The America’s Got Talent 2021 Live Shows continued at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles with the FIRST WEEK of semifinals. The acts performed live for America’s Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara and host Terry Crews.
The acts also performed for America’s Vote and a chance to win a $1 million prize. Additionally, the winner will perform at the AGT residency at the Luxor in Las Vegas this fall.
America’s Got Talent 2021: Semifinals 1 Contestants Ranked!
America’s Got Talent 2021: Which Eliminated Act Got the Wildcard?
TO VOTE: Go to NBC.com/AGTVote and/or via the “AGT” App (available through Google Play and on the App Store). Limit is 10 votes per act per email per each voting method. How to Vote Voting Faqs. Only FIVE acts will advance to the finale, set for September 14 & 15.
Peter Rosalita – Kid Singer
Oh. Poor Peter. He boffed the intro of his song, Nilsson’s “Without You.” It seems like he couldn’t hear, or something. He calmly asks for the track to restart, and he recovers. It’s another big diva ballad for the young singer. Peter has struggled with pitch throughout the season. His low notes are very wobbly, while he shouts the chorus high notes. But it doesn’t matter! His youtubes get tons of hits. He is a little kid mimicking grown up singing, but without having developed a musical skill set yet. Meh. Heidi calls his voice “powerful.” She congratulates him for recovering from his mistake. “You didn’t miss a beat,” says Sofia. Simon “absolutely loved” the performance, and admires that he took control of his mistake. “I really like you Peter,” he says. Howard calls him a “true professional.” The official AGT Youtube edited out Peter’s mistake, so I cut one that includes the entire performance.
Michael Winslow – Planty Voice Actor
Michael advanced to the semi-finals thanks to the Insta-Save. He was almost eliminated, despite already being a star in the Police Academy movies. Tonight, the judges are asked to pick a category, like a game show. Michael has two minutes to reproduce as many noises as possible. The framing this time is more coherent, but it’s still boring. This is pretty boring. Sofia was “mesmerised.” Simon has so much respect for Michael. He thinks he was funnier tonight, because he was less nervous. He calls this week’s routine “more clever.” Howie loves that he chose to do something interactive. Again, Howie admits that he’s known Michael for years. Michael promises to teach America to make their own “noises” if he makes it into the finals.
Beyond Belief Dance Company – Kid dance group
The judges chose Beyond Belief and their director, Justin Johnson aka drag queen Alyssa Edwards as the Wildcard, after they lost the Insta-Vote in the Quarterfinals week 1. Tonight, the girls are featured in bright cotton candy colors. But their routines have a sameness about them. Brighter colors and a bigger set doesn’t make up for lack of content. They sure are cute, though. Heidi is so happy the group is back. “You deserve to be here.” Howie compliments them for rising to the occasion. Sofia was also disappointed they were eliminated. Simon loves the group’s fun, sense of optimism. “The whole world needs that.” He thinks they stepped it up this time.
Aiden Bryant – Hoop Artist
He’s the young hoop artist who practices at home with the help of his mother. PYRO makes all things better, amiright? Kidding aside, Aiden has brought his act up a notch, substituting an orb-like contraption for the simple hoop, and sometimes using the ropes as silks. His last trick features him hanging off the orb by his neck, spinning round and round. “You get better and better!” Sofia gushs. “You look like a professional.” Simon got on his feet. “You’re 16 years old, you’re self taught…this was a gold medal performance.” Howie criticized his setups last time, but compliments Aiden for delivering a “smooth” performance this time. Heidi calls the performance Aiden’s best so far.
Tory Vagasy – Broadway singer
Howie has been dogging Tory all season. But she claims criticism only lights a fire underneath her. This week, she sings “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King. It’s an unimaginative song choice, but maybe my opinion is in the minority. Her voice is clear as a bell and she hits those high notes, but overall, Tory is generic. I think that’s why Howie is so negative. “You did something good,” Simon says, “But you were safe.” He’s got a point. Howie calls her an amazing singer. However, he says, “This show needs more.” He thinks she’s on the wrong show. Heidi thinks any Broadway stage would be lucky to have her. She calls her “flawless.” Sofia thinks she stepped it up this week. Tory thinks she did a great job, and is really proud of herself.
World Taekwondo Demonstration Team -Martial Arts – Terry’s Golden Buzzer
The group steps up their act with blindfolds. The artists kick their way through blocks while unable to see. As the routine progresses, blocks are splitting willy nilly all over the stage. But I have to say, I think last time was more impressive. Splitting blocks with feet has its limitations. Howie calls it the “best act of the night” and adds “you are absolutely everything.” Heidi calls them inspiring. “You guys are real action heroes.” Sofia compares them to “synchronized ants.” Ok then. Simon thought their audition was better than last time. Now, tonight, he feels, was their best performance of all three. Hm. They made some mistakes last time, but the routine itself was better.
Madilyn Bailey – Singer, Youtube Star
The judges criticized her last time for singing a cover. Tonight, she’s singing a song she wrote called “Red Ribbon” written for her grandmother who passed away from lung cancer. If this doesn’t propel her to the next round, nothing will. Some of those Youtube meanies Madilyn wrote about in her viral song have a point. Her fast vibrato is an acquired taste, for sure. I can’t understand the lyrics. But the melody is solid. Howie calls it “kind of touching” but “not anything.” He wanted funny. Wow. On the other hand, Heidi thinks she nailed a hard song. Simon tells Howie he’s talking out of his a**. Simon says she took the criticism well. “I’m so proud of you.” She looked shattered after Howie dissed her. Having said that, I think Howie had a point. He could have delivered his critique with more tact and kindness, however. That song obviously means a lot to her.
Dustin Tavella – Magician
He weaves emotional stories from his personal life into his magic. This time, he asks the judges to think of people they love. Ha ha. He asks Howie to pick a colored envelope, except that he’s color blind. Sofia thinks he was nervous tonight, but still performed brilliantly. Simon calls Dustin special. “You are a born storyteller…you make us feel happy and emotional. I think you’re going to be in the final.” Howie calls him emotional and magical and the “Orange yogurt of entertainers.” Because orange yogurt is his favorite dessert. Ok, then.
Korean Soul – Singing group
The group from South Korea has known each other for 10 years. They cover “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Finally, they sing a gospel song. They call themselves an R&B group, but actually, their Youtube page is full of Christian music. Having said that, this performance is not very good. Their solo voices don’t stand out and the harmonies are off key. T-3 were eliminated for this. Simon notes how out of tune they were. THEY WERE HORRIBLY OUT OF TUNE. He did like the song choice, however. Sofia calls it amazing, and better than last time. NOPE. They did not sound good. Howie liked last time better. I agree. Sofia liked this time better, because each singer had a moment to shine.
Gina Brillon – Comic
She’s been in the business for 20 years, and in fact, she’s already pretty famous, with an award winning special currently airing on Amazon. Her laid back style is going over better with the live crowd this time. Her material, about kids and impossible beauty standards for women, is very relatable, even if I’m not laughing out loud. The judges are on their feet. Howie is so proud of her. “I’m such a fan of yours.” She’s his wife’s favorite. “You’re a superstar young lady.” Heidi calls her bold and like a firecracker. ‘You deserve a spot on the finale.” Sofia loves that she’s Latina. Simon is impressed that she acknowledged her competition in her video package. As if it were her idea. He mentions that he criticized her last time and says, “It’s me who was talking out of my a**.”
Jimmie Herrod – Singer – Sofia’s Golden Buzzer
This time, Jimmie sings P!nk’s “Glitter in the Air.” The point Howie mady about Tory earlier is that Jimmie also has a Broadway-worthy voice, but with spark and imagination. He’s been consistently impressive throughout the competition. He hits the high notes and so much more. The judges are back on their feet. Sofia calls him a “showstopper” and says “this is how a semifinal performance should be.” Simon calls him a “masterclass in singing” and adds “I think you are incredible.” Heidi says everyone was waiting for Kanye’s album to drop (actually…no) But she’s waiting for Jimmie to drop his album. Howie gushes hysterically, “You are by far the best singer in this competition. What you do is perfection. You could win this whole thing. I can’t imagine a better way to end this show.”
