America’s Got Talent 2017 Judge Cuts #2 Recap, Live Blog and Videos

Only 7 acts out of 20 will advance to the next round. Judge Cuts guest panelists can send their favorite act straight through to the Live Shows via a Golden Buzzer.

DJ Khaled is totally excited to be here. He’s been making the rounds of the NBC singing shows lately, having appeared on The Voice season 12 as a mentor.

Sammulous – Singer – He’s been singing since the age of two. He’s from Miami and his mom isn’t keen on a music career. He headed to Europe and struggled to survive. His feminine presentation was not accepted by everyone. During the audition, Simon called him…wait for it…cabaret. But he’s from THE HOOD and won’t give up without a fight. So instead of “cabaret” he sings an old school disco song. Uh…still pretty cabaret? He’s got a Sylvester vibe going. He does have a nice tone and an amazing range. There’s a place for this dude somewhere in show business. Howie thinks he’s worthy of being here. Mel B. calls him “brilliant.” Simon liked it better than the first audition, but he’s still not convinced. Heidi loved it and calls him “one of a kind.” Hm. The clip is only 46 seconds long. I have a feeling he didn’t advance.

https://youtu.be/edXlu5A-BaI

Steven Scott – Comedian – Forty Six year old. He’s been working his craft for over 20 years. Mom jokes. She has no idea how to use Voice mail. We’re joking here like it’s 1999. DJ thought he nailed it. Mel B and Heidi swear they’ll fight for him. The shtick was the answering machine garble sound effect he did. I wasn’t impressed.

The Quiddlers – Puppets – This is a pretty useless act. The dancing and miming tiny legged puppets could be a hit at a kids birthday party. Maybe. Last time the group did a Village People thing. This time they impersonate the panel, which of course the judges loved. “This is funny!” says DJ. “Is it wrong to say I’m sexually attracted to you in the white t shirt?” says Simon. OK then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ub9YtZSelo

A quick montage of dance acts include the group Str8tjacket, the shirtless Solto & Dot, and the ballroom pair Junior and Emily. The first two get some good comments, but considering we only saw them for about 5 seconds…can’t imagine that they advance.

Junior and Emily – Dance duo – This brother and sister ballroom team were put in salsa classes by the dad after bro got into some trouble early on. It did straighten him out. Simon mentions that the act was amazing in the auditions. They promised they’ve upped their game. There were a ton of turns and tricks. But Mel B and Simon were disappointed. “You were like a spinning top,” says Simon. Howie was impressed. I get Simon’s point. There has to be more than one or two difficult tricks. The performance was mechanical and lacked variety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GphQYxh3tyw

Jokgu of the Flockstars – Animal Act – For the audition, the chicken played America the Beautiful on the piano and everyone was impressed. It was pretty silly, actually. This time, the bird’s handlers bring along Jokgu’s sister. The birbs are set up at twin pianos and will prove to the audience that CHICKENS CAN RAWK. Or not. Guess what. The birds weren’t in the mood to play…or something. Their handlers tried to coax them, but no dice. The result? 4 Xs and immediate elimination. Bawk Bawk Bawk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RqMoPoLyP4

Dakota Striplin – Singer – He performs an acoustic rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” It’s pretty nasally. Mel B calls the performance “confident.” Heidi felt he improved since last time. 

Chase Goehring – Singer – He’s a teen who spends all of his time writing songs. He has bad luck with the ladies, which is the inspiration for many of his tunes. He sings another original song tonight called “a cappella.” He’s an Ed Sheering knockoff. He’s got that fast patter/white boy acoustical deal down pretty good. He’s still at the imitative stage. He’s obviously driven, though. He’s got potential. His wordplay is decent. He gets a standing ovation from the panel and the audience. Mel B felt like she was at his private concert. Heidi calls him “very special.” Chase tells a weird story about gingers lacking a soul and stealing people’s freckles? What? Simon loved it. I think he’s advancing hm. Let’s see what DJ does….”The lyrics they so real and authentic….” he says, “You’re on your way to be a star….” AND HE HITS HIS GOLDEN BUZZER. I had a feeling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkvbnxuKK-c

Montage of danger acts: Azeri Brothers – Gross Out team – Let’s just say they did more gross stuff. DJ called it “Unbelievable”, The Godfathers – Acrobats in 3 piece suits.  – Heidi calls them “true athletes.” Tulga the strongman uses Heidi and Howie as props. They both look terrified.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaH0tqofU44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYr4GfASywQ

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

Mirror Image – Singers – Last time, they got 3 yeses but Simon said no. The twin teen boys sing and dance. They were pretty bad the first time. They stick to singing this time. Well mostly. They start off crooning “California Dreaming” followed by an over the top dance routine set to a recording of Sia. Simon buzzes them. The boys aren’t completely talent free? But they are super amateur and silly. Actually, remember Jedward from X Factor? They’re the American version. But not as fun.  Yup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm5wV33as0U

Evie Clair – Her dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. And since her audition, the prognosis has not improved.  It’s so bad, he’s stopped treatment. Dad says he’s really learned what’s important in life. Tonight she’s covering a Macy Gray song, “I Try.” She’s a decent singer–pretty tone. But shaky–it’s an emotional performance. This backstory is too good to resist. A thirteen year old on the verge of losing her dad. Howie calls it “beautiful.” He’s moved. Mel just lost her dad, she can relate. DJ says her family will be proud. Heidi calls her “special.” Simon says, “You gave us heart.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF506F3nFsU

A couple of magicians: Kyle – A quick look at a close up card trick. Simon was impressed. Another magician does a thing with a mirror.

Colin Cloud – Mentalist – He bills himself as the “real life Sherlock Holmes.” He guesses what Mel ate for lunch just by licking her hand. He also guesses a secret she was thinking. And that she was thinking of the word “Goddess” illustrated by sign carrying audience members. Simon calls the act “spooky” and “fantastic.” Mel B swears that Colin read her mind. Hm. 

Pelican212 – Family Band – They sing a sticky sweet version of “You Make My Dreams Come True” Ugh. The blond lead singer is like the 2010s version of Donnie Osmond. Doubtful they advance, and really, they are likely being used as a counterpoint to the next act, Puddles the sad clown.

Puddles Pity Party – Singer – We previewed this act earlier today HERE. Sad clown sings a super dramatic version of Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself.” Personally, I find the conceit a bit Brooklyn twee? Eh. Mel B loves him. Heidi likes him OK. But he doesn’t excite her. DJ is “confused.” He advises Puddles to cheer up. Simon can connect to him, even though he hates clowns. “Stay miserable,” is Simon’s advice.

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

Yoli Mayor – Singer – Miami native was bullied in school over her weight. You might remember Simon stopping her audition to ask for another song. She won him over with “Make it Rain”. She promises the panel that she has much more to show them. And…this performance of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” is more confident! She’s got a raw, but pleasing alto. She pours herself into the performance. No wonder she was chosen to close the show. “I love you,” says Heidi. DJ says, “You was [sic] flawless.” Simon says, “I don’t think you know what you’re capable of. You’re good.” I think it’s safe to say she’s through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0EwbjXNBCI

Time for results! At the end, Simon paired up Evie and Yoli. He tried to fake them out, but it was so obvious both were going through. Lots of singers tonight. Mirror Image advanced for the lulz obvs. Next week, Laverne Cox will be guest judge.

Advancing to the Next Round

Chase Goehring – Golden Buzzer
Puddles Pity Party
Mirror Image
Junior and Emily
Colin Cloud
Evie Clair
Yoli Mayor