The “AGT: Season Nine” Semifinals continued as 12 more acts try to prove to America they are ready for the big time. (Photos property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Tonight, 12 more acts proved themselves worthy to go through to the AGT Top 12!
It is more crucial than ever to vote for talent then back story! In all honesty, several acts such as Aerial Animation, Andrey Moraru and Flight Jump Rope Crew should have made into the group over an emotionally distressed and bratty girl, an average Colorado singer and a middling magician.
So, who impressed the judges (Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B) and the rest of America? Read on to find out…
Jonah Smith: Jonah Smith kicked off the night with a cover of One Republic’s “Love Runs Out.” While I liked the unaccompanied beginning and the arrangement, there were some pitchy moments throughout Jonah’s 90-second performance. If you have unpolished moments at this stage of the competition, you are not worthy of a spot in the Top 12. B-
Baila Conmigo: Last time, this group barely got by the skin of their teeth! Unfortunately, while their precise footwork was on point…it lacked in the excitement and energy departments. I thought the choreographer did not do them justice by having the kids perform side-by-side with the adults with the opening bars. C
Jaycob Curlee: America saved Jaycob Curlee despite the judges’ harsh comments. I wished that the country would not vote for this performer! He butchered one of my all-time favorite Elton John songs: “Your Song.” If you want to see a AGT contestant properly perform a song by the iconic piano man, watch Eli Mattson’s beautiful cover of “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.” D
Mat Franco: One of my favorite acts from this season is Mat Franco! He tackled a bold new trick that involved the disappearance of Mel B’s phone. His trick was outstanding and perhaps one of the best magic tricks I have ever seen on AGT! A
AcroArmy: AcroArmy is another judges’ choice act that performed tonight! For their Semifinals performance, they transported the audience to a Tron-and-Frankenstein like world, where they delivered some of the most death-defying stunts I have ever seen! They also received the first four judge-standing ovation of the evening! They need to go through!!! A+
Kelli Glover: Kelli Glover is continuing to grace the AGT stage! She tackled Beyonce’s “On The Top: and unfortunately the nerves got the best of her…again. Kelli has a career ahead of her…but I don’t think she is going to be in the Top 12! C+
Wendy Liebman: The King of All Media saved Wendy from elimination. Her material on her Kindergarten reunion, her grandmother and online dating was spectacular and made myself(and my father and brother) laugh out hard. I really hope that America votes her through. A-
Blue Journey: Two amazing dancers put on one of the best dance routines in the show’s history! By combining dancing, music and animation together, they transported the audience into a spectacular routine that moved the Radio City Music Hall audience. If they do not make it to the finals, there is no justice! A+
Emil & Dariel: Backed by a rock band, America’s favorite cellists rocked Radio City Music Hall as they performed an astonishing cover of Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die.” Their musicality was spectacular and would make the legendary Beatle proud. A
Smoothini: In all honesty, Smoothini had to bring it tonight! As Mat Franco and Mike Super continued to impress the audience, the judges requested him to go bigger with his next act. For his act, he asked the judges and Nick to participate with his act. Unfortunately, I was not entertained! C-
Christian Stoinev & Scooby: This act is not my cup of tea! Christian Stoinev is a stunning performer, but Scooby steals the thunder from him every time! If I were sitting on the panel, I would have pulled a Piers and buzzed him once Scooby walked through the stage. If he goes through…LOSE THE POUCH! F
Quintavious Johnson: Quintavious closed the show tonight with a performance dedicated to his grandmother. He took a huge risk and tackled Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” It has been three years since Rachel Crow performed the song on the inaugural season of The X Factor USA and I think Quintavious’s cover will send him to the finale! A+
Acts I loved: AcroArmy, Blue Journey, Emil & Dariel, Mat Franco, Quintavious Johnson & Wendy Liebman
Tomorrow night, Maroon 5 provides the entertainment as we learn who completes the Top 12 and who might benefit from the Snapple Save.
