Howard, Heidi, Mel B & Howie were all smiles as the “AGT: Season 10” Radio City Music Hall live shows kicked off! (Photo property of NBC, FremantleMedia North America & SYCO Entertainment)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
After countless weeks of auditions and Judges’ Cuts, America’s Got Talent broadcasted their first 2015 live show at Radio City Music Hall!
Because we are at the live show rounds, I will be starting to give each act a letter grade!
Tonight, 12 of this year’s best acts duke it out for a spot in the Semi-finals. This week’s line-up has made me think of numerous questions:
Will Piff the Magic Dragon, Siro-A and Paul Zerdin continue their hot streak that helped them earned a Golden Buzzer from Neil Patrick Harris, former judge Piers Morgan and Marlon Wayans respectfully? Did Mariachi songstress Alondra Santos deliver an impeccable performance after receiving this massive second chance from the judges? How did Howie’s Golden Buzzer pick, Drew Lynch, live up to the expectations set by America after his audition?
Read on to find out!
After the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes escorted Nick Cannon and the judges to the stage to Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance”, it was time for Siro-A to face America. The Tokyo high tech dance crew delivered an outstanding routine to an instrumental version of Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way” that had both the crowd and the judges on their feet! Their smooth movements and infectious imagination will not only take them all the way to the AGT finale, but also to Las Vegas or the Great White Way! A+
13-year-old Mariachi singer Alondra Santos had a rough second audition during the Judges’ Cuts. Unfortunately, she was eliminated. However, she received a second chance because a spot opened up! I was nervous for her because of Siro-A’s standard setting performance. Luckily, she delivered a goose bump inducing performance that transported everyone to Mexico. I also believe that of all of the kids that appeared on the show, she might be one of the best kids that has ever appeared on the show! A-
Contortionist Vida Radionova seemed like a dead ringer for Princess Merida when she performed her 90-second act. She is extremely flexible, but could I watch her for 90 minutes? Unfortunately not, Vida might be cut tomorrow night. D+
Singing trio Triple Threat (Tyler, Caleb & Will) is are one of my favorites! I hoped and prayed that they delivered a spectacular performance. I was so happy when I heard their cover of Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name.” But unfortunately, three judges (Howard, Howie and Mel B) buzzed and Heidi was the only one that defended them. Howard called them that a parody of a boy band and Mel B stated that they butchered her favorite Destiny’s Child song of all-time. If they get through, Triple Threat needs to go back to basics. C
Hip-hop dancers The Gentlemen made their AGT debut! While their routine to Pitbull & Ne-Yo’s “Time of My Life” was cute, I would have buzzed them. One, like Mel B stated in her comments that it was repetitive. Two, it is not a Las Vegas worthy act!! F
Piff the Magic Dragon and Mr. Piffles received a warm welcome from the Radio City Music Hall audience. Piff parodied both Games of Thrones and Deal or No Deal for his routine. He brought Howie Mandel to participate in his act. One by one, Howie had to guess where Mr. Piffles was hiding. This had me on the edge of my couch and made me smile throughout the act. Unfortunately, Heidi became the grouch this time as she mentioned that was Games of Groans. Howard also added while this was not his best performance, he added more comedy into his act. A-
Singer Benton Blunt sacrificed his dreams of being a singer to be a stay-at-home dad. He took the stage to perform a cover of A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something.” I got chills since he sang the first few notes of the track. He beautifully weaved a tragic story that would make the Grammy-winning trio proud. A-
As Heidi, Mel B and Howie were bickering at the judges’ table, Craig and Micheline took the stage. Throughout this season, I have been extremely harsh on the duo because the judges chose them over Duo Vladimir for the live shows. They had a lot to prove tonight and while their stunts were good, I was bored throughout their performance. These guys might get lost in the shuffle as America goes to vote. D+
Showproject took the Radio City Music Hall audience on a wild aerial journey. While their routine was set to Nick Jonas’s “Chains,” the guys unhooked themselves from AGT obscurity and delivered an impressive routine that made them the dark horses of this season. B
Marlon Wayans’ Golden Buzzer act, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, explored New York City before taking the Radio City Music Hall stage. The basis of his act dealt with an argument with between Sam the puppet and the puppet master. After putting Sam directly in front of the judges, the puppet immediately came to life and had a brief conversation with Howard. That twist might just have sent Paul to the finale! A+
Singer Samantha Johnson had the difficult task of closing the night! Tonight, Samantha delivered an outstanding cover of the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming.” She beautifully contemporized the classic tune that could be played on the radio and her cover could be a number one radio hit! A
Here are the acts I would vote through to the next round: Siro-A, Alondra Santos, Piff the Magic Dragon, Benton Blunt, Drew Lynch, Paul Zerdin & Samantha Johnson
Tomorrow night, “AGT: Season Nine” winner Mat Franco & Omi will provide the entertainment!
