America’s Got Talent 2018 Recap – Finale Live Blog and Videos

America’s Got Talent 2018 Top 10 Finale Power List

VOTE for your favorite act via NBC. com, XFinity X1 Voice command, or the AGT Phone app! Click HERE for all voting methods and numbers for each contestant. 

Tyra takes the stage with the Top 10. The winner will also headline a big show in Las Vegas. Simon is sure some of the contestants will have LIFE CHANGING MOMENTS! Before we get to the acts, it’s time for a video recap of the season.  LOT’S OF CRYING SO MUCH CRYING. 

Brian King Joseph – Violinist. – Surprised Brian isn’t performing later in the show. He’s a front runner! But at least he’s not second or third. In his video package, Brian talks about how playing violin is therapy for the nerve disease he battles. He performs Kanye West’s “Heartless.” I wish the orchestrations were strippped back so that viewers could really experience his prowess. The overall sound is generic. But his talent and charisma can’t be denied. LOOK IT’S FLOATING DRUMMERS! Simon and Heidi are on their feet. Howie says it’s the kind of performance to close the show. “You’ve just set the bar for the whole evening.” Mel B. calls him the best of all time. “You ooze confidence,” she says. Heidi calls him lovable. “I have my fingers and toes crossed for you.” Simon says, “This is everything this show should be. You have a real shot here.” Tara asks if he has a message for Kanye. “Take me on tour let’s go!” Brian says. 

Daniel Emmett – Opera Singer – Daniel talks about how his entire journey has been a FIGHT. And that’s why the show keeps advancing him. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NARRATIVE. He’s second in the lineup–the death spot. Which means the show is finally dome with him. This time the singer performs a pop song in Italian–Pink’s “Perfect” complete with big operatic flourishes. Not really into Pink sung opera style. Pop opera just isn’t my jam. Mel is glad he brought back his opera style. She wasn’t sure whether it was Italian or Spanish. Sheesh. Heidi compliments him for being a fighter. “You’ve been one of my favorites.” Simon says, “You needed that performance for yourself.” Translated: You needed to end this thing on a high note. Then, Simon disses his jacket. “You have fought, and deserve to be here,” says Howie, but then adds that it’s a shame he had to follow Brian. Tara suggests he plead his case to America via song. Which he does “You brought me back thrreeee tiiiiiimes…” And this is where it ends. 

Vicki Barbolak – Comic – In her clip, Vicki thanks all of her “friends” in the “trailer park.” There’s crying. She enters the stage on a pink golf cart to the strains of “Fat Bottomed Girls.”  She thought the finals would be a swimsuit competition. Then she rips off her robe to reveal…a swimsuit. Then she brags about her grandson. Who is the top of his class. He’s homeschooled. Yuck Yuck Yuck. Then she claims her father played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. What? ETA: It’s true. He played for the team in 1949. This is bad. She wants to open up “woodpeckers” for women (like Hooters!). “Peckers” for short. Ok, I’ll admit the Peckers thing is funny–the only funny joke tonight. Heidi loves “everything about you.” and also, “there’s nothing I love more than a great big German sausage.” Eep. Simon claims he doesn’t know what Hooters is. Hm. Simon calls her “brilliant.” And it sounds like he wants to do a reality show with her. Mel calls her a “naughty girl.” 

Glennis Grace – Singer – Oooh. Glennis gets one of the death spots. In her video package, Glennis talks about how she does everything for her son. She sings “Run” by Snow Patrol. The lyrics “I’ll sing it one last time for you,” seem appropriate. Glennis’ powerful pipes are on full display here. She ends on a predictable glory note. The judges are on their feet. Simon calls it “sensational…seriously fantastic.” He thinks she belongs on Broadway in the Greatest Showman. “Immaculate” he says. Maybe a little too immaculate. Still think she has a problem connecting. “This stage has just given you a career for the world,” says Howie. She’s got that already. It’s the US she needs to conquer. Mel wanted a more soulful song. Heidi calls her “the real deal.”

Zurcaroh –  Dance group – This week, the troupe performs to an African theme. More flying children! One kiddo is used a jump rope before being tossed in the air. This group is always entertaining, though I’m not sure they topped themselves here. Tyra is so happy for her golden buzzer. The crowd is very LOUD–Howie’s critique is drowned out. Mel thinks they could win the entire show. Heidi calls the performance “jaw dropping.” She loves the children in particular. “You guys are ready for Vegas.” Simon calls it “sensational…you define the word positivity.” 

Samuel J. Comeau – Comic – Samuel explains in his video clip that his mom raised 7 kids before passing away from cancer in 2007. She wrote each of them a letter, which he reads out loud. In turn, he hopes to be a positive role model for his daughter. Another mildly amusing routine from Samuel. Mel calls him brilliant and amazing. “You won me over tonight,” says Heidi. She thought it was his best. I thought his Audition was his best, actually.  “The audience loved you tonight,” says Simon. “You’re giving yourself a shot after that.” Howie thinks he brought his A game.  Samuel wants to be the first comedian to win the show. 

Courtney Hadwin – Singer – In her video package, Courtney explains that all her musical idols are from Los Angeles and that a James Brown record changed her life at age 11. She performs Ike and Tina Turner’s classic “River Deep Mountain High.” She starts out quietly before breaking out her nutty maniac routine. Sorry. I just can’t wrap my head around her caterwauling,  spazzy performances. The yelling, the shouting. She has no control or finesse. But I suppose one person’s feature is another person’s bug. Howie says, “You are amazing!” She’s his Golden Buzzer. “We are watching a superstar in the making.” Mel thinks she “killed it” this week. “Brilliant, original.” Heidi mentions that teens have been winning America’s Got Talent (Grace Vanderwaal in 2016, Darci Lynne in 2017). Yes, and I think it’s time to change it up. Simon thinks she can teach a new generation all about rock n roll.  When she’s not singing, Courtney is like a scared little rabbit up there on stage. 

Shin Lim – Magician – He studied to be a concert pianist in college. But pain in his wrists–carpal tunnel–forced his to choose between music and magic. He chose magic. He starts off off at the piano. He tells his carpal tunnel story, pulling cards out of nowhere, igniting the sheet music which reveals a pack of cards. Tara helps out. She prefers the 9 of hearts. Shin produces a bunch of 9 of hearts cards. Then magically turns a 6 of hearts into a 9 of hearts. And then he produces floating flying cards. It’s more than just close up magic, Shin creates a routine that takes up the entire stage. It’s a very smart choice. . Simon says, “You have been consistently great” and that tonight he finally brought showmanship. “You could actually win the competition.” Howie calls it a 1 million dollar act. Mel calls it “pure magic.” Heidi calls him one of the best close up magicians she’s ever seen. She wants him to win! So do I. Shin says the act was new, he was a little nervous. 

Duo Transcend – Acrobats – This married couple met at a high diving show. Their goal is to get off the road and work in Vegas for the sake of their young son. He keeps the blindfold on for the ENTIRE routine. It’s very intricate and dangerous. Maybe not as thrilling as last week with the surprise roller skates, but still really good. The routine ends with a twist–she drops him this time. They were given an excellent performance spot. Still don’t think they can win the show. But the good news–they have a good chance of achieving that goal to get off the road. Heidi calls it exciting, sexy, hot and dangerous. Simon calls the duo “on a different level…you are absolutely sensational.” Howie calls it amazing. Mel loves when she dropped him in the end. “You’ve stepped it up another level.” 

Michael Ketterer – Singer – Saint Michael gets the pimp spot! In his video package, Michael watches video of his patients thanking him for his care. Then his kids appear to thank him. Tears! He flips “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” into a bluesy ballad. Interesting. It’s a smart song choice. He’s the inverse of Glennis. He’s a limited singer, but connects emotionally to what he sings every time. Heidi could hear his nerves, but she feels like he might win anyway. Mel called it “brave.” She’s not sure it completely worked. The arrangement exposed ALL of his vocal flaws, it’s true. But I’m not sure it will matter.  I mean. SIMON IS CLOSE TO TEARS as he explains, haltingly, how he would love to give his family the million dollars. And then Michael reveals that the song was dedicated to “my God.”  C’mon. He just won this thing.   

BRB. I’ll be voting voting voting for Shin Lim…