America’s Got Talent was live last night with the first of two semifinals. Only three acts can advance on to the finals, and there were more than three worthy acts. Here’s our recap.
After making his way back on the show by passing through the wild card round, Andrew De Leon had to jump right back in by performing first. In likely his best performance on the show, De Leon performed the opera classic, “Ave Maria.” Howie thought he did good, but thought not being classically trained hurt him. Howard thought his story was great but wished Andrew had more formal training. Sharon thought that maybe he should take off his makeup so people could connect with him.
Also advancing from the wild card round, Todd Oliver only had a week to come up with new material, and the crowd reacted very well. Sharon said Howard was right to bring Oliver back, and she said he is now very funny. Howie said that using current material was very good, and said that he might be a headlining act. Howard said Oliver is a headlining act and that he deserves to go through.
The epitome of strength and grace, Donovan and Rebecca never cease to do something that acts hardly ever do. They perform flawlessly every time they hit the stage, and that is to be commended. Howard loved the act, but didn’t think it translated to TV. Sharon said that they deserve to be in the final. Howie agreed because AGT is the only place to see an act like this.
Performing a Top 40 song can always work in a contestant’s advantage as long as they can perform it well and distance themselves from the original, and Edon did just that with One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.” Howie called him the best singer in the competition. Howard said that a lot of young girls will vote for him, but said that he was bored by the song. Sharon disagreed and said the song choice was perfect for him.
The in-sync dance duo The Scott Brothers took the stage next. Howard said that they’re the best dance act, but thought it seemed too similar this time and that people will get bored. Sharon thought they were really good, but thought the night was too filled with talent. Howie said that they needed one move that will get people talking, but that they didn’t do that.
The mind reader formerly known as Eric, Dittelman left the audience members scratching their heads every time. Sharon found it amazing and wondered how he did it. Howie thought it was funny how he could control peoples’ minds, but he couldn’t even get a girl to go out with him. Howard said he wasn’t bored like he was with other acts.
Contortionist Turf took the stage as few acts do – alone. Howie said that Turf was the best dancer in the competition and really thought Turf wanted it more than anybody. Howard liked that he changed it up a bit, but thought that he was too similar time after time. Howard hoped Turf would go through, but wasn’t sure he would be one of America’s top three. Sharon said Turf pulled her back in again, just when she thought she was out.
One of the winners from the YouTube round, Bria Kelly put a country spin on the Pink song, “Perfect.” Sharon loved the song choice, but didn’t think Kelly put enough emotion into the song. Howie thought that her talent didn’t match up against the super talent of some of the other acts. Howard thought she stood out and that she was the strongest singer of the night.
Joe Castillo‘s act is multi-faceted. He’s a storyteller, an artist, and the way he does this in conjunction with music moves the audience every time. Howard thought the audience would think they’ve seen everything he has to offer. Sharon said Castillo never ceases to amaze her. Howie agreed that all of his material is similar, but he likened it to how all of The Beatles’ music is similar, and says Castillo is enjoyable every time just like The Beatles.
Previously told by the judges that they thought he will win the entire competition, William Close took the stage to keep up that reputation. Howie said that there were no words, and that he still was the judges’ favorite and it would be a crime if people didn’t vote him through. Sharon hoped that the immensity of his act passed through to TV. Howard said he was a star when he first joined the competition, and that he has grown from that and that he is the clear frontrunner.
Comedian Tom Cotter always steals the show because his material is amazing. Changing it up a bit this time, Cotter had Howie pick what his jokes were to be about. Howie thought it was amazing because Cotter didn’t even choose his own material. Howard thought that Cotter deserved to go through because he is a professional. Sharon enjoyed the fact that Cotter’s material was edgy.
The other act to make it through from the YouTube rounds, Academy of Villains is a very unique dance troupe. Sharon thought it was amazing that they could choreograph a dance routine that was that good for 30 people. Howie said that they were his favorite dance troupe to ever appear on the show. Howard found it very similar to their performance last time and that he was bored.
Our predictions to advance: Dittelman, William Close, and Tom Cotter.