The Top 48 have been chosen on America’s Got Talent! The judges and producers should be pleased with the choices they’ve made: they have chosen a diverse and gifted group of performers in a wide variety of genres.
They’ve only made one or two mistakes… but those two mistakes are enormous.
In this viewer’s opinion, these are the ten best acts, in alphabetical order:
American BMX Stunt Team – No season of America’s Got Talent would be complete without a little danger, and this team of stunt riders appear to have the most skill and the fewest irresponsible gimmicks of all the danger acts.
The Aurora Light Painters – People have painted with light before, but this troup takes a little-known technique to new heights by adding an element of live performance. The result is breathtaking.
David Garibaldi and the CMYKs – Garibaldi is a very skilled speed painter. The CMYKs are his backup dancers. Part of the fun of watching this unusual painting/dancing act is to look at what at first appears to be random blobs of paint on the canvas, and to experience that “ah ha!” moment when you recognize what he’s creating.
Donovan and Rebecca – The physical strength required by both of these acrobats to perform their balancing tricks is staggering. They are beautiful to watch.
Eric Dittleman – Eric says he reads minds, and he certainly appears to be able to read Sharon Osborne’s – even when she’s trying to trick him. Of course, he’s tricking us, but until the viewers figure out how he did it, he’s going to surprise each week.
Joe Castillo – Joe Castillo’s sand paintings, projected on a screen, take on new meanings and create new connections as he changes them repeatedly to reveal images that build on each other.
Sebastien “El Charro de Orro” – They’ve been calling him the Mexican Jackie Evancho, with good reason. This little mariachi has vocal skill that rivals hers.
Tom Cotter – This comedian is an award-winning showbiz veteran who has appeared on Last Comic Standing and The Tonight Show. With a resume this extensive, I am surprised he even auditioned for a show that is looking for struggling newcomers.
The Untouchables – This children’s dance troup dazzles with difficult moves performed precisely. Their coaches sent an adult dance group, the Miami All Stars, to the Top Ten in 2011.
William Close and his earth harp – Musician William Close has created a stunning and original musical instrument of immense beauty and power. This is one of the most innovative acts of technological brilliance I have ever seen on this show. Clearly the judges agreed; Close was one of only three acts who did not have to perform in Las Vegas.
Other acts that may give these folks a run for their money include David “The Bullet” Smith, Lightwire Theater, and the Distinguished Men of Brass. However, I do not expect great things from Big Barry, or from Horse, a guy who tries to entertain us by hitting himself in the groin repeatedly. I cannot understand why the judges let either of these men through two stages of this competition.
America’s Got Talent’s live shows kick off tonight starting at 8:30 PM ET/PT.
I will be recapping this season of America’s Got Talent on my recapping blog, Recapper’s Delight.