By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It was a special night on America’s Got Talent: The Champions! Several familiar faces returned to the AGT stage to earn the last two spots in the Champions finale. Colin Cloud, Jackie Evancho, Sal Valentinetti, Shin Lim, and Sons of Serendip returned home, while a familiar judge made a brief cameo. Meanwhile, five international Got Talent superstars hoped to join Cristina Ramos, Paul Potts, and Susan Boyle in the finals.
Which acts advanced into the finale? Who received the final Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out!
After Terry Crews revealed that he had the possession of the Golden Buzzer and showed off his dancing skills, it was time to get down to business. Shadow dance group and Britain’s Got Talent winner Attraction was the first act to perform tonight. The group performed a moving tribute to OneRepublic’s “I Lived.” The performance moved me to tears, and I thought that they were worthy of moving on to the next round.
It is hard to believe that Jackie Evancho made her AGT debut nine years ago. While she did not win the show’s fifth season, Jackie went on to have the most prominent singing career of any AGT performer. Tonight, a grown-up Jackie returned to perform a perfect version of The Phantom of the Opera’s “The Music of the Night.” It was a beautiful cover that would impress the Broadway production’s legendary composers Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart. I also think that legendary stars, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, would be extremely proud of her. I could potentially see her as a future candidate to play Christine Daaé.
Mentalist and Season 12 semifinalist Colin Cloud returned for a chance for redemption. Colin is known as the “Real Life Sherlock Holmes.” He was devastated when he lost a spot in the Season 12 finale over Diavolo. Holy cow, Colin Cloud stepped up his act and brilliantly incorporated original judge David Hasselhoff into the act. For four seasons, the Baywatch star discovered impeccable talents such as Bianca Ryan, Terry Fator, the late Neal E. Boyd, Barbara Padilla, and the Texas Tenors.
Current Britain’s Got Talent champion Lost Voice Guy made his American debut. The comedian revealed that the UK talent competition gave him the confidence that he missed throughout his life. He also showed that he performed in front of the Royal Family. What I loved about the Lost Voice Guy’s routine was that he poked fun of himself and he also brought so much joy with his punchy material. It was also nice to see a backstage reunion between Simon and Lost Voice Guy.
I was happy to see Sal Valentinetti back on AGT. The Season 11 finalist returned to reunite with Heidi, who hit her Golden Buzzer for him, during the auditions. While he came in fifth place during his season, Sal was able to have a career where he met and performed with a lot of music legends. He sang Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife,” and Sal delivered a perfect cover with his once-in-a-generation voice.
Sand artist Kseniya Simonova won Ukraine’s Got Talent’s premiere season with her amazing creations. Her story tonight was brilliant and the way that she moved her hands across the screen blew me away. Kseniya perfectly timed her movements with the music and proved why she was a champion. I am so happy that Terry used his Golden Buzzer on her and that she will return for next week’s finale!
Australia’s Got Talent runner-up and escape artist Cosentino traveled halfway around the world to compete on Champions. The performer convinced Terry Crews to authentic all of the tools that Cosentino used in his act. He threw every component that a danger act possessed into one insane performance. Cosentino made my jaw drop and he perfectly showcased his showmanship.
Friends of the blog, Sons of Serendip, returned for a chance of redemption. This fantastic quartet recorded albums and opened for both Jay Leno and John Legend. I am so glad that the guys revisited Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” for their performance. As always, the group gave me chills and received a standing ovation from all four judges.
AGT’s current reigning champion, Shim Lim, returned to the stage with his signature brand of magic. He asked Terry Crews to join him on stage and sit down. After Shim spread out a deck of playing cards, he asked Terry to cover the Ace of Clubs. After Shim worked his signature brand of close-up magic, he asked Terry to uncover the Ace of Clubs…which now had the three other Aces. For his final trick, he transformed the backs red playing card deck into black letters that spelled out Champions. The last four cards also had a message, “Terry, check your pocket.” The Aces were Inside the former NFL player’s suit pocket. Shim gave me chills with his performance, and he proved why he is one of the show’s greatest champions.
The remaining acts returned to the stage to learn their fate. The 50 State Superfan Initiative voted for Attraction, Shin Lim, and Sons of Serendip to make it to the Top Three. However, Shin Lim received the last spot in the
America’s Got Talent: the Champions finale.
The America’s Got Talent: the Champions finale is next week!
[…] I think she could be the second coming of another legendary youth performer: Season Five runner-up Jackie Evancho. Julianne was stunned by her performance, while Simon called her: “Absolutely fantastic!” She […]