America’s Got Talent LIVE Quarterfinals conclude tonight. Twelve contestants will perform in front of judges Howie Mandel, Mel B., Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell for YOUR votes. Check out the full list of contestants HERE. Tyra Banks hosts. Join us as we live blog all the performances.
The winning act will receive 1 million dollars and will headline their very own Vegas show. Only SEVEN acts will advance to the Semifinals. FIVE acts will be eliminated by the end of tomorrow’s Results show.
VOTE for your favorite act via NBC. com, XFinity X1 Voice command, or the AGT Phone app!
The show opens with a bit of chat about Simon’s star on the Hollylwood Walk of Fame.
The Future Kings – Family dance group – The boys grew up in a tough neighborhood. I barely remember these guys from the Judge Cuts. There are a couple of young dancers in the troup, which tend to be scene stealers. So, there’s that. Simon and Howie are on their feet. Simon loves who they are as people. They are nice guys and very focused, he says. He compares them to watching a “very cool commercial.” Howie urges America to vote. Mel B didn’t love the chorography (She’s right. That was nothing special.) She likes that they are cool and edgy. Heidi calls them “old school.”
https://youtu.be/4eT7TjlCnNQ
Us The Duo – Married Singer/Songwriting duo – They’re pregnant! We see the baby sonogram. “This baby is coming whether we are stable or not,” she says. The song they perform tonight, is about…their baby of course. Ha ha. They are SOOOO Alex & Sierra 2.0–the winners of X Factor season 3. Alas, their relationship fell apart. This couple already has some success as a singing duo, and their marriage seems solid. The song is very sweet, a bit on the twee side, but nice. The baby is a girl! Simon jokes that they’ll have to change their name to Us the Trio. Simon didn’t care for their Judge Cuts song, but he loves this. He “prays” America will put them through. Mel is all verklempt. “That was so loving…a little schmaltzy,” Heidi says. It was Howie’s favorite of their performances.
Daniel Emmet – Opera Singer – Daniel was eliminated at the Judge Cuts, but brought back as a wild card. OH GOOD GOD NOOOO. He sings the “asteroid song” (Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith) opera style IN ITALIAN. Just the thing I always wanted! NOT. Ugh. I really hate pop opera. He hits a couple of high notes and a massive key change. Probably smart to sing a tune folks are familiar with. “You really are one of the best strongest singers we have,” says Heidi. Daniel is so grateful to be back, he’s crying. Simon takes credit for bringing him back as a WC. Of course. “That is what I call a moment,” he says. “It was so wonderful and different,” says Howie. Mel calls the key change, “everything.”
Brian King Joseph – Violinist – He played violin on the street to help his single mother. He also suffers from a nerve disease that affects his ability to play. He’s a good violinist, and an energetic performer. He’s also a really likable guy. It’s a winning combo that will help him get votes. Howie says he’s better than “Fiddler on the Roof.” What? “You gave us a proper show tonight,” says Mel. Heidi loves his positivity. Simon also appreciates his positivity and passion. “I really hope America gets behind you,” he says. Brian admits that after playing, his hands are completely numb.
Aaron Crow – Swordsman – Oh, this act is entertaining. Aaron is completely silent as he weilds all manner of dangerous weaponry staged like something out of Game of Thrones. Howie is once again the “assistant.” Where are the knives? Howie signals to Aaron with a sledge hammer which tall block to choose. A metronome is involved. I’m confused. This act is meandering by the time Simon ends up on stage. This better have a payoff. Eh. It really doesn’t. I agree with Mel and Heidi that it took too long to get to a non-existant payoff. Disappointing. That was such a dud, I wonder if something went wrong. His first two outings were very entertaining.
Joseph O’Brien – This is the 20 year old from a small town who has never been kissed. Embarrassing. Look at Joseph at his fake high school. He performs an original ballad at the piano. There are so many singers in this competition. Five tonight–one is Simon’s golden buzzzer–so good luck to Joseph. He’s fine, but not enough to rise above the rest. The song is about a girl he had a crush on. Simon coaxes a name out of him. Mel calls the lyrics “flawless.” Heidi wasn’t “knocked out of her seat,” but “it was sweet.” Just like I expected–Simon says that he didn’t love it. He’s saving the praise for his golden buzzer act. “I’m not sure that song will get you through.” Howie notes the giant red doiley on his piano. Ha. I noticed that too.
Hans – Musical Comedian – We see Hans holding an open call for dancers. He’s such a diva! “Never cut to the judges,” Hans instructed the director, “Nobody is interested.” So true! Hans and his accordian descend from the heavens. to perform…I have no idea what’s going on here, but I like it. TAP DANCING. This performance is everything. This is ridiculous in the best possible way. HANS HANS HANS. Heidi gushes in German. Hans doesn’t really understand German. Simon compares it to watching a horror movie. And he loved it. “I’ll perform it on our wedding night,” says Hans. Howie calls it “my favorite act so far tonight.” Mel B compliments his taste in music (a Spice girls song). “You killed it!”
UDI – Projection/Dance – The group is from Siberia. The leader grew up in an orphanage–dance gave him his identity. Now they teach dance to children. The music is Aha’s “Take on Me.” That alone earns a vote. But then it turns really dark and scary. It’s a video game simulation. Simon says “It’s not as good as your first audition.” On the other hand, Howie loved the video game theme. “I thought it was innovative…I don’t agree with Simon.” Mel agrees with Simon. Heidi thought the arcade video game idea was great, but the execution not so much. These projection acts tend to translate poorly on television. However, this particular routine lacked creativity compared to similar acts featured on the show.
Christina Wells – Singer – After her father was killed in a car accident, her single mother struggled. However, while the family were poor, they were nevertheless happy. She performs “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls. Well. We already have Glennis Grace in the semi-finals. Is there need for another old fashioned belter? Glennis is a better singer. Also–Christina is a little flat. Howie calls the performance a “grand finale.” Mel B says, “I adore you…you are incredible. I was right there with you.” Mel B claims she never heard that song before? LMAO WHAT. Heidi says the singer’s “confidence has finally caught up” to her vocal ability. Simon says she “owned the stage and the song.” Simon is sure some Broadway producer will snap her up. And he means that as a compliment.
Zurcaroh – Acrobatic Group – The group is Tyra’s Golden Buzzer. Their audition is the most viewed online in AGT history — over 320 million views. Since their last performance, two group members lost their mothers. Oh boy. Performance with an extra layer of sob story. It’s a Garden of Eden theme. The apple is eaten, and things get crazy. The performance is African-themed. There’s the tossing! So much tossing. The performance ends with an angel saving a young child from EVIL! Very dramatic. Mel B calls it “Amazing….breathtaking.” Heidi thinks the act is ready for Las Vegas. “I loved it!” says Simon, “One of the best ive performances I’ve ever seen on America’s Got Talent.”
Rob Lake – Magician – Simon has been hard on Rob. He’s out to prove him wrong! The act is big, involving a motorcycle and three (count em!) female assistants. He disappears from a cage that is pulled up into the rafters. He ends up in the crowd behind the judges. “I feel like I helped you get to this place,” says Simon. He still thinks its corny, but impressive. Heidi loved it. “It was like you have a twin.” Howie felt there was too much 80’s cheese while Mel wanted even MORE cheese. Dude is super smiley. The female assistants are super retro and not in a good way. However, the trick a the center of the act was executed well.
Michael Ketterer – Singer – The last act of the night–of the round–is Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. Simon calls him a “great human being and a great singer.” He’s adopted a bunch of at risk kids and changed their lives. Michael performs a very raw and heartfelt rendition of James Bay’s “Us,” That was for sure Michael’s best performance to date. He really connected to that song in a special way. Mel is in tears. SIMON IS OVERCOME. He’s all choked up. He’s relating as a dad and can hardly talk. Mel calls Michael an “incredible person” in addition to “captivating and honest.” Heidi says, “When you sing, you sing with so much heart. We need more men like you.”
