By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The Season 14 Quarterfinals are over! 21 acts have made it to the next phase of the AGT competition: the Semifinals. With a trip to the Season 14 finale on the line, 11 acts returned to the Dolby Theatre stage for a chance to perform in front of America. Which acts delivered impeccable performances? Who received an X from the Judges (Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, and Howie Mandel)? Read on to find out!
To raise the stakes, the AGT production team invited actor Sean Hayes to join the Judges’ Desk. While he became a household name thanks to his Emmy-winning portrayal of Jack McFarland on Will & Grace, Sean Hayes also appeared on Broadway on Promises, Promises and An Act of God. Also, he also served as an executive producer for a variety of TV shows including Grimm, Hollywood Game Night, Hot in Cleveland, and The Soul Man.
After Terry introduced to Sean Hayes to the Dolby Theatre audience, it was time to get down to business. NDLOVU Youth Choir kicked off the night with their interpretation of Kygo and Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love.” It was beautiful from start to finish, and I pray that they are one of the five acts that advance to the Season 14 finale. A+
Ansley Burns had to follow Ndlovu Youth Choir’s outstanding performance. Look in all honesty; she is LEAGUES below all of the other acts that are in the semifinals. I genuinely believe that Carmen Carter should have gotten her spot. Even though Sean Hayes and the judges pleasantly clapped at her performance, it was an ABYSMAL performance. F
The Messoudi Brothers brought the heat every single time that they performed on AGT. Tonight, the trio performed a stunt that caused one member’s foot to break. After a steamy Magic Mike entrance, they invited Julianne to join them on stage. Next, the trio performed a risky stunt tower that made Sean Hayes’ eyes widen. They are the Magic Mike of hand balancing. B+
Here’s an unpopular opinion, Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer act, Tyler Butler-Figueroa, is overrated! Just because he is a cancer survivor, does not mean he is worthy of a Vegas-headlining act. He’s talented and inspirational, but I would have buzzed him. D+
Impressionist Greg Morton returned to the Dolby Theatre stage. This time, he paid homage to the greatest cartoon characters of all-time. Greg impersonated Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Fred Flintstone, and Scooby-Doo. This was his personal best performance and he made me smile. Sean Hayes joined Howie and the ladies by giving him a standing ovation. A-
Gabrielle Union’s Golden Buzzer, Kodi Lee, visited Capitol Records before his second Dolby Theatre performance. As his mother rushed off the stage, Kodi played Calum Scott & Leona Lewis’ “You Are The Reason.” Kodi gave me chills as he beautifully interpreted the lyrics of the hit song. It was a recording contract worthy performance. A
Comedian Jackie Fabulous received the Dunkin’ Save last week. Her goal is simple: become the first female comedian to win AGT. Jackie brought incredible energy to the show tonight. In her routine, she revealed that industry experts called her a fat actor. She also talked about her Weight Watchers failure and a former boyfriend. Jackie is very relatable, and I loved her material tonight. B+
Robert Finley is probably one of the best singers remaining in the competition. His original songs truly make me smile and remind me so much of legendary soul singers such as the Reverend Al Green, Sam Moore, and B.B. King. Tonight, he brought out his guitar and transported Sean Hayes and the Dolby Theatre audience to his Blues club. A-
In all honesty, Eric Chien is probably one of the best magic acts this year. However, Shin Lim’s shadow followed him all season long. His routine took the show on a global scale, and it was very simplistic. I genuinely believe that magicians do not need to go over the top, and Simon was wrong with his critique. I hope that this performance does not cost him a spot in the Season 14 finale! B+
Ellie Kemper’s Golden Buzzer act, Light Balance Kids, paid homage to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the Season 14 semifinals performance. All throughout the performance, I felt like I stepped into the Avengers: Infinity War battle zone. From their graphics to the choreography, the kids’ routine blew me away and showcased their bright future in the entertainment industry. A+
Benicio Bryant closed out the evening. Tonight, the young vocalist performed another original song. Right now, I wanted him to perform a cover and save the original for finale night. It is going to be a tough battle for him to get votes, but I believe he is just getting started in his journey in the recording industry. B-
Tomorrow night, fan-favorites Darci Lynne Farmer and Preacher Lawson will provide the entertainment as the first set of AGT finalists will be revealed!
[…] show kicked off with a brief recap of Sean Hayes’ visit to AGT, which included behind the scenes footage. Several of the acts were unhappy with Simon […]