He performs tricks to a big band version of “In the Mood.” He’s really good! Very very tricksy. At one point he’s juggling 3 batons–while dancing! It’s a perfect routine–no slips or drops. Good for him. No sob story either. Mel calls it a “great audition.” Heidi liked it too. Howie wanted something more current. It reminded him of the Ed Sullivan show. But Simon liked Coldy’s flair and charisma. “You are what we call…a born entertainer,” he said. – 4 yeses.

Just Us – Singing Group – Middle aged folks (54-62) sing “jazzy” music. And it’s a super off-key rendition of “All About the Bass.” That was terrible! – 4 nos.

Ilan and Josh – Singing Group – They met at the Western Wall in Israel. They both wear Yarmulkes. They also sing “All About that Bass.” There’s beat boxing. This is actually pretty terrible too, but the novelty wins the crowd over. I mean, they’re barely singing. Simon thought it was “cute.” Heidi is “very impressed.” Mel was impressed by their rhythm. Howie calls them “amazing.” 4 yeses. I don’t get it. But OK.

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

A montage of dance troups is next. Anyone notice how MOST of the dancers are relegated to montages? Maybe Simon isn’t into dancers.

The Outlawz – Dance Quintet – They describe themselves as “5 passionate dancers…and not very experienced.” Hm. They want to be the first dance crew to win AGT and don’t plan to play it safe! So, they’re hip hop dancers, and are pretty good! They claim not to be trained, but I’m betting that’s a lie. Also I’m betting: Mormons (Gilbert Arizona, hotbed). Simon is smiling, so that’s a good sign. Ohh. Heidi isn’t impressed! Howie thinks it’s strong and unique. Mel is split down the middle. She loved the originality, but she was also a little bored. Simon, however, compares them to a boy band. Ha ha. Well. Heidi says no, Mel takes a minute, but then says yes. – 1 no 3 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9977fXfqRQ

Daniel Joyner – Singer – Seventeen year old singer from  Tennessee, “the bible belt.” His father is a minister. Dressed up in a suit and tie, he says. “I like to be as polite as I can.” He looks like a volunteer for the Ted Cruz campaign, to be honest. His dream is to skip college and pursue a singing career. Well, that’s dubious.  He claims AGT is the biggest audience he’s sung in front of.  The largest audience ever was a couple hundred. He sings the standards version of “Try a Little Tenderness.” Is it just me, or is his timing off? This dude does not swing. Not even a little. His tone is OK. Simon has a huge grin on his face, though.  Heidi calls it “beautiful.” Mel B. found him a little bit stiff. TO SAY THE LEAST. Howie calls him a “true talent.” Simon says, “You’re voice is fantastic…I’m really impressed.” However, he advises him to get out of his comfort zone. “If I was Michael Buble I’d want to run you over,” Simon adds. The bar for singers on AGT? It’s set. SO LOW.  – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB8sUgR6fNk

John Bernhardt – Theremin Player – He’s a 50 something actuary for an insurance company in Massachusetts.  He plays a Theremin to an instrumental version of the Clash song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and it’s pretty pointless. Simon is cracking up and clapping. Uh. “There’s something fantastically nuts and weird about you…you stand up for every nerd who wanted to be a rockstar.” Howie found  him magnetic. Heidi doesn’t get it (neither do I). Mel B X’d him early on, but now decides to take it back. At one point, the dude became slightly unhinged as he played, but it was still boring. Heidi, always the voice of reason, says no. – 1 no 3 yeses. I’ll bet NONE of them have ever heard or seen a Theremin before. That act was spectacularly useless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbDH3D_v6_Y

Sila Sveta – The dancers are American, but the choreographer/creator is from Russia. The name means “Power of Flight.”  AGT uploaded a preview of this act.  The multimedia show is pretty, and some of the technical tricks are pretty cool. At certain points, the dancers look as if they are suspended in mid air.  Ultimately, the story is romantic and the kind of thing audiences eat up. Indeed, the crowd goes wild. Mel B calls it “stunning” and “magical.”  Howie calls it “wonderful.” Then he goes off on how the current season is the BEST EVAH. “Incredible…modern,” says Heidi. Simon loved the visuals, hinting that he might suggest some changes. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9j0WY91-1o

Moya Angela – Singer – Thirty two year old, she’s been singing since 5 years of age. Presently, she teaches underprivileged children in Las Vegas. Moya tells Simon it’s time for her to “stand on my own two feet” and show the world what she has. She belts out a strong version of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” She’s soulful, but churchy and old-fashioned. There’s no way she’ll win, but she might get pretty far. The crowd is on their feet, going crazy. Moya breaks down. “You were born to be on that stage…” says Howie. Mel B. loves that song so much and she made it her own, she says. “You sold it, and I bought it,” says Heidi. “That’s what we call a singer…that final note, you nailed it…you made the most of it,” says Simon – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMltaiN0TbI

The Passing Zone – Juggling Duo – Middle aged dudes are still professionals. John and Owen have been working together for 28 years.  They invite Howie onstage to assist. He lies down on a yoga mat. Owen juggles a few “danger items” (a plunger, a mousetrap and a stun gun) over his head. They are comedians! They at least allow him to wear safety goggles. Ah. The plunger is set on fire.  John jumps over Owen and grabs the items. Howie lives to tell the tale! But he’s traumatized. – Mel B says “You had me from start to end.” Heidi, “I can’t wait to see what you do next.” Simon makes them promise to use Howie in the next round – Howie says no. Heh. 1 no 3 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZztwgFN103o

Steven Brundage – Rubik’s Cube Magic – He’s obsessed with the rubik’s cube. He’s solved it over 70,000 times. So obsessed, he lost a relationship. He was voted “least likely to succeed” in high school.  Think card tricks, but with a rubik’s cube!  One trick had Steven matching Simon’s mixed up Rubik’s cube in like, 2 seconds. “How the hell did you do that!” says Simon, “You are a wizard…That has to be magic.” Heidi could not figure out how he did it.  Fun to watch, Steven puts a little twist on typical magic tropes.  – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzkAN3oQjXc

Next is a montage of different acts, including an acrobatic roller skate act, a comic who makes Disney jokes, and an eleven year old girl who spits hip hop rhymes. Simon loves her.

RL Bell – Singer – Fifty year old ex-bodybuilder says girls always want to touch his biceps! And they want to touch his hair.  Currently, he’s a massage therapist. He sings the 70’s classic “Me and Mrs. Jones.”  RL has a pleasant voice, but nothing special. He peels off his jacket as he croons to reveal HUGE biceps. Oy. The crowd goes wild as he hits his falsetto. Corny as hell, and unintentionally humorous. I don’t think he’s in on the joke. Heidi calls the performance “quite a journey…very entertaining.” Simon thought it was a bit much: “It was getting so corny…we’ve got to de-corny you.” Good luck with that Simon. Mel B says “I actually liked the showmanship.” Howie agrees with Simon. Heidi thinks they’re jealous. Howie says no. Mel and Heidi say yes. After the audience insisted, Simon says yes. – 1 no 3 yeses.

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

Dorothy Williams – Dancer – 90 year old has been dancing since 17 years old. She gave up her dream at age 23, however. She’s hoping to become a star! She sings “Let me Entertain You” and then takes it all off to “The Stripper.” Judging by all the shocked reaction teasers, I had a feeling this was the deal. She’s got tassles on her outfit, which she attempts to twirl–attempt being the operative word here. Mel says “Good for you!” Heidi loved it. Simon is fascinated. In other words NOVELTY at least for another round or two. Howie thinks she SHOULD become a star. And of course, Nick is so impressed, he says, “A star is born tonight!” All the judges have used their golden buzzers. BUT NICK DOESN’T CARE HE’S GOING TO BREAK ALL THE RULES and push a golden buzzer (Dorothy will advance straight to the live shows).  That was so spontaneous! /sarcasm. – 4 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLh6qqJRELA

Next week, the Judge Cuts begin! Reba, Ne Yo, George Lopez and Louis Tomlinson will serve as guest judges.  HERE’S the Guest Judge schedule

Tuesday July 12 – Ne Yo
Wednesday July 13 –  Reba McEntire
Tuesday July 19 – George Lopez
Wednesday July 20 – Louis Tomlinson.

LIVE SHOWS begin on July 26.

Tomorrow night is a CLIP SHOW. But then NEW WEDNESDAY SHOWS BEGIN NEXT WEEK.