Howie, Heidi, Sofia, and Simon pose together during a taping of AGT: Season 19. (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 19 Live Quarterfinals entered week two! A new batch of hopefuls competed to earn America’s votes to advance to the semifinals. Which acts soared to new heights? Did any judges (Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum) buzz an act? Which judge had custody of the Golden Buzzer this week and chose an act that will join Hakuna Matata Acrobats in the finale? Read on to find out!
Once Terry made his entrance, the host revealed that Howie had possession of the live Golden Buzzer. Sofia Vergara’s first (and superior) Golden Buzzer act, Legion, kicked off the night. The Argentinean Malambo dance group delivered one of the most fiery and dangerous dance routines I have seen this decade. Their hats, swords, and feet were on fire! What a way to start the show! A-
Seoul, South Korea magician Young-Min delivered one of my favorite auditions of the season. This time, he returned to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to perform his routine blindfolded. I was impressed when he revealed that his blindfold was sand. I loved every minute of it and hope he is advanced to the next round. A
Canadian singer Alex Sampson received praise for his original song, “Pretty Baby,” during the AGT: Season 19 Judges Auditions. I loved how Alex brought a band with him this round; however, I thought the song was boring, and I wished he sang a Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, or Ed Sheeran track. C-
BBoy Samuka has become one of my favorite dancers this season. He picked up the bar that Musa Motha dropped and elevated it so high that no one could touch him. I loved seeing his choreography and how he commanded the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage. It was one of the most spectacular presentations I have seen this season. A
California native Brooke Bailey attended last week’s live shows to check out how Liv and Richard handled the stage. She quit her job at Planet Fitness and was shocked when Liv Warfield went home during the first week of results. She tackled Robyn and Calum Scott’s “Dancing on My Own” and gave me chills. It was a beautiful cover, and I hope Robyn and Calum watch the performance. B
Simon Cowell’s second (and last one standing) Golden Buzzer act, Sky Elements, took the stage. I loved seeing how they prepared for their performance. The drones took the shapes of circus tents and the Queen logo as they played the British rock band’s “The Show Must Go On.” I loved how they saw Terry, Sofia, Heidi, and Howie appear in the sky and Simon recreating his Golden Buzzer moment to Katy Perry’s “Firework.” It was perfection! A+
AGT: Season Eight champion Kenichi Ebina mentored AIRFOOTWORKS, which delivered one of the best auditions of the season. They delivered a moving routine that gave me goosebumps. They could be one of the last acts standing. I am thrilled that they got the Golden Buzzer from Howie (despite Simon trying to get to it first). A+
Biko’s Manna’s audition received high praise from music legend Chaka Khan. While I thought the trio did a superb job covering Season 11 champion Grace VanderWaal’s “Clearly,” it was average. C+
Sofia Vergara’s second Golden Buzzer act, Schumacher, is the worst Golden Buzzer act in show history! I have no words to describe this act, and I wish I could press all four buzzers to stop their performance. F
New York City native Ashlee Montague inserted fire into her extreme ballerina act. Having her husband move the bottles around and balance her was a plus. Ashlee was extremely graceful during her routine, and I was impressed with her balancing two bottles on a high platform. But it was a bit boring. C
Multi-instrumentalist Nini closed out the night. The Phoenix, Arizona guitarist is one of the best music acts this season. The way that she commands the stage along with her arrangements put a smile on my face. She could be my generation’s Charo or Jennifer Batten. A-
Tomorrow night, AGT: Season Nine champion Mat Franco will provide the entertainment as three acts advance to the semifinals!
