Which judge or host pressed their Golden Buzzer tonight during the latest round of Judges’ Auditions? (Photo property of NBC, Syco Entertainment & FremantleMedia North America)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s Got Talent: Season 12 Judges’ Auditions continue!
For the past two weeks, talented performers from around the world have made an impact on the Pasadena Civic Center audience. Each of these acts made a strong impression on Judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell. In fact, both Mel B and Simon awarded their only Golden Buzzer in the Judges’ Auditions round to 12-year-old ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer and 29-year-old deaf singer Mandy Harvey.
Which acts stood out in tonight’s edition of the Judges’ Auditions? Who received the Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out…
After Simon had checked in with Tyra Banks, 34-year-old Oscar Hernandez kicked off the Judges’ Auditions. He hoped to make his grandmother proud who taught him to perform. He did a fiery routine to Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” that got the Pasadena Civic Center audience up on their feet. Howie compared him to a Laker Girl, while Heidi loved his choreography and called it “very entertaining.” Simon even called the audition: “amazing!” He received the first set of four “Yeses” of the night.
Married couple Elena and Sasha had to break down their communication barriers because Sasha did not speak any English when they first met. However, they shared one universal language—high flying acrobatics. Sasha balanced a big poll on his head as Elena performed incredible acrobatic feats. Heidi gave them a standing ovation and called them “amazing,” while Howie called their act: “the most dangerous thing they have ever had on their show.” The husband and wife received their set of four Yeses.
One performer that caught the attention of the judges was Nigerian-bound, but Houston transplant Kechi. She wanted to share her voice with the show’s audience and got serious into singing in 2005. Kechi turned to music to heal her from a horrific plane crash she was in her home country where out of 119 passengers, Kechi was one of the only two passengers to survive. For her Judges’ Auditions performance, Kechi performed a soulful rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” I loved Kechi’s tone and the way she connected the notes of the “Sing” singer-songwriter’s lyrics. She also had an excellent stage presence. Both Howie and Simon joined the Pasadena Civic Center audience in giving Kechi a standing ovation. Howie stated that Kechi was one of the most beautiful people that he ever met, while Mel B called her inspiration, loved her voice, and encouraged her not to hold back. Simon added that AGT would be the platform that can take her to the top of the world. She received four “yeses” from the judges and got a hug from Tyra.
21-year-old digital illusionists Tony & Jordan accelerated the evening when they made AGT history when they performed during the Judges’ Auditions. They were the first set of identical twins to audition with a magic act. Their illusions were spectacular, and the way they introduced their twin assistants were outstanding! They received the rare four-judge standing ovation! Mel B called them “magically brilliant, ” and Heidi called it very entertaining. Simon called the twins—a Vegas act and called their audition special. The brothers received four “Ouis” from the judges.
Members of the United States Air Force Academy were the next act to participate in the Judges’ Auditions. They are an a cappella singing group called In the Stairwell and they could give Straight No Chaser a run for their money with their cover of One Direction’s “Drag Me Down.” I got chills from their vocal harmonies and their choreography was impeccable! Despite Howie’s “X,” Simon and Heidi gave them a standing ovation! The reason why Howie gave them an “X” because they bored him. Mel B loved their harmonies, while Heidi called them very talented. While Howie gave them a “No” for their talent, it was Simon, Heidi, and Mel B that advance them to the next round.
After a plethora of abysmal Judges’ Auditions, it was up to 23-year-old sales representative Daniel Ferguson to turn things around. For his Judges’ Auditions performance, he gave a unique rendition to DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean.” However, Daniel sang the song in the style of Goofy, Scooby-Doo, Peter Griffin, Mickey Mouse, and even Simon himself! Daniel received a standing ovation from Howie, Mel B, and Simon. Mel B stated that Daniel killed his debut performance, while Howie loved the variety of his act. Daniel received his four “Yeses” and advanced to the next round.
Jack, the Dancing Pumpkin Man, wanted to be a part of the Judges’ Auditions so badly so that he could be at the forefront of the avant-garde dancing world. His dancing was hysterical, but I felt it was better for The Ellen Show, not the AGT: Season 12 Judges’ Auditions. Mel B “LOVED IT” and gave him a standing ovation. She called his performance: “Incredible.” Howie also sided with Mel and called it “hysterical.” Simon and Heidi disagreed with the duo and wanted Jack off the stage. Mel B immediately rushed to the stage and demanded that either Heidi or Simon change their vote. After hearing the audience scream “Yes” and admitted that his son would love Jack the Dancing Pumpkin Man, Simon changed his vote to “Yes.”
The final set of the Judges’ Auditions belonged to 16-year-old singer Christian Guardino. He overcame the obstacle of losing his sight and thanks to gene therapy, Christian was able to regain his sight and hoped that he could follow his dream of becoming a recording artist. I got chills from Christian’s voice, and he delivered one of the best male vocals of the season so far with a rousing “Who’s Lovin’ You” that received a standing ovation from the entire Pasadena Civic Center audience, but Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer!
Next week, the Judges’ Auditions continue!
