By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
So far, America’s Got Talent: Season 17 (AGT) live shows have been a mixed bag. The Season 17 Live Shows had spectacular performances from future household names and abysmal showings that belonged at a school district’s talent show. The final set of qualifying performers took the Pasadena Civic Center stage for America’s votes. Which acts proved that they can be a $1 million act? Did any judges (Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum) buzz out an act? Read on to find out!
Singer Kristen Cruz kicked off the night. She developed a TikTok following from singing while making smoothies. Kristen tackled Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus’s “Nothing Breaks Likes a Heart.” I like Kristen, but there are stronger vocalists in the finale. I hope someone signs her after AGT is over. B-
Rapping magician Mervant Vera is one act I have been waiting to see take on the AGT stage. Yes, we have strong magicians like Nicolas RIBS and Yu Hojin in the finale, but I think Mervant would be a great addition in the Season 17 finale. This time, Mervant asked Heidi to choose a song (“Inspire”) and Terry to shuffle the cards. I loved that he was able to rap to the random cards. Well done, Mervant! B+
Boyband Travis Japan is another act that I have been waiting for to take the Pasadena Civic Center stage. This boyband has developed a loyal social media following thanks to its superb choreography and dance moves. Tonight, the septet delivered a fiery performance that felt like I was watching a performance on an awards show. Despite Howie’s buzzer, I thought they hit a home run! A-
Dancer Max Ostler traveled across the world to audition and perform on AGT. Max is a talented dancer but ran into the same problem Bayley Graham encountered last week, and I needed to see more dancers perform with him. B-
Comedian Jordan Cooley was chosen over several acts to become this season’s America’s Wildcard. I liked that he made his entrance from the audience, and his material focused on being “undefeated” despite not getting into a fight. I also loved his Disneyland meet criminal lifestyle, and he also talked about when he watched Dracula with his wife. A-
I will be honest, and I’m not too fond of pole dancing. Pole dancer Kristy Sellars bored me tonight. I would have buzzed her! D
Blade 2 Blade is the only dangerous act in the competition this season, which is truly sad. The brothers are part of a family tradition that has put their lives in danger for our entertainment. Blade 2 Blade started the evening by putting their assistant’s life in jeopardy as they threw knives at her. Next, they upped the danger by throwing firey knives at each other while their assistant pole danced. I got to say that this was one of the most refreshing danger acts I have seen on AGT. A
Urbancrew (Flyers of the South) blew me away during their auditions, and I prayed they would do a great job with their performance. Their routine was filled with many more stunts, a DJ, and many flips. Urbancrew delivered a fantastic stunt show I would grab tickets for in Vegas! A+
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania resident Aubrey Burchell is known as AGT’s Target Girl. However, she hoped to shake that image and become a superstar. Aubrey has a fantastic voice, and I wished she competed last week or in the third week of the competition. Please sign her to a recording contract, Simon!I know I will be harsh, but I wish the producers would take a page out of The Four: Battle for Stardom’s playbook and have Aubrey steal Sara James’ spot in the finale. A-
Yo-yo artist Shu Takada is a great performer, and I was intrigued by his performance tonight. Shu is the type of performer I would be happy to have in the AGT finale over Metaphysic. A-
Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer act, Mayyas, concluded the night’s festivities. Once again, I was completely mesmerized by the elegant dancing. They transported the show to another level of excellence. I still see them as one of the final five acts standing next week! Bravo, Mayyas! A+
Tomorrow night, the Wild Card Acts and the final set of finalists will be revealed! Plus, & Juliet will provide the entertainment.
