By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
We have now entered the third and final week of America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 14’s quarterfinals!
A majority of the remaining quarterfinalists represent two of AGT’s most significant cornerstones: magic and music. Which of the acts delivered fantastic performances that might guarantee them a shot at the Season 14 Semifinals? Who was buzzed by the judges (Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, and Howie Mandel)? Read on to find out!
After Terry’s pec-tacular entrance (you got to keep an eye on him, Jessie Godderz), the Brooklyn
Lukas and Falco bore me! I do not like animal acts. They take away precious time and spots away from deserving AGT acts. I wanted to teleport into the Dolby Theatre and press all four buzzers! F
Australian magician Dom Chambers made his live debut on American television. He is up against AGT fan-favorite Eric Chien, and if he does not do well, fans will hand him a ticket back to Australia. I liked Don’s use of technology, quick change, Terry Crews, and the audience. The entire Dolby Theatre (minus Simon) correctly predicted Tape Face and even better, the Season 11 finalist appeared on stage! It was an outstanding routine! A-/B+
14-year-old Benicio Bryant is a standout this season. He performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Seattle Mariners game and now he is at the Dolby Theatre. Benicio took a risk tonight and performed an original song. He reminds me of AJ Mitchell, Justin Bieber, and Shawn Mendes. I liked the song, but I really wanted Benicio to perform “Mercy,” “All My Friends,” or “Sorry. At this stage of AGT, it is too risky to sing an original. B
I am surprised that Gonzo made it this far in the competition. Yes, he has humor and entertainment. But not for AGT. There were several acts that should be standing where Gonzo is right now including gospel singer Callie Day and dancer-pianist Patrizio Ratto. It was a horrible performance. F
Guitarist Marcin Patrzalek made his live television debut. He is probably one of the best guitarists that I have seen on AGT, but I would love to have seen him add two to three more instrumentalists with him. However, I would love to see Marcin face off in a guitar duel with Alexander Jean’s Mark Ballas soon. B+
Asia’s Got Talent champion Eric Chien made his Dolby Theatre stage. His close-up magic remains one of the best in show history. Eric asked Julianne to join him on stage, and he brilliantly combined Rubik’s Cubes and chocolates for a stunning Vegas-ready performance. It was one of the best performances of the night. A
I have been waiting for French beatboxing quartet Berywam to take the Dolby Theatre stage. They did not disappoint and mixed “Carmina Burana” and “Old Town Road” together with superb results. I got chills from their performance and I hope that Berywam encourages them to other beatboxing groups to perform on AGT. A-
I prayed that hoop aerialist Matthew Richardson returned to AGT as a Wild Card quarterfinalist. Of all the three acts that were brought back, Matthew deserved it. Tonight, he made the Dolby Theatre his venue. His act was effortless, and I teared up as Matthew performed. I was also ticked at Simon that he buzzed too early! It was a phenomenal performance and a Vegas-headlining show. B+
I would have buzzed MacKenzie this performance. His vocals did not captivate me. I needed to see a massive orchestra, and I thought that he did not step it up. D+
Comedian Jackie Fabulous is one of my favorite acts this season. Her personality and character made me smile every time that she stepped on the Dolby Theatre stage. Jackie could even make the jump from AGT to Big Brother because she would be Zingbot’s perfect assistant. I want her in the Season 14 finals! A-
Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer act, opera singer Emanne Beasha, closed out the evening. She reminds me of Jackie Evancho and just like the Season Five runner-up, I believe that she has a bright future ahead of her. Bravo! B+
Tomorrow night, Las Vegas act Celestia performs as the final set of AGT semifinalists are revealed!
