America’s Got Talent 2017 Finale Recap, Live Blog and Videos

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT -- "Live Finale" -- Pictured: Darci Lynne -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

America’s Got Talent LIVE Finale air tonight. Ten performers will take the stage live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Your votes determine the $1 million dollar winner, to be revealed in tomorrow night’s results finale. Featuring creator and executive producer Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel on the judges panel, and host, Tyra Banks.

America’s Got Talent 2017 Top 10 Finale Power List

Performing tonight: Diavolo, Mandy Harvey, Kechi, Angelica Hale, Light Balance, Preacher Lawson, Darci Lynne, Sara and Hero, Chase Goehring, and Evie Clair.

Click over to NBC.com for ALL your voting details.

Tyra Banks, sporting a sheer black sheath, reminds us of that 1 MILLION DOLLAR PRIZE. What she doesn’t mention? That it’s a 20 year annuity. Ho hum. Next, it’s a video package reliving the entire season, set to Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.”

Catch phrase: Ten acts perform one more time for One Million Dollars.  No performances until after the break. 

Angelica Hale – Kid Singer – In her video package, she writes a letter to her baby sister describing her AGT experience. Creepy stuffed animals in her bedroom begin talking. In the voice of Simon Cowell? Frightening. The 10 year old performs “Symphony” by Clean Bandit.  Good song choice for Angelica. The sweeping ballad allows her to show off that incredible range. Her intonation is always on point. Heidi calls her the best singer in the competition. Howie says she’s in it to win it. Mel is impressed by her confidence and control. It’s true. She didn’t even seem nervous. “I’m really gobsmacked,” says Simon. “It feels like your choice,” he’s says of her song choices. He calls her “relevant” and compares her to Britney and Justin Timberlake, who also started their careers as kids. He’s got a point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obq5OiTOKpI

Chase Goehring – Singer/Songwriter – Watch Chase wander around the desert strumming his guitar! The young singer talks about all the nos he endured before auditioning for AGT.  Another original song from Chase, starts off with just him playing acoustic guitar. Heidi is likely rejoicing as he breaks into a very fast rap at the bridge. His best performance so far. Too bad he’s stuck in the death spot. Simon gives him a standing ovation, though. Heidi thinks a lot of people connect to his music. She’s sure she’ll hear his music on the radio. “I bloody loved it,” says Simon. “This song was brilliant. You are the next generation for these kind of shows. You’ve done an amazing job.” Howie calls him “authentic.” Mel calls him a “very intelligent songwriter.” 

Sara & Hero – Dog Act – Remember when the panel almost sent Sara home until Simon inexplicably begged them to change a vote? Good times. This round the theme is…construction?  Geez. This is so lame. The dogs run around the stage, jumping through hoops, attempting to jump rope. The best trick was Hero standing on Sara’s feet while she lay on her back. And at the end, he flies across the stage. “This was honestly incredible,” says Simon. “I’m speechless.” Mel B calls it “exciting” but notes the mistakes. Simon boos. Heidi calls her a hero for rescuing animals. Howie even loved the mistakes. Sheesh. Simon has been hypnotised by Hero. 

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

Diavolo – Daredevil Dance Troupe – Diavolo is not for everyone, declares their French choreographer.  He lost his house, his friends over his obsession. He works his dancers until they’re ready to pass out. They will march out onto the stage like a wounded army….nope. I’m not making this up. The dude really talks like that. This week’s prop is a rotating moving slide thing. It breaks apart, comes back together.  The prop from their audition–the swaying boat–makes a comeback. People are about to get squashed! The performance ends with dancers leaping off the prop into the arms of other dancers. The judges give them a standing ovation. Mel calls them “extraordinary.” She admires their collective teamwork. “GOD IT WAS AMAZING,” she screams. Heidi calls it “amazing.” Simon compares their precision to a watch. He asks casino owners to book the act. Howie begs America to vote. 

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

Evie Clair – Kid Singer – Her terminally ill father died last week. So…let’s see how it’s handled.  Her video package is presented with a light touch. In a voice over as she plays piano in the woods, she shares that her dad always told her to finish what she started. So, she is going to fight until the end. Just like he did.  She sings a mournful version of “What a Wonderful World” sans piano. She’s a better singer not sitting behind a keyboard. Or maybe she’s super emotional tonight?  She delivers a raw performance–not a perfect vocal, but it doesn’t matter.  She’s never been so connected to a performance. Howie announces to the audience that her father passed. He praises her courage. Mel is sure her dad is looking down on her, and is so proud. Heidi call her amazing and brave. Simon calls the performance “a perfect tribute to your dad.” He adds. “I’m very proud of you.” He thinks she can win.

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

Preacher Lawson – Comedian – In his video package, he sits around the kitchen table, telling stories with his family. “This is your moment,” says his mom.  The bit begins with Tyra kicking Preacher out of her makeup chair. He trots out on stage and delivers a breathless routine, which finishes with him devolving into physical spasms. I am so confused right now.  Howie compares him to Richard Pryor, Charlie Chaplin, Eddie Murphy. Hm. He would love to see a comedian win AGT. Mel says she couldn’t stop laughing. Then she starts flirting “You nasty Mel B,” he says. Simon thinks tonight is going to change his life and is convinced he’ll be signed soon. Simon will eat his own hand if he isn’t. That’s a delightful visual. Heidi didn’t love the routine, because it referenced drugs. This is another act I just don’t get. 

Kechi – Singer – Her video package features the mother of two victims of the plane crash Kechi survived. She says 60 souls are in heaven cheering her on. And that Kechi is a symbol of hope.  She sings “Conquerer” by Estelle and it’s pleasant? It’s a nice performance, but lacks her usual urgancy. I think it’s the song choice. Simon calls the performance “an anthem.” He’s full of effusive praise. “I loved your performance…you, l’ll never forget,” says Heidi. Howie calls the song a “perfect choice.” He says, “You inspire the world.” Mel B says, “You are loved and you are adored.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgK4oKF0Ne8

Darci Lynne – Kid Ventriloquist – Fans send her videos of themselves trying ventriloquism–including adults. Hm. She taught herself ventriloquism! Tonight she’s got two puppets–the nervous mouse and pink bunny diva. They argue over who is going to sing. “But I got you to the semi-finals” exclaims the mouse. They decide to join forces to perform “A Little Help From My Friends.” That mouse can belt! Standing ovation from the judges. Mel calls her golden buzzer act “incredible.” Heidi thinks that Darci has “that special something,” and adds, “You may have won yourself 1 million dollars.” Simon thinks we’re witnessing a star emerge. “I THINK YOU’RE GOING TO WIN,” he says. There it is. Howie compares her to Topo Gigio. Heh. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ropWor8aAM

Simon misses his cue. Nice of you to show up, sir. 

Mandy Harvey – In her package, Mandy is tearful as she describes almost giving up on herself after she lost her hearing. Tonight she accompanies herself on ukulele. It’s another original song? Hm. This isn’t as impactful as her last performance. She seems a little nervous? That fell a little flat, I think. Simon calls her “seriously incredible.” Despite not ever hearing current music, she’s relevant, he says. Simon admits to being very emotional tonight. Wait. He’s thinking MANDY COULD WIN. Simon can’t make up his mind. Howie says tonight’s performers have so much strength. Mel admits that she thinks Mandy’s performance from last week was better. Simon disagrees. Geez Simon, what’s happened to you? Where’s that tough judge we used to love? Mel is correct. Last week was better. 

Light Balance – Light Dancers – The, troupe, from Ukraine share about how dark their lives were in the old country. They illustrate the point, literally, as they walk up a hill at dusk holding flashlights. As far as the act is concerned? Once again…I guess you had to be there. Simon thinks it was the group’s best performance yet and that they need to be booked. “This was incredible,” he says. Heidi’s buying tickets. Mel says, “You left everything on the dancefloor.” Howie calls it “magic” and “amazing.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuTYj-VV6-k

America’s Got Talent 2017 Finale – Vote in the Polls

About mj santilli 35131 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!