America’s Got Talent 2018 Recap Week 2 Auditions, Performance Videos

The Golden Buzzer is back. Each judge and the host gets one opportunity to send a contestant straight through to the live shows. Who will win the 1 million dollar prize?

Tonight opens with a clip of Simon Cowell driving a monster truck. Whee. 

Yumbo Dump – Joke Sound Effect Act – Oh. Two fat Asian guys make sounds with their bodies. Simon does not look amused. Mel B. buzzes them immediately. They don’t talk–but announce the sound affect via placard. After each “feat” they yell in unison. “Feels so good…” or something. This is pretty stupid. And also feels vaguely racist. Howie loved it, of course. Heidi thought it was funny. Simon thought it was stupid but also “hilarious.” Mel B isn’t feeling it – 3 yeses Mel says no.

Married couples are next! 

Sean and Lindsey – Comedy Duo – Simon asks if they are brother and sister. Heh. They are a married comedy duo. How old fashioned. Just like Stiller and Meara. Look it up! Ohhh. They’re flopping flopping flopping. The audience is so quiet. Simon buzzes them. Howie says it didn’t work. Simon calls it uncomfortable “Like being at some weird dinner party.” – 4 nos

Us The Duo – Singers – Married couple sing an original they performed as their wedding vows. Ha ha. It’s Alex & Sierra (X Factor 3 winners) redux. Hope this couple’s relationship lasts longer than that doomed duo. Having said that–these guys are pretty good. The original song is engaging and energetic. The couple have chemistry and can sing. Heidi feels all mushy gushy. She can see the sparks flying back and forth! “I think you have a hit.” Howie derisively calls the performance “a little coffeehouse.” The audience boos. Mel B. agrees with Howie. Simon does not agree. “We’re going to remember you…this is a really good audition.” Mel B. waffles, but finally says yes.   – 3 yeses Howie says no.

ETA: Apparently these two are already kinda famous: Republic Records deal, four albums, tons of streams and Youtube views, toured with Pentatonix. Their fans are surprised to find them auditioning on a singing show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBg7UcXj2Bg

Next, it’s a montage of Simon asking acts if they have pets. A lady dress in a cat onsie  whose act consists of a MEOW MEOW MEOWING gets buzzed. 

Lilly Wilker – Animal Impressionist – Eleven year old lives on a farm with a bunch of animals. She claims that she’d donate her million dollar prize to hospitals and animal shelters. How sweet! And naive. The audience had no idea what this act was about until it started. She kicked things off with a giggle fit, followed by impressions in the following order: a dolphin, turkey, horse, dog. duck, and a rooster. It’s not really an act, but the impressions are pretty spot on. Plus, Lilly is really adorable. Of course Simon the animal lover loved it. “I think America is going to absolutely fall in love with you.” Aw. She’s crying. – 4 yeses. 

And next it’s Heidi and Howie shilling for Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee. Gotta admit. YUM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8pdJfxasaE

Next it’s a montage of bad acrobatic acts. People nearly die! 

Fratelli Rossi – Tumbling Act – They’re brothers! One of them is still recovering from a torn ACL. He’s wearing a brace, but stuff could still go wrong. The act begins with one brother on his back juggling his brother into airborne flips.  Things go well at first. But then they slip. Are there any injuries? They want to start over. The judges yell “NO!” Hm. I wonder if that was deliberate. The dude ends up standing on his brothers feet and then tumbling back on his ass. Heidi calls the act “incredible.” Mel B calls it “hot and terrifying.” Simon won’t judge them on their mistake. He was on the edge of his seat. Hm. I’m still thinking the “mistake” was part of the act – 4 yeses. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkmicb0jkyE

After the break, its a female singer performing “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. Simon looks bored. We see acts backstage looking very nervous. 4 yeses for this one though.

Christina Wells –  Forty two year old singer – Twenty years ago she was cut from an audition due to her weight, despite singing really well. She cries remembering the experience. After that trauma, she stopped singing and became a registered nurse. Displaying a strong alto and soulful runs, she sings “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray.  Christina is talented, but super old fashioned. “We felt your soul,” says Howie. “You are beautiful,” says Mel B. “What a voice.” Heidi thanks her for having the guts to audition. Simon says he works with stupid people who judge singers on their weight. OH C’MON SIMON. You dissed overweight women on the regular back on Idol. – 4 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAeXKdR5v50

Da Republik – Dance troupe from the Dominican Republic – The leader cries as she describes how there is no “American Dream” in the Dominican Republic. Ohhh. Trump would love to deport this bunch. Grr. They’re a fun loving and energetic hip-hop troup. Not bad. But nothing special either. Their backstory–kids from disadvantaged backgrounds trying to make their lives better–will probably carry them farther. Everyone’s crying as the routine ends. Mel B loves them. Howie calls it “pure brilliance.” Heidi appreciates their passion. Simon calls their routine powerful and infectious. – 4 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tSFxatYSfg

Aaron Crow – Sword Tricks – Oh this guy. A preview was uploaded last week which I could not bear to watch. I hate gross out acts. He doesn’t talk. Just stares at the judges. He slices up an apple midair with a sword. He heads to the audience, picking out a couple “volunteers.” He drags Howie up on stage. But before he wields his weapons, he seals his eyes shut with hot wax, a blindfold and silver paper. After a few simpler feats, he grabs a big sword and chops a pineapple off of Howie’s head. Simon thinks it’s incredible that he nearly killed Howie. Mel B. calls him “hot.” – 4 yeses

Alex Cooper – Comedian – Thirty two year old wants to unite people through joy and happiness…or something. “I want everyone I see to smile,” he says. Ooops. It turns out he’s really super shady. His total act is dragging people like a hippified Don Rickles. This isn’t very funny though. He insults all of the judges in turn. His quips suck. Simon finds him hilarious though. “Didn’t we form this country to get away from people like you?” the comic says to Simon. –  3 nos Simon says yes. 

Mochi – Juggler – This Japanese native does a special type of juggling called “diablo.”  His parents aren’t too thrilled with his passion. He practices constantly! “I want to show much power to you!” he tells Simon. Oh. This is really a light show with juggling. I can never get too excited over light acts, which aren’t all that exciting on television. The slow mo part is pretty cool though. The judges give him a standing ovation. He reminds Mel of a 90’s rave. Heidi calls him a lot of fun. Simon loves his personality. He is very energetic!- 4 yeses

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

Old people next!

Selena and Filiberto – Senior Citizen Dancers – The dancing duo are from Cuba. They speak little English, so the daughter is there to translate. The dude begins crying before they even begin. They kiss first, like it’s going to be super romantic. But then the couple break out into this dirty dancing routine, which is supposed to be hilarious because they’re old? OK. When he starts humping her, Mel B. buzzes them. The crowd goes crazy. The woman is crying. This is so weird.  Simon accuses Mel of  being “agist.” – 3 yeses Mel says no

Well…this last act is a Simon Cowell golden buzzer, according to the teasers. 

Michael Ketterer – Singer  – He’s a pediatric mental health nurse. But a singer! With six children. He and his wife were married young. She and their first child almost died in childbirth. They couldn’t have more kids. Eventually their daughter persuaded them to adopt. Their first were three kids whose parents were meth heads. Next, they adopted a homeless kid. And their last was a boy with cerebral palsy. Ending the show with a heart tugging back story! He sings “To Love Somebody” with a trembly, unusual voice. On the second verse he busts out and the crowd goes crazy. Mel B says he sings from his soul. Heidi is “blown away.” Howie wants to be “a fraction of the human being that I believe that you are.” Simon calls him “real” and a “surprise.” And then hits his “Golden Buzzer.” Actions speak louder than words he says. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFy5XyZsUeo