By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
This is it!
The America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 15 finalists faced off for the final time this season. Tonight, 10 acts performed from Universal Studios Hollywood and around the world. Which acts delivered winning performances? Did any of the judges (Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara) used their buzzers? Read on to find out!
Sadly, I missed both Roberta Battaglia and Bad Salsa. I will not hand out grades for those acts tonight. Singer Kenadi Dodds was the next finalist to perform. I may have disagreed with her inclusion in this final over Brett Loudermilk, Jonathan Goodwin or Max Major, but America voted her in. Tonight, she stepped onto the stage to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins.” I was very impressed with her and she looked ready to embrace post AGT life. B-/B
Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer Act, poet Brandon Leake, was the fourth act of the night. It was incredible to see how he has inspired the fanbase and potential future poets to face the judges. Tonight, he added music to his poetry. There is something about his delivery that has made him an audience fan-favorite. I could see him become our Poet Laurate or a multi-award-winning writer. He gave me chills, and he delivered his best performance tonight. A-
Broken Roots has had an incredible journey. From pleasing everyone at the Judges’ Auditions and getting a “No” at Judge Cuts to performing on the Season 15 finale, Broken Roots overcame so many challenges this season. The duo performed Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” from an abandoned truck on the Universal Studios set. I truly enjoyed their song choice, and I loved their vocal harmonies. No matter what, I believe the country music industry will welcome Broken Roots with open arms. A-
AGT teleported the show to Germany to see if the Bello Sisters could deliver a $1 million performance. These girls are incredibly strong, and I could see them in a Vegas show. I thought that the inclusion of their crossbow-welding father was impeccable. I have to disagree with Howie about the tempo of the routine; they blew me away. B+
Throughout the season, Archie Williams melted America’s hearts with his inspirational performances. Tonight, he sang Sir Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird.” Yes, there were some vocal cracks, but I felt every lyric that he sang. Archie made me cry with his performance. Thank you for coming on AGT this season; you have inspired us all. A-
The final young singer of the evening, Daneliya Tuleshova, traveled thousands of miles to compete on AGT. Daneliya chose Sia’s “Alive” for her chance to win the title. There were some pitchy moments, but I thought she delivered a solid performance. B
Aerialist Alan Silva has been one of the best performers to have auditioned this season. There is something magical in the way he glides through the air, and I was in awe of the way he transported through the waterfall. This routine was Vegas caliber, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. A
I was so happy to see that Cristina Rae was the last act of the night. I became a huge fan of her when she first sang “In the Air Tonight” and “Gimme Shelter.” Her life changed for the better once Heidi Klum pressed the Golden Buzzer. Tonight, Cristina sang for the $1 million prize. She sang Imagine Dragons’ “Demons,” and I got the chills immediately. Seeing her perform this song reminded me of watching Fantasia on the night she won American Idol. Like Fantasia, I genuinely believe that Cristina Rae will take the music world by storm. A+
Tomorrow night, an all-star group of celebrities will assemble to crown the Season 15 winner!
