By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Last week, America’s Got Talent (AGT) returned for its seventeenth season! Tonight, a new group of performers auditioned in front of judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum. Did any act receive the dreaded four buzzers? Who became a frontrunner? Which act joined Avery Dixon at the Dolby Theatre live shows? Read on to find out!
Terry played the Pied Piper in the opening, leading hopefuls to the Pasadena Civic Center. Chicken act the Bock and Roll Band walked out to the stage. Chicken trainer Zoey started training the chicken when she was seven. I was intrigued by the chicken’s performance level and how they were able to add more fowl friends into the mix. Zoey is a talented trainer, but it does not belong in Vegas, in all honesty. The Bock and Roll Band received the night’s first set of four Yeses.
Funkanometry got four million views on social media and traveled from Canada to audition for the NBC talent competition. The duo danced to one of my favorite songs – Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September.” I loved their energy and their choreography. However, my jaw dropped as they went into “Super Freak.” All the judges loved the performance, and they gave out the second set of four Yeses of the evening
After several unsuccessful auditions, singer Drake Milligan stepped onto the AGT stage. The Fort Worth, Texas native, hoped to showcase his vocals on the worldwide stage. His band joined him on stage, and once he sang, Drake won me over! We have not had a charismatic country singer on this show in a long time! All four judges gave him a standing ovation and Simon called the performance “authentic.” He received the third set of four “Yeses” of the evening.
Japanese comedian Aiko Tanaka made me smile with her material. Aiko revealed that she became an American citizen and shared her life stories before and after receiving her citizenship. Her material made me laugh so hard, and Aiko received a standing ovation from the judges. Aiko revealed that her late mother wanted the comedian to follow her dreams. Howie predicted that Aiko’s career was going to skyrocket. She was the lucky recipient of four “Yeses.”
Terry revealed that they decided to have a singer named Madison Taylor Baez perform in the audience. When she sang a spectacular A cappella version of “Amazing Grace,” the judges caught that, and the audience coordinator invited her to meet them. Madison went on stage to face the judges. The Yorba Linda native revealed that she is a superfan and even sang during the commercial breaks. Simon then decided to have Madison audition in front of them. My jaw dropped as she has a spectacular vocal range. Howie decided to make her dream come true as he pressed the Golden Buzzer for Madison Taylor Baez.
Two Japanese rival dance crews united to audition for AGT! Fusion Dance walked onto the Pasadena Civic Center stage. Their quicksilver movements were amazing to watch! They were the first dance act this season to give me chills. Their choreography was impeccable, and I felt like I was watching a fusion of both V.Unbeatable and World Taekwondo Demonstration Team. Terry even called the performance: “One of the best things that he has ever seen in his life.”
Aerialist Vienna Rossi has performed in France, but she wanted to entertain in the United States. She did a sensational routine that featured spectacular stunts that brought the Pasadena Civic Center audience to its feet. Sofia called the performance “beautiful,” while Howie added that it was dangerous and made Heidi sweat. Vienna is one step closer to making her dreams come true as she advances to the next round.
Resound veteran JoJo brought his niece, Bri, to audition for AGT. After the Season 15 alum reunited with the judges, the duo performed Ashford & Simpson’s legendary “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” I loved their vocal harmonies, and JoJo’s vocals grew since his time on the show. I received the first set of chills of the evening. Heidi “absolutely loved the performance,” and Simon called it: “the definition of joy and magic.” The uncle and niece received four yeses!
Jennifer summoned a zombie dance troupe that received four red buzzers. Next, a spooky gentleman named Zeno walked onto the Pasadena Civic Center stage. He brought out a corkscrew and inserted it into his nose and mouth. While Terry warned the audience not to attempt the stunt, he asked Sofia and Heidi to join him. He inserted a hook into his nose and dragged the ladies across the stage. Zeno received four Yeses!
Metaphysic uses artificial intelligence to create content and hoped to bring their talents to AGT. They also recruited a familiar face – Season 13 finalist Daniel Emmett (they should have recruited Josh Page, Fernando Varela, Branden James, Andy Gnosis or even Chris Mann for this audition). The duo left the stage, and a special camera took their place. They showcased Simon’s face on a special screen in Daniel’s place as he sang Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration.” and the deep fake technology was fabulous. All four judges gave them a standing ovation and Simon told Daniel that he loved him. Heidi called it “the best thing she has seen all day.” Howie called them: “pure talent.” All four judges gave advanced them to the next round.
Next week, AGT enters its third week of Judges’ Auditions!
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