America’s Got Talent 2023 Recap: Qualifiers 5 Performances
It’s the FINAL week of America’s Got Talent LIVE qualifiers. The remaining 11 acts will compete for a spot in next week’s finale. After America’s vote, only TWO acts will advance to the last show, revealed on Wednesday’s results show.
To vote for your favorite act, download the official America’s Got Talent phone app at the Apple store and Google Play, and/or vote at nbc.com. All voting methods CLOSE Wednesday 7 am ET.
Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara sit on the panel, while Terry Crews hosts.
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The show opens with a barely disguised car commercial featuring Simon Cowell driving to the studio from some weirdo mountain retreat. Kia saves the day, or something.
Eduardo Antonio Trevino – Mariachi singer
The 11 year old’s dream is to become the best mariachi singer in the world. On his first day of middle school, after his audition, he was suddenly very popular. He sings “Remember Me” mariachi style, singing in both English and Spanish while hitting a few impressive high notes. The audience loves it. He’s a cutie.
Sofia says, “You mean everything. Your act is perfect. You are a star already. You are going to be the biggest mariachi in the world.” Heidi compliments his range. Howie says, “Everybody in America is going to remember you.” Simon says, “I am so happy for you. You stayed true to the music you loved. We are witnessing a star in the making.”
Grace Good – Hula hoop aerialist
She’s been grinding it out in Las Vegas for two years, which is why she brought her hula hoop act to AGT. While creating her new routine, she consulted social media, asking them what they wanted. The fans were looking for more fire and more danger. Grace’s audition was pretty great, as she combined hoops and aerial stunts. As her fans requested, there is plenty of dangerous looking fire. She also works with a prop that like a giant lighted baton. She mentioned in her video package that her audition took years to develop, while she only had a few weeks to come up with new tricks.
Heidi loved watching a strong fearless woman fighting for her spot. Sofia calls it scary and sexy. Simon thought it started off boring, but when she brought out the fire it became amazing. Howie noticed a mistake she made. He thinks the pressure got to her. Howie has a point. More fire doesn’t necessarily mean more spectacular, but nevertheless, she’s good enough to be featured in a Vegas show.
Lachuné – Singer
Out of fear, Lachune became a teacher rather than pursuing a singing career. Since her audition, she has been thinking about the kind of singer she wants to be. For this performance, she’s dressed elegantly with her hair pulled back. The song she chose, “Simply the Best” showcases her lovely contralto, and the slowed down arrangement compliments her killer tone perfectly.
Heidi says, “Everything about this performance was stunning.” Simon says, “You took a song everyone knows and you made it your own. You radiate kindness. I would love to see you in the final.” Howie says, “You singing is perfection. I don’t know if I personally love this rendition of this Tina Turner anthem. I don’t think this is enough to get you to the finals.” Sofia buzzes Howie before praising Lachune. Unnecessarily harsh criticism from Howie.
Eseniia Mikheeva – Kid Dancer
The young dancer’s goal is to be a dance legend. She takes the stage in some faux fur before quick changing into a track suit. The 7 year old has personality and chutzpah as well as dance and acrobatic skills. She’s a future JoJo Siwa, most likely.
Sofia says, “You are so awesome.” Simon says, “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. Confidence, personality, talent, brilliant.” Howie says, “I wish this was America’s Got Adorable. You just won.” Heidi hopes that America votes for her.
Mandy Muden – Comedian/Magician
She hasn’t had one successful rehearsal of her new never-done-before act. Her comic bit involves a yellow box and her hands and feet seemingly twisted into impossible positions, it all ends with a humorous quick change. Very clever and funny.
Howie says, “You’ve given us so much. You make us laugh. You check every box.” He begs America to vote. Heidi likes her persona, but thinks the magic could use a bit more wow. Sofia says “You took a risk. It was fun.” Simon says, “You’re very funny. Very naughty.” He mentions that Mandy competed on BGT and that she’s worked hard to get where she is.
Avantgardey – Dance group
The group is a little worried about connecting to American audiences. The girls are anxious to ditch their day jobs! Dressed identically with identical pageboy hairstyles, the group is quirky, cheeky and fun to watch. They are like dolls come to life.
Heidi says, “You look like 20 dolls that have come to life. One of my favorite dance troupes.” Sofia says, “It’s so weird and scary I love it.” Simon says, “This is a great example of how dance has become interesting.” Howie says, “You are my favorite as a dance act. You need to be one of the dance acts going through.” Simon marvels that dance acts on AGT have gotten better in the past few years. Maybe because they have nowhere else to compete after the demise of World of Dance and SYTYCD.
Trailer Flowers – Country singing duo
After the duo’s audition, Howie criticized the original song they performed. They’ll sing another original this time. I have a feeling Howie will still not be impressed. They aren’t incredible singers or harmonizers, and the Taylor Swift-ish song is derivative. Heidi’s buzzer goes off. Oh boy. The act’s presence in the qualifiers is puzzling.
Oh. Howie pressed Heidi’s buzzer. It’s meaner than pressing his own. Heidi criticises their vocals but thinks maybe they sounded better at home. Howie quips sarcastically, “I thought it was fantastic.” Sofia kept waiting for Simon to ask for another song. “It wasn’t my thing.” Simon says “I like you. It’s very tough out there. I didn’t like the song, but I love you two.”
Ramadhani Brothers – Head balancers
Last time, the brothers used a ladder as a prop. This time they’ll use ladders, but with a side to side twist. The balancing is incredible, now with blindfolds. Navigating stairs with a brother on his head without the ability to see. Pretty incredible. They break out two ladders. Precariously, one brother climbs them both, which takes balancing the untethered ladders as well as the brother perched on his head. Unbelievable.
Simon says, “That was spellbinding. This is so difficult, so scary. At any time it could have gone wrong.” He calls it a million dollar act. Heidi calls it one of the best acts in the world. Sofia says, “I have been thinking of you guys since the audition. You didn’t disappoint.” Howie calls it the best act of the night. He begs America to vote. Terry reveals the brothers took a “nasty” fall in rehearsal.
Gabriel Henrique – Singer – Sofia Vergara Golden Buzzer
Because everyone expects him to cover Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston, Gabriel decides to choose a less well known song this time. He wants his own talent to shine through without comparisons. I’m usually not a big fan of “diva” type singers. But Gabriel is effortless as he delivers big impressive high notes. He has a natural gift. He sings with authentic passion and never seems to be trying too hard.
Sofia compares Gabriel to an angel. “You are definitely a star. I think people are going to vote for you.” Simon says, “You could have sang something more obvious” approving his song choice and adding, ” You just booked yourself a spot in the final.” Heidi says, “You really showed what sets you apart.” Howie believes that Gabriel will move on to the finals.
SangSoon Kim – Magician
SangSoon’s Tik Tok ready magic is colorful and clever. He’s a magic cartoon come to life. He pulls out a skateboard seemingly from nowhere! But he didn’t improve from his clever audition which featured colorful footwear appearing and disappearing.
Heidi compares him to Mary Poppins, but says the skateboard trick was his best bit. Howie quips, “You didn’t like seeing his balls?” He liked his first act better and found the routine a little confusing. Sofia calls him super cool but his act was “not better than your audition.” Simon says, “I think the audition was amazing, tonight not as good.” Simon had to go last after Howie’s “balls” joke cracked him up.
82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus
It’s worth noting that NBC has a giant advertising partnership with the army. So basically the chorus is here to display their talents, but also serve as part of an advertising contract. They sing Pink’s “I Am Here” infused with resolve alongside military type grunts and calls. The female lead singer in particular is very good.
Simon says, “Thank you for your service. Thank you for not doing an obvious song. It was fun. It was emotive.” Sofia calls it “fun.” Heidi says, “I loved it. I hope America loved it too.” Howie says, “You can’t live in this country and not love what you did. We are here because you are here.”
