The KriStef Brothers’ 90-second routine delivered lots of laugh and received a standing ovation from all four judges. (Photo courtesy of NBC & SYCO Entertainment)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Tonight, the remaining dozen acts must face off for six places in the 2013 America’s Got Talent finale!
But who impressed judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B? Did anyone fail to step up to the plate? Read on to find out…
The first act of the night was the Chicago Boyz. Ever since their first audition, they have stolen the show every single time they stepped up to the plate. While there were small mistakes in their routine, they performed a great routine that received a standing ovation from the Radio City Music Hall audience. While Mel B stated they were the best of the best, Howard said that they were up against some stiff competition and their mistake could cost them. Minus that…the Chicago Boyz deserve to be in the finals! A-
Opera singer Branden James tackled Leonard Cohen’s classic “Hallelujah.” He delivered his best vocal tonight! I loved his range and showed POWER! Something that several contestants DO NOT HAVE! He received a standing ovation from Mel B and his biggest supporter, Heidi Klum, stated that he sang to his strength. Win or lose, Branden James has a future in the music industry. A+
Innovative Force has always been boring! Tonight, while they pushed themselves to the limit but it still does not feel like a Vegas show! They are adorable but could they fit in Sin City…ABSOULTELY NOT! They should go back to Missouri with their heads held high and keep their eyes to a national cheerleading title. C+
The KriStef Brothers paid tribute to their father figure, Kristofer’s father! For their Top 12 performance, they created a 90-second skit called “How to be a KriStef Brother.” It was PURE GENIUS! They received the first full judge standing ovation of the night and Howard told them that they were definitely going through to the finale. A+
Ballroom dancers D’Angelo and Amanda were the next act to prove them worthy of a place into the finale. The duo delivered a fiery samba! If there were any Nickelodeon or Disney producers were watching, get these two IMMEDIATELY! They are the future in ballroom dancing and I believe that we will see them dance in the finale but take over Burn the Floor and Dancing with the Stars in the future. A
Catapult Entertainment did too much last time and lost my interest. Add on to the fact, that there are TWO EXACT ACTS (Attraction from Britain’s Got Talent and Silhouettes, who made it to the 2011 finals) in the entertainment industry already that are better than them. Yes, they told a great story about a man versus monsters…but there are other deserving acts that need to be in the finale! B-
Forte has grown from a WTF first impression to contenders for the $1,000,000 prize. They delivered an operatic take to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Forte showcased beautiful harmonies and sang a $1,000,000 performance. If I had the chance to meet them, I would tell them: “Bravissimo! And “I hope Pavarotti is looking down on you with pride!” A+
Comedian Taylor Williamson delivered a 90-second routine that focused on being politically correct and family issues. I loved his dry humor and I agreed with Howard’s statement on having a comedian in the Top Six. Taylor was terrific and has a future in comedy! A
Magician Collins Key had some mixed performances on this stage. Did he redeem himself? For Collins’ Top 12 act, he performed an act that involved host Nick Cannon’s $200,000 watch and two inexpensive watches. He also asked Howie to randomly change the time on his watch. After the trick, he revealed that Nick’s watch was not damaged and had the same time on both watches (4:58 p.m.). While Mel B stated that Collins impressed her, Howard stated that he needed to move quicker. Overall, I think Collins would be great in the finale. A
Kenichi Ebina showed off his artistic side with his routine. While it was a huge risk, it PAID OFF as he brilliantly showcased his journey from death to the afterlife. Kenichi danced beautifully and it was flawless! All four judges were on their feet and Howard boldly predicted that Kenichi would be in the Top Two! A++
It was very hard for the last two acts to follow Kenichi. Jimmy Rose did not deliver with his pitchy cover of Voice coach Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You.” If you really want to see a perfect cover of “God Gave Me You,” look at Jermaine Paul’s tribute to Blake on the sophomore season of The Voice. (JERMAINE: A+++; Jimmy Rose: F)
Singer Cami Bradley closed the show by paying tribute to her father. She decided to perform an acoustic version of Bon Jovi’s classic “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Cami reminds me of American Idol’s Angie Miller because she always put her unique spin to her songs. While there were some pitch problems, there is no doubt in my mind that she will be one of the successful alums from this season. B+
Tomorrow night, the Final Six will be revealed and past winners Terry Fator and the Olate Dogs will provide the entertainment.
