By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is week four of America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 14 and we have already seen impressive auditions! However, only the performances of 22-year-old singer and pianist Kodi Lee, singer-songwriter Joseph Allen, and 11-year-old violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa received the Golden Buzzer.
In fact, there might have been a potential finale pairing that was put out into the universe. Voice coach and up-and-coming talk show host Kelly Clarkson announced her desire to perform with Tyler in the future after seeing his powerful interpretation of “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
Hopefully, this week’s acts were motivated by Kelly’s proclamation to aim higher. Which acts impressed Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, and Howie Mandel? Who heard the dreaded AGT buzzer? Did the former Dancing with the Stars Judge or host Terry Crews use their Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out!
Up first to face the judges was Melissa Arleth. She brought out her 7-month-old rat to participate in her Judges’ audition. I was little grossed out by the audition and all of the stunts, but Melissa is a great trainer. She received the first four-judge standing ovation of the evening and the first unanimous “Yes” of the evening.
12-years-old Easley, South Carolina native Ansley Burns snuck onto the AGT stage. During her pre-performance package, Ansley revealed that she always wanted to be on the NBC talent competition and that her grandmother recorded her “performing on AGT,” when she was younger. After she showcased her Southern charm, Ansley sang Aretha Franklin’s “Think.” While she had a good voice, the backing music drowned her. Simon even pointed it out when he stopped her. Ansley seemed shell-shocked when the Got Talent creator suggested that she sang A cappella. However, once Simon gave her a confidence boost, Ansley gave a rousing A cappella version that would have impressed the Queen of Soul. I agreed with the judges, Ansley showcased a lot of professionalism for her age, and I think she has a good career ahead of her. Ansley received the second set of four “Yeses” of the evening.
22-year-old Sos was a blast from AGT past. Sos is the son of quick-change act Sos and Victoria, who appeared on Season 11. He definitely brought the moves with his tricks. He definitely reminded me of Season Nine champion Mat Franco and just like Mat, Sos could be a force to be reckoned with this season. Just like his folks, he advanced to the Judge Cuts.
18-year-old Polish guitarist Marcin Patrzalek hoped to showcase his artistry on America’s Got Talent. My jaw dropped once Marcin started to play his guitar. The notes gave me chills and I wanted to jump through the TV and dance the Paso Doble with Julianne. Simon described the performance as “Amazing,” while Julianne loved his artistic passion. Marcin received an invitation to advance to the next round.
Terry Crews led the Pasadena Civic Center audience in a fiery karaoke cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which lead Simon Cowell to declare how much he loathes karaoke. Comedian Andy Rowell hoped to entertain the crowd with some karaoke, which was a huge time waster. However, the audition left Simon laughing hysterically, while Howie loved his “exuberance” and “excitement.” I was very surprised to learn that Andy advanced to the Judge Cuts.
Several Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat cosplayers showed up to AGT and they showcased some electrifying dance moves. Then, I realized the quartet were a part of the ADEM Dance Crew from Asia’s Got Talent. The quartet hoped to follow in Junior New System’s footsteps and delivered a jaw-dropping audition! I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us this season!
The Voices of Service wants to showcase how their work serves as music therapy for Armed Forces who face PTSD. The quartet performed a rousing cover of Katy Perry’s “Rise.” Their harmonies gave me chills and I hoped that the “365” singer-songwriter watched this magnificent cover. They received 4,001 “Yeses” and a ticket to the Season 14 Judge Cuts.
During a break, Terry revealed to Howie and the ladies that he played the flute. After Simon badmouthed a contestant playing the flute, Terry confronted the Got Talent creator with a superb cover of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” 31-year-old flutist Brandon Coprich hoped to put the flute on the map by auditioning for AGT. He then decided to take a page from the Magic Mike playbook and strip down to velvet underwear. However, Simon was still being a horrible sport and pressed all four buzzers! However, Terry decided to strip down and join Brandon on stage.
I despise animal acts! Throughout AGT history, these pathetic performers such as Season Seven winner Olate Dogs and Season 12’s Sara and Hero have stolen spots in the finale from gifted performers that needed that $1,000,000 prize including fan-favorite Andrew de Leon, Yoli Mayor, or DaNell Daymon & Greater Works. However, the audience fell in love with the Dominguez Poodles. Sadly, I did not like this performance and the petty side of me would have pulled a Piers Morgan-like stunt and buzz the act halfway thorough it just to mess it up! To my frustration, the entire family advanced to the next round.
Beatboxers Berywam traveled all the way from France to audition for America’s Got Talent. I loved this performance from the very first note. They had the Pasadena Civic Center on their feet and I felt like they transported everyone to a Las Vegas club. I believe that they are going to add some spice to Season 14!
The Detroit Young Choir was the final act of the evening. A majority of these members are from the inner city and they hoped that they could represent Detroit on a national stage. The group tackled Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Ray Dalton’s “Can’t Hold This.” I loved their harmonies, the solos, and their creativity. The group reminded me so much of one of my all-time favorite youth groups: Musicality. However, there is one difference between these youth musical groups. Terry Crews gave the Detroit Young Choir his Golden Buzzer!
Next week, the Season 14 Judges’ Auditions enters its fifth week and the pressure will be on for Julianne Hough, the last judge who has not pressed the Golden Buzzer!
