All eyes were on Heidi Klum as the “America’s Got Talent” judge revealed her Golden Buzzer act. (Photo property of NBC & Syco Entertainment)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Heidi Klum has been extremely picky this year on America’s Got Talent.
The Project: Runway host has said “Auf Wiedersehen” to many potentially strong candidates to be her Golden Buzzer act. Earlier this season, Heidi Klum watched her fellow judges-Mel B, Simon Cowell, and Howie Mandel and fellow supermodel/new host Tyra Banks have pressed their Golden Buzzers.
So far, 12-year-ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, 29-year-old singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey, 16-year-old singer Christian Guardino, and Ukrainian light-up dance crew Light Balance received their one-way tickets to the Season 12 semifinals, which will be taped at the Dolby Theatre. But, one crucial question remains. Which act received Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out.
As the judges arrived at the Pasadena Civic Center in a convertible, Miami-based boyband 5 Alive was about to take the stage. The group believed that “America needs a boy band!” After Heidi enthusiastically said, “Yes!” to their comment, Simon wished them luck, and the guys got to work. 5 Alive sang a mash-up of Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” and Ginuwine’s “Pony.” I thought the guys had slick choreography which was reminiscent of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, but I was wondering if they were singing or doing an epic lip-sync with a backup track. Also, the songs they sang were WAY TOO OLD! It would have been interested to hear these guys perform “Drag Me Down,” “Glad You Came,” or some of the Backstreet Boys’ newer material because they dated themselves. Howie and Mel B gave them a standing ovation for their cheesy audition. Mel B loved them and added that they had not had a boyband like them in a very long time and Howie added that he loved their humor and called them a “whole new direction.” But, 5 Alive did not blow Heidi away, and Simon called it: “horrible and old fashioned.” 5 Alive received three yeses from Howie, Mel B, and Howie and advanced to the next round.
While Tyra Banks tried to recruit herself to be 5 Alive’s Fergie, a wacky array of dancers failed to impress the judges. Luckily, Argentina-based dance company, the German Cornejo Dance Company spiced up the stage with a rapid routine that combined ballet and the Argentine Tango. They were incredible, and I thought that I was watching the next generation of Dancing with the Stars professional dancers being born right before my eyes. Mel B and the guys gave them a standing ovation, while Heidi Klum thought that the routine was so fun to watch. The troupe received the first unanimous four Yeses of the evening.
13-year-old singer Angie Green took her love of music to the next level after her father deserted her family. She decided her Judges’ Audition performance to her mother and hoped to change her family’s life for the better. I was surprised with the song choice: The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You.” That song is a challenging track to sing for any young person, but despite little warbles in the beginning, I thought that Angie did a great job with the track. Howie and Simon joined Heidi Klum in giving Angie a standing ovation. Mel B stated that considering the nerves, Angie sang good and Simon added that it was one of his favorite auditions. Heidi added that she loved it so much that she gave Angie…the Golden Buzzer! In all honesty, I would have used it on another act.
While I was thinking of potential people to replace Heidi Klum as a judge (does anyone have Sharon Osbourne, Paula Abdul, Mia Michaels, Rosie O’Donnell, or Christina Aguilera’s phone numbers on speed dial?), the Las Vegas, Nevada quartet, the Quiddlers, transformed into miniature Village People for a fun version of “YMCA.” Heidi Klum called it a “special surprise,” while Simon Cowell called one of the weirdest things he has ever seen.
30-year-old New York stand-up comedian Harrison Greenbaum had enough of performing in basements and wanted to perform in front of America. His routine involved his parents’ responses about him sacrificing his Harvard education for comedy. While Mel B wanted to hear more material from Harrison, Heidi Klum stated that he made her laugh, while Howie thought that this set changed his life. All four judges gave him a unanimous “Yes” and Harrison advanced to the next round.
After a montage of strength acts, Inka Tiitto transformed the Pasadena Civic Center stage into a miniature iFLY and performed spectacular aerial stunts. As someone who has briefly done indoor skydiving, it is challenging, but this woman did it with ease. Howie called Inka “amazing” and Mel B called her a female “Casper the Friendly Ghost.” She advanced to the Judges’ Cuts.
57-year-old New York City subway singer Mike Yung wanted to work in the music industry, but it was a friend who told him to sing in the subway. He sang in the New York City subway system for 37 years. When Mike sang “Unchained Melody,” my jaw dropped! I am severely allergic to this song, but Mike’s powerful baritone gave me chills. Mike has one of the best voices I heard this season, and I hope that someone in the music business was watching this performance. Mike received a standing ovation from all four judges. Heidi Klum liked the vocal and that every word he sang meant something, while Howie loved the roughness in his voice. While Mel B stated that he did not meet her standards, it was Heidi that helped Simon and Howie get Mike to the next round.
Father and son team Daniel and Oscar took the AGT stage. The duo has spent three years working on their acrobatic act. Oscar’s flexibility was incredible, while Daniel showcased incredible strength. While it was a cute routine, I do not know how they were going to step it up in the next round. Howie, Mel B, Heidi, and Simon gave them a standing ovation, and they admitted that the duo made their jaws dropped. The judges invited them to attend the Judges’ Cuts.
16-year-old old twins Mirror Image wanted to represent Pittsburgh on AGT. I really hoped that they did not disappoint the hype and they delivered an intriguing cover of Michael Jackson’s “Who’s Loving You,” but they set the stage on fire with their rapid-fire choreography. Howie, Mel B, and Heidi gave them a standing ovation. Heidi Klum wanted to take the twins home with her, while Howie called it “campy and fun.” Meanwhile, Simon was struggling because they did not know how to categorize them as performers and voted “No!” Heidi, Mel B, and Howie gave them a second chance and advanced them to the next round!
Near the end of the evening, Simon and the judges were not on the same page. Simon liked acts, while the others hated each act that walked across the stage. The final audition of Season 12 belonged to the late Brandon Rogers, who passed away on June 11. The late doctor performed Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky” and gave me chills. It is a shame that he passed away in a car accident, because we truly lost a talented voice. He received the final standing ovation of the Season 12 auditions and recieved the final four “Yeses.” Jake’s Take sends it thoughts, prayers, and light to Brandon Rogers’ family, friends, and former patients.
Next week, the Judges’ Cuts begin as Chris Hardwick joins the panel.
