Tom Cotter, Joe Castillo and William Close celebrate their victory on achieving a place on the “AGT” finale. But they will not be celebrating until one of them gets the $1,000,000 cash prize. (Photo by NBC’s Virginia Sherwood)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Thousands of people across the country have auditioned to a chance to win $1,000,000 and a headlining act in Las Vegas.
After weeks of tremendous performances, surprising eliminations and Sharon Osbourne’s announcement that she is leaving the show, six acts are left standing and face the toughest performance of their lives tonight. This article will focus on which acts have the best chance of taking home both the rewards and will join Terry Fator, Jackie Evancho and Fighting Gravity in the America’s Got Talent elite.
William Close
The Los Angeles instrument builder and Earth Harpist has consistently delivered astonishing performances since his first audition. In order for Close to snatch the title and cash prize, he needs to deliver a piece that knocks it out of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and land near the Venetian Hotel where the annual live show will be held at. One problem that William needs to avoid is doing the same thing twice, otherwise he will be passed over and another act will win.
Odds: 2-1
To watch William’s semifinal performance, click here: http://youtu.be/0I0wU-JkGlY
David Garibaldi and His CMYKs
Another group that continued to impress and evolve every time America saw them were the Sacramento-based dance group. It’s amazing what this group can come up with in 90 seconds and they would provide intriguing performances in Las Vegas if they win the top spot. In order to win America’s vote tonight, they need to listen to Howie’s advice and continue to use the element of surprise to their advantage. Otherwise, they will run into the problem that William Close could face during tonight’s performance.
Odds: 4-1
David Garibaldi and His CMYKs delivered an impressive semifinal performance last week. To watch it again, click here: http://youtu.be/SNCbODxpePk
Tom Cotter
For the first time since 2009, a comedian has made it to the final round of America’s Got Talent. Comedian Tom Cotter has delivered edgy material time after time throughout the competition and received standing ovations from the New Jersey audience plus strong praise from the show’s judges. Tom’s goal is to be the first comedian to win this competition. In order to achieve this goal, Tom needs to deliver his strongest material and deliver an onslaught of jokes.
Odds: 8-1
Tom Cotter’s semifinal performance was raunchy but made people laugh: http://youtu.be/0mrOotjVnmY
Olate Dogs
What is the best trick that you taught your dog? Now imagine dozens of dogs doing the same trick on one of the biggest stages in America. The New York-based dog act might have an advantage being New York natives that could influence audience votes. However, the only way that they will win the $1,000,000 cash prize is that the owners go all out with their tricks and showcase a spectacular 90-second act.
Odds: 16-1
The Olate Dogs showed off their agility and dancing skills in the semifinals. To watch the performance again, click here: http://youtu.be/KFF7jbd2muk
Joe Castillo
This sand artist does not belong in the finals…His act does not interest me what so ever. While his storytelling skills are impeccable, I would rather watch Elton John or a Cirque du Soleli show than Joe for 90 minutes. There is a place for Joe but not in Sin City. He needs to wow the crowd and bring it in order to win.
Odds: 64-1
What do you think about Joe’s act? Is it Vegas worthy? Watch this performance and you decide: http://youtu.be/5iFNFby81X4
The young dance group may have smooth moves but they will not win because they will not shake off their hotel antics. (Photo by NBC’s Virginia Sherwood).
The Untouchables
They may have made it farther than their parent company: the Miami All-Stars but there is no way that they will win the top spot. They may have strong dancing skills but they are menaces when the cameras turn off. Multiple media outlets TMZ.com & the New York Daily News have reported that the group caused chaos at the hotel that they were staying in: http://www.tmz.com/2012/09/11/americas-got-talent-finalists-untouchables-menace-to-hotel-staff/ It is going to be very difficult for them to appease America and the judges because of this instance.
Odds: 1,000-1
Before the TMZ.com article was released, the group delivered an incredible performance that put them through to the semifinals: http://youtu.be/GQlOVEOXpzY
Who will you be voting for? The AGT finale air after night three of the Voice on NBC.
The finals on Americas Got Talent will be hard to pick. I think William Close will be the one to win the million dollar prize, and if not him David Garibaldi and His CMYKs is a best second. I can’t wait to see what happens in this next episode and who will take the prize.