Howie, Heidi, Sofia, and Simon pose at the Judges’ Desk during a ‘AGT: Season 18’ Live Show taping. (Photo property of NBC’s Trae Patton)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 18 Live Shows are beginning, and we already have a problem. I am appalled at the viewers who thought that Adrian and Hurricane were worthy of a spot in the Season 18 finale over Brynn Cummings and the Vegas-worthy Oleksandr Leshchenko and Magic Innovations.
Looking at the Week Two line-up, outside one or two acts, this grouping might be one of the weakest groups I have seen in years. Did anyone stand out and prove they were worthy of joining the AGT: Superstars Live cast? Did anyone receive a buzzer from the judges (Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum)? Read on to find out!
Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer act, Chioma and the Atlanta Drumming Academy should not have received the golden confetti. I found their routine boring, and I would have buzzed them. F
The Sharpe Family Singers made it to the AGT: Season 18 Live Shows! This All-American family tackled Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son,” a song outside their toolbox. From the first A cappella notes, I was highly impressed with the performance. They do have what it takes to post-show success. B+
Honestly, Three G SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE IT TO THIS ROUND. It took them three times to get their audition correctly. While I was harsh on Three G during the auditions, I was impressed by their stunts. However, the routine felt redundant. D+
Comedic dancer Erica Coffelt was a sensation during the Season 18 Auditions. It was time for her to translate those skills to the Live Shows. Erica has moves, and I was so happy that she elevated her act. I am afraid I have to disagree with Simon on the performance. B+
12-year-old Alfie Andrew decided to forgo auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent and directly came to AGT. After blowing the audience away with his take on Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand,” he decided to go with One Direction’s “You and I.” Alfie has a great voice, but he chose the wrong song because I thought I heard him crack a few times. Give him a few years; he could be a potential superstar. B
Ahren Belisle has been a breath of fresh air in the comedy category this season. His set made me laugh tonight as he spoke about cerebral palsy making other people “stupid.” I also thought it was hysterical that he incorporated his service dog into the act. He made me smile, and I hope he gets into the Season 18 finale! A-
Ryland was inspired to pursue magic after watching Shin Lim compete. He brought his father to prepare for the next round and revealed that he had rewatched the winning auditions for notes. Tonight, Ryland wanted to prove the all-powerful bond between father and son. I liked the golden beachballs being thrown into the audience and how he incorporated them into the act. He has the potential to be one of his generation’s top magicians. A-
Danger act Andrew Stanton returned, and after a warning from Terry, he walked to the Judges’ Desk, took two power drills with sharp pointy items, and placed them into his nose. Next, he lifted his assistant, shoved two swords into his mouth, and pulled the assistant using his eyelids. He also swung through the air as two swords remained in his mouth. It was a mortifying step-up, but it grossed me out. B-
I became a Steel Panther fan when the Hollywood, California band auditioned for AGT. The band decided to tackle their classic: “Death to All But Metal.” They did not disappoint. It was the best music act of the night! A+
Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer act, Murmuration, closed out the evening. The French dance troupe returned with a mesmerizing routine that dropped my jaw. The execution was flawless, and their choreography was impeccable. A+
Tomorrow night, Shin Lim provides the entertainment as two more acts advance to the next round!
