Howie, Heidi, Sofia, and Simon pose together at the AGT: Season 18 Live Qualifiers. (Photo property of NBC’s Trae Patton)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 18 is becoming one of the most unpredictable seasons.
In a typical season, fan-favorite acts and frontrunners such as Oleksandr Leshchenko & Magic Innovations, SAINTED Trap Choir, and Steel Panther would automatically advance directly to the finals. Unfortunately, due to the BGT-esque format change, they must wait for the Judges’ Wildcard Round to re-enter the competition. In addition, abysmal acts such as animal act Adrian Stoica and Hurricane advanced into the Season 18 finale over the acts that I mentioned, which is sending this season in the wrong direction.
Tonight, many of my Acts to Watch returned to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to compete for America’s votes! Which performer elevated their respective acts? Did anyone receive a buzzer from the Judges (Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, & Heidi Klum)? Read on to find out!
Warrior Squad kicked off the third round of AGT: Season 18 Live Qualifiers! They brought a swing with them, which elevated the dancers and the danger level. I was in awe of the stunts and their showmanship. Their performance was one of the best opening acts I have seen in recent seasons. A
Trigg Watson brilliantly blends technology and magic to leave the audience breathless. I hate that he received hate from trolls after his audition. I liked the entrance very Copperfield and Blaine-worthy. He added his best friend, Kyle, into the act. However, I was worried when the computer froze and was a little scared. But Trigg pulled it off! I think he is tonight’s dark horse. B+
Pizzamaker Summer Rios wants to leave her culinary ambitions behind and trade them for a recording contract. Tonight, she tackled Zoe Wees’ “Control” for her chance to advance in the competition. Summer is a good vocalist, but she is on the same night as Putri and Mzansi Youth Choir, and that was not a standout performance. C
As I stated in their audition, Phil Wright and Parent Jam have the potential to be in the entertainment industry. But I do not think they should join AGT Superstars Live stage. While it is an upgrade from their audition, this group should head to Netflix and Nickelodeon. C-
Violinist Philip Bowen was an early standout during the AGT: Season 18 Judges Auditions. So, I had high expectations for him going into tonight. I am delighted that he added a band element to his performance, and I was nodding and dancing along in my seat. Plus, the audience involvement made me so happy! That was an epic set, Philip! A-
Mzsani Youth Choir made show history when their beautiful cover of Nightbirde’s “It’s OK” earned the audience’s first Golden Buzzer. Tonight, they covered Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere,” and I immediately started to cry as it paid homage to the lovely Christine McVie, who passed away last year. It was one of the most magical moments of the evening! A+
Tap dancer Justin Jackson was a breath of fresh air when he auditioned for AGT. Seeing a solo dancer performing was refreshing; tonight was a huge test. Justin is a born entertainer, and his choreography made my jaw drop. B+
Japanese brass band MOS returned to the stage with Fleur East’s “Sax.” I slept on MOS, and they delivered a solid performance that would satisfy the former X Factor UK runner-up. B
Barry Brewer Jr. took the stage after Terry Crews checked in Chapel Hart, who will be performing tomorrow night. I am surprised that he decided to leave the keyboard at home. I loved seeing his energy when Barry ran out onto the stage and did not slow down. His set included what animal he would be (an Eagle to his wife’s Lion) and how it led to being in counseling with his wife. B
Herwan Legaillard had to stand out tonight as he was one of the only few aerialists left standing in the competition. Sadly, the hot sword-swallowing aerialist bored me tonight, and I would have unfortunately buzzed him after he performed his stunt. D+
Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer act, the fabulous Putri Ariani, closed the evening. The fan-favorite frontrunner delivered the opening to her song A cappella, which showcased her crystal clear vocals. At first, I could not recognize the U2 classic “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For,” but Putri delivered an excellent rendition that left me covered in goosebumps, and I have to say: “See you at the finale, Putri!” A+
Tomorrow night, Jake’s Take friends and Season 17 Finalists Chapel Hart returns as two more acts advance to the Season 18 finale.
