America’s Got Talent 2023 Recap Auditions 6
America’s Got Talent 2023 auditions return to NBC after a week long July 4th break. The season 18 judges panel includes Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara. Terry Crews hosts. See more acts vying for the 1 million dollar prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas.
America’s Got Talent 2023 Spoilers Auditions 6 – Meet the Acts
America’s Got Talent 2023 Full Season 18 Schedule
Season 18 will feature at least SEVEN Golden Buzzers. And this week it’s Heidi Klum’s turn.
Mariandrea – Dancer
It’s the biggest audience 14 year old Mariandrea has ever performed for. She’s a dancer from Mexico who wants to inspire younger women to follow their dreams. She dances in a contemporary style to the ballad version of “Mad World.” She’s very dramatic and BENDY. She could do the contortion thing if she wanted to head in another direction. The young performer has the moves AND the attitude. She’s kind of scary! But in a good way.
At the end there is a beat of silence before the crowd and judges are on their feet. “What a surprise,” says Sofia. “You were dancing and acting at the same time.” Heidi says, “All of a sudden she’s possessed…you can hold your own.” Simon compliments her presence. “I think you are unbelievably talented.” Howie says, “It was like magic watching you. You were magnificent.” 4 yeses
82nd Airborne Chorus – Military choir
NBC previewed this audition last week. The military choir represents the 19,000 men and women who support the Airborne division in North Carolina. The group leader explains that last week one of their soldiers, Elijah Crawford, died. They are dedicating the performance to him and other soldiers who have fallen. The group sings a soulful version of “My Girl” by the Temptations. The two lead singers are VERY GOOD and the background singers perfect. This group is very professional. I could listen to a concert of this, for real.
Howie says, “Thank you for your service! That was beautiful. Uncle Howie wants you!” Heidi says, “I love you guys. I loved it.” Sofia liked that it was “very different.” Simon compliments the lead singers. “It was the perfect tribute to the friend that you lost. Our audience absolutely loved you.” 4 yeses
Artem Shchukin – Magician
It’s his first TV talent show, but Artem has won a bunch of awards overseas. His unusual act involves cards, with added humor and a bit of miming. Howie compares his act to “clowns and mimes.” Simon says, “Magical, weird, hilarious.” His act was montaged but he received 4 yeses.
MOS – Instrumental brass band
NBC previewed this audition earlier today. The group, an all-female brass band, is from Japan. They speak a little English, but need a translator to help. While this is the group’s first TV talent show, they are stars on social media. They perform Jessie J’s “Bang Bang” with verve and energy. They move around the stage and manage NOT to lose their breath. A couple of sax solos show the gals have CHOPS. They play like a marching band. A very tiny marching band.
Howie says, “I love the sound of brass instruments…original…surprising.” Sofia calls them magical “I think you guys are great.” Heidi calls it a “great audition.” Simon says, “Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine a girl group to come on and play that song with those instruments.” He didn’t think it sounded great the whole time. But he still really likes them. “I loved it.” 4 yeses
A montage of dancers – 4 yeses
Three dance acts, including 40 pounds, a solo performer, a trio of young girls called Let it Happen and a big dance crew The Zoo impress the judges. But not enough for their auditions to be featured in full. Simon psyched out The Zoo saying “no” at first followed by “KIDDING!”
Oswaldo Colina – Viral act (Dances with fingers)
Simon told Oswaldo no on Britain’s Got Talent. Now Oswaldo is “back for revenge.” Via Spanish translation by Sofia. Oswaldo is a photographer who has gone viral on Tik Tok for–believe it or not–staging dance performances with his fingers. He wears little booties on his fingers and a feather on his hand. It’s pretty stupid, which is why Howie, Heidi and Simon buzz him pretty quick. He finishes with a pole dance. Sofia is torn, “It’s so bad it’s good.” Simon can’t believe he flew all the way to America to do that 1 yes (Sofia) 3 nos
Trent Toney – Singer
Simon’s gal pal comes out to give him a big kiss and say hello. This before Trent, a firefighter in Oregon, takes the stage. He explains that he used to be married. He’s sad they are now apart. “I’m still in love with her,” he confesses, saying he’s written a song for her, “Always and Lately” that he’ll be singing for his audition. TOO MUCH INFORMATION. The audience chants CALL HER CALL HER CALL HER. Sounds like a set up. Heidi joins him on stage to help him call. “How can you pass this up!” Heidi chides after she answers the phone. COMMERCIAL BREAK.
After the break, Trent performs his little ballad behind an electric piano. He has a very pretty tone, but is obviously not a pro. However, he has had a few viral Tik Tok performances. His ex, seemingly moved, is emotional on the other end of the phone. Heidi loved it. Sofia calls it the “perfect audition.” Simon calls him “very brave.” He adds, “People are going to like you.” Howie says, “We could feel the emotion in your voice.” KICKER! A card explains that while the ex loved the song, THEY ARE STILL NOT TOGETHER. Sads. 4 yeses
Puppet Simon & the Cow Belles – Puppet act
The cow belle puppets confess that they love Simon. “I have a crush on you,” he says back. The puppet quartet begin singing a big band rendition of “Toxic” by Britney Spears. Sofia buzzes them before a puppet Simon joins them, and begins channeling American Idol Simon, rudely critiquing their performance. But unlike the real Simon, puppet Simon insists on singing instead. He fires up Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and it turns out puppet Simon can sing. Sort of. The Belles harmonize behind him.
Sofia says, “I don’t know if this is an act that belongs on AGT.” The puppet gets sassy, “You’re fired!” Sofia says, “You can’t fire me because you’re a puppet.” Simon finds it hilarious that Sofia is arguing with a puppet. He calls the act “really funny.” Heidi thought it was a lot of fun. Howie calls them witty and funny. He asks puppet Simon how he should vote. “You’re the boss!” 1 no (Sofia) 3 yeses
Duo Desire – Aerial acrobats
Denis Bazhenov and Jilliana Sophia Bazhenova met in Las Vegas. Denis eventually proposed and the two married. Now, they perform together. A sling lifts her up in a split. Denis hangs on as they twirl. Wow. The tricks require not only balance and skill, but A LOT of strength. AGT has seen these “romantic” aerial couples before. But they do manage to bring a fresh approach. The tricks are outrageous and dangerous, as well as sexy. They end the routine with what amounts to a “trust fall.”
Sofia says, “It was sexy, it was perfection, I want to see more.” Howie calls it “one of the most impressive things.” Heidi says her palms are sweaty. “Incredible.” Simon says, “It really felt to me you were putting everything on the line. Sophia explains, “We wanted to scare you a little.” 4 yeses.
Presley & Taylor – Country music duo
Presley and Taylor are sisters from Connecticut. They come from a big Italian family of country music fans. That’s kind of weird! The sisters are currently grinding out a living in Nashville. Nashville is a “hard cookie” to break, they confess. The two invite their band out to play their original song. They sing with a country twang, which is also weird, coming from Northeastern Italians! While the duo are energetic and outgoing, the song and performance is generic at best.
Heidi says, “It didn’t make me jump out of my seat.” She has mixed feelings. Howie calls it a “bar act.” and “not exciting.” Sofia calls it “great” but not “AGT wow.” Simon says, “I didn’t feel it. It was polite.” Why are they airing this audition only to humiliate them on stage? They looked so excited after they finished performing, like they were confident they’d receive yeses. Mean. 4 nos
Andrew Stanton – Danger act
Blargh. Andrew is a sword swallower. Sorry. This is where I check out. I hate the gross stuff. The audience seems very disturbed, as do the judges. “OH NO,” says Sofia as he prepares to do something super icky. Heidi is hiding behind the desk. The act ends with Andrew impaling himself on a pointy weapon. He manages not to kill himself.
Howie calls it wrong, “You should change your name to shish ka bob.” Sofia calls it “disturbing and fun at the same time.” Simon loved it. He loves the danger acts, always. 4 yeses
Lavender Darcangelo – Singer – Heidi’s Golden Buzzer
Lavender is a 28-year-old blind and autistic soulful pop singer from Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Her dad helps bring her out on stage. She explains that she began singing at 3 before she could talk. Her father and his husband (who is sitting out in the audience) adopted her after meeting her in a program. She sings “Out Here on My Own” from the movie Fame and has a few wobbly moments, but has a very strong chest voice. She never uses her head voice!
Sofia is wiping away tears. Howie says, “Nobody in this room was sitting.” Simon calls it “sensational” and “magical” He loves her talent and personality. “I’m so happy you’ve come on our show. This is an audition I’ll never forget.” AGT is Lavender’s favorite show. She calls herself “not normal.” Simon says, “we love you just the way you are.” Heidi wants to be her cheerleader, so she SMASHES THAT GOLDEN BUZZER. Lavender is crying her eyes out. Dad 2 joins them on stage. She’ll go straight to the live shows.
