By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s Got Talent (AGT) is back with its fourth week of Judges’ Auditions! This week, a plethora of acts (including several familiar faces) took the Pasadena Civic Center stage. Which acts advanced to the next round thanks to a “Yes” from Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara? Which performers’ dreams came crashing down thanks to a buzzer?
Meanwhile, did either Heidi or Sofia used their Golden Buzzer that allowed an act to join the Northwell Health Nurses’ Choir, Nightbirde, and the World Taekwondo Demonstration Team at the Dolby Theatre Season 16 live shows? Read on to find out!
As the judges “raced” to AGT (Sofia won), it was time for the first act to perform! Social media sensations Shuffolution are a group of dancers from across the globe. The group revealed that they were not professional dancers as they started in their respective living rooms. However, they only practiced together for three months. I liked the choice of music, but they did not deliver with their choreography in all honesty. After being spoiled with the likes of Malevo, Zurcaroh, two versions of Light Balance, and V.Unbeatable, I found Shuffolution BORING, and I would have buzzed them if I sat on the panel. However, the judges loved it, and they received the first unanimous “Yes” of the night.
Pasadena native Pam brought her singing Chihuahua, Casper, in hopes of joining the race to win AGT’s top prize: $1 million and headlining a Las Vegas show. They performed Celine Dion’s “All by Myself,” Pam has a good voice, but the dog’s voice drove me nuts. I would have buzzed them too. However, Sofia called them “adorable,” and Simon called it “unbelievable.” I am not happy that they moved forward in the competition.
Several Voice fans would have recognized Brooke Simpson. The North Carolina-born artist appeared on the show’s thirteenth season and became a member of Team Miley. The powerhouse vocalist made it to Season 13’s finale night and took home third place. Now, she is preparing to take AGT by storm. She tackled Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You” as her husband, Ray, accompanied her on the keyboard. The judges gave Brooke a standing ovation, and Howie called her a “powerhouse.” She received four “Yeses” and went straight to the next round.
Israeli contortionist Roman Kircheli received a buzzer from Simon before putting himself in a box. My jaw dropped as he successfully got into a box. Then, his assistant closed the box, and after 10 seconds, Roman successfully got out of the box. As Roman’s daughter joined him on stage, she revealed that her father’s biggest dream was to perform on AGT. Simon took his buzzer back, and Heidi loved that Roman showcased his art. Roman and his family received four “Yeses.”
Terry spoke with the JW Inspirational Singers of NYC before they faced the judges. All of the singers came from the Broadway and TV worlds to spread their message of “togetherness” and “community.” The choir performed a powerful interpretation of Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up.” I got goosebumps, and I hoped that the entertainer was watching this outstanding performance! Howie called them an “event,” Sofia called the version “spectacular.” All four judges gave them “Yeses.”
AGT is home to magic thanks to Mat Franco, Oz Pearlman, Piff the Magic Dragon, Eric Chien, The Clairvoyants, and two-time-winning magician Shin Lim. 9-year-old Shoji hoped to join them. Shoji joined them at the Judges’ Desk. I was very impressed with this young magician. Heidi predicted that he could give Shin Lim in a run of his money in the future. Simon called him “Harry Potter” and joined the judges in sending him to the next round.
The Other Direction hoped to be the world’s gayest boy band. I hoped that it went well, but something told me that this could be a disaster. Thankfully, they were terrific! I loved their harmonies and their stage presence. Heidi did not want them to stop and Sofia could not wait to hear them again. Simon called them “clever” and loved their original song. The Other Direction got four “Yeses.”
Comedian Josh Blue walked onto the AGT stage. The Denver native revealed that he has cerebral palsy to the judges and decided to try out for the show to get laughs. He told the judges that he made $8 walking to the Pasadena Civic Center, talked about his bracelet, and he made me laugh. I loved his joke about AGT being the “best Make a Wish ever.” Sofia called him “inspirational,” and Simon called him “brilliant.” He received four “yeses,” and Josh moved to the next round.
After a series of bad auditions, Portland, Oregon music teacher Jimmie Herrod walked onto the AGT stage, and Simon revealed that he hated his song selection of Annie’s “Tomorrow.” However, Jimmie refused to change it because he did not have a backup track. I thought that I heard Audra McDonald and Adam Lambert coming out of Jimmie’s mouth. I loved his voice so much! That was a spectacular performance. He won over Simon and he received Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer!!!
As she stood on the AGT stage, aerialist Danila Bim revealed that her mother was her biggest supporter. As she sat down on the stage, Daniela put a harness in her hair. Her arm movements were enchanting, but her high-flying acrobatics made my jaw drop and widened my eyes. Daniela received a standing ovation from the judges. Heidi called it a “great surprise,” and Simon wanted her to get to the ending quicker. She received four “Yeses.”
AGT veterans Ryan Stock and Amber Lynne returned to the first time in since 2019’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions. Simon invited them to return to showcase their crossbow act once again. It has been five years since I have seen them audition in person and they still terrify me. However, they decided to raise the stakes yet again and they asked Simon and Sofia to join them. Simon would stand in front of the target, and Sofia would FIRE the crossbow while the actress was blindfolded. However, Simon had a trick up his sleeve – members of the production team put a fake arrow onto his stomach. It was the biggest prank in show history!
Next week, Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer act is revealed!
