By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s Got Talent (AGT) is continuing its fourteenth edition of the Judges’ Auditions! New judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough joined AGT veterans Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Terry Crews in their search for the next $1,000,000 winner.
Which acts advanced to the Season 14 Judge Cuts? Who was buzzed out of the competition? Which performer received the Golden Buzzer and will join Kodi Lee and Joseph Allen at the Season 14 live shows? Read on to find out!
After a patriotic tribute done by Terry Crews and a preview that showed Simon pressing the Golden Buzzer, it was time to get down to business. 21-year-old dancer Marina Mazepa kicked off the third round of America’s Got Talent: Season 14 Judges’ Auditions. She transformed into a contortionist with shocking moves to Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Her moves freaked out Terry and made my jaw dropped! Marina received the first four “Yeses” of the evening.
26-year-old magician Dom Chambers hoped to follow in two-time champion Shin Lim’s footsteps. In his pre-performance package, Dom revealed that he caught the magic bug when his grandfather taught the artform. However, he faced difficulties breaking into the industry and hoped that America’s Got Talent could change his life. For his Judges’ Audition, Dom decided to do the appearing glass of beer trick. Honestly, Dom did not impress me, and I would have buzzed him! Up until the beer from the shoe trick, I thought he was hamming it up and acting cocky. Besides I still had Eric Chien on the brain. Fortunately for Dom. It was up to the four judges, and they gave him a pass to the Season 14 Judge Cuts round.
Dancing with the Stars fans got a massive blast from the past as former background singer Carmen Carter visited America’s Got Talent. She provided the vocals as Kelly Monaco, Sabrina Bryan, Mario Lopez, and Drew Lachey entertained America in the ballroom. However, she is tired of singing in the background and wanted to be a lead performer. For her audition, Carmen sang INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart,” and she blew everyone away! She received a 4,004 person standing ovation and moved onto the next round.
While Edson and Leon were the oldest contestants to audition, the two of them wanted to prove that age was not just a number. The duo hailed from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and have spent 14 years performing together. My jaw dropped as they showcased their hand balancing skills. I was blown away by their showmanship, and I agree with Simon, “the duo was a surprise!” The duo received four “Yeses” from the judges.
Ever since Grace VanderWaal, Darci Lynne Farmer, and Courtney Hadwin’s successful appearances on America’s Got Talent, more child performers have auditioned for the NBC talent competition. Hopeful of joining them in the America’s Got Talent Hall of Fame was 13-year-old Charlotte Summers. The Marbella, Spain native was excited to meet her hero, the legendary Simon Cowell. Charlotte jokingly revealed that if she won the $1,000,000 prize that she would buy a guinea pig and name it after him. She sang “I Put A Spell on You” and her voice made my jaw drop. Charlotte reminds me of watching a young Fergie. Also, I have not heard a delightful version of the song since Jake’s Take friend Jesse Kinch stormed the Rising Star stage with his raw rendition of the classic tune. Charlotte got a four-judge standing ovation. Just like Gabrielle, I thought that she was a 31-year-old woman! She received four yeses and a place in the next round!
Sometimes nerves can get the better of acts. Madison, Wisconsin native and comedian Kevin Schwartz hoped that fear and anxiety would not get the best of him. His routine focused a variety of jokes about twin pandas to Sir Isaac Newton being a virgin when he died. While Kevin had an interesting style of performing, I liked his one-liners, and he received a standing ovation from Simon and Howie. Kevin received 4,000 “Yeses” from America’s Got Talent audience.
31-year-old MacKenzie sang Prince’s “Nothing Compares to U” for his Judges’ Auditions. He dedicated his performance to his wife, Denise. When singers perform a Prince song on a show such as America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and The Voice, there are certainly higher expectations. However, MacKenzie delivered a star-making cover that would have made the Purple One smile. At Gabrielle Union’s request, Denise joined her husband on stage. Simon declared this performance a great moment and voted with his fellow judges into the next round.
Ventriloquist Michael Paul brought a “dangerous bird of prey” to the America’s Got Talent auditions. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based “exotic bird trainer” brought out Willie to the stage. He made me laugh especially after throwing Hebrew into the act and failed to be hypnotized. Willie pooped on the floor, while Michael did superb impressions of former President Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Howie and the ladies gave Michael a standing ovation, while Simon stated his son, Eric, would love the act. Michael advanced to the next round with four “Yeses.”
After Terry Crews cleaned up Willy’s “poop,” it was time for the final act of the evening. 11-year-old violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa picked up the instrument after dealing with bullies who teased him for having cancer. He was diagnosed with leukemia at 4-years-old. Thankfully, the violin lessons were able to let him grow musically. For his Judges’ Auditions, he played a beautiful solo of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Tyler reminds me so much of Brian King Joseph, Emil & Dariel, and Nuttin’ But Stringz. He gave me chills and put a smile on my face. This young man not only promised himself a bright future in the entertainment industry, but also received Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer.
Next week, the Season 14 auditions continue!
