By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 17 is going live on Tuesday! This year, 55 acts (54 selected by the judges and one America’s Wildcard act) will compete for the chance to win the life-changing $1,000,000 prize and a chance to join AGT favorites at the Luxor Las Vegas.
Every year, Jake’s Take endorses several acts who not only can win AGT, but also use it as a launching pad into successful careers in the entertainment industry. Here are 19 acts that you need to keep your eyes on as AGT enters its live rounds.
Aiko Tanaka (Comedian):
I could not stop laughing at Aiko Tanaka’s material during her audition. She will inspire so many underground comedians to audition, and I believe that if Aiko continues to bring fiery material, she could go to the Season 17 finale.
Avery Dixon (Saxophonist; Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer)
I have viewed saxophonist Avery Dixon’s audition countless times throughout the audition process. We need to thank Mrs. Dixon for sharing her son with the world. As of publication, Avery’s audition has been viewed nearly 6 million times on the show’s official YouTube channel. His sound reminds me of the second coming of Clarence Clemons. Just like Clemons, I believe that Avery has the potential to be one of the music industry’s premier saxophonists.
Blade2Blade (Knife throwing duo)
Blade2Blade is the only dangerous act competing in the live shows, which is a darn shame! The Brothers delivered one of the most intense auditions this season, and I am looking to see what Blade2Blade brings this season.
Chapel Hart (Country music trio; Group Golden Buzzer)
Country music trio Chapel Hart blew America away when they sang their original tune: “You Can Have Him, Jolene.” Their spectacular sound is needed in country music, and I was so happy that they received the third historic Group Golden Buzzer. Walking into the live shows with Dolly Parton’s stamp of approval gives Chapel Hart a considerable advantage. I cannot wait to see what they bring to this competition.
Celia Muñoz (Singing Ventriloquist):
I could not stop talking about singing ventriloquist Celia Muñoz’s audition. Her performance style is unique and worthy of a spot at not only the AGT: Season 17 finale and at the Luxor Las Vegas show.
Drake Milligan (Singer):
Drake Milligan reminds me so much of a young Blake Shelton! Just like The Voice’s longtime coach, Drake has the charisma and talent to win this show. While I liked the original song, “Sounds Like Something I Do,” I would love to see Drake and his band tackle material like “God Gave Me You,” “More Than My Hometown,” and even “A Little Less Conversation.”
Fusion Japan (Dance troupe):
AGT: Season 17 won when two rival dance groups came together to audition! The Japanese dance troupe’s precise choreography and phenomenal showmanship are needed in Las Vegas. If Fusion Japan continues to deliver epic presentations on the AGT stage, I could see them become international touring sensations.
Jack Williams (Ventriloquist):
The TikTok sensation delivered one of the most impressive auditions this season. He reminds me so much of comedian John Mulaney. Jack lit up the America’s Got Talent stage like the stand-up comedian. I never saw the voice throwing technique before, and if they continue to keep it up, I could see Jack and Foster take over the season and participate in the Luxor Las Vegas shows.
Jojo & Bri (Vocal Duo):
Resound veteran Joseph “Jojo” Clarke returned to AGT to audition with his niece, Bri. Joseph’s velvet vocals blew me away again, and Bri showcased superstar potential. We could see them run to the finale if they continue to pick songs that showcase their superb harmonies in the live shows.
Mayyas (Dance troupe; Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer)
I first became a fan of Mayyas when the Arab’s Got Talent winners competed on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019. I hoped the Middle East dance troupe would hypnotize American audiences one day. Mayyas made their AGT debut three years later, and they certainly did not disappoint. I believe Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer act could win the show.
Mervant Vera (Rapping magician):
I am proud of fellow AGT superfan Mervant Vera for making the live shows! I believe that Mervant is one of the most creative close-up magicians I have seen in the Simon Cowell era of the show. If he continues to build on his successful audition, I could see Mervant in the Season 17 finale and on the Luxor Las Vegas stage.
Mia Morris (Singer + Multi-instrumentalist):
Ever since I heard Mia Morris’s “We Were Never Friends,” I knew she would make an impact in the music industry, and my instinct was cemented when I interviewed her in 2021 on my podcast. When I saw her on the AGT stage, I knew she would blow audiences away. I am excited to see what she brings to the Season 17 live shows.
MPLUSPLUS (LED Dance Group):
In all honesty, I would have taken one of the solo singers’ Golden Buzzers and given it to MPLUSPLUS. This audition was perfect and worth waiting 12 years to see. I would travel to Vegas to see MPLUSPLUS perform and predict they will sell out venues nationwide.
The Pack Drumline (Drumline):
The Pack Drumline brilliantly kicked off AGT’s seventeenth season. This Chicago-based music group delivered an incredible audition when they delivered an exciting match-up of Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA” and DMX’s “Party Up.” They made me dance in my seat, and I genuinely believe Las Vegas is ready for a drumline to headline a show.
Players Choir (Choir):
First, I want to thank Patti LaBelle for assembling this fantastic group of professional athletes who can sing. The Players Choir delivered two impressive versions of “Lean on Me,” one with instrumentalization and an A cappella rendition. I hope this awesome group continues to provide goosebump-inducing performances in the live shows!
Travis Japan (Boyband):
J-Pop boyband Travis Japan’s five years of hard work and sacrifices have paid off. I loved their A cappella opening of “My Dreamy Hollywood,” and their choreography reminded me so much of old-school Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. If they continue to deliver these fantastic performances, I could see them not only in the AGT: Season 17 finals but facing off against BTS and Monsta X on the music charts.
Urbancrew (Flyers of the South) [Dance Crew]
Urbancrew (Flyers of the South) was one of the standouts this audition season, and I was thrilled to learn that Urbancrew (Flyers of the South) will perform for America’s votes. If they can continue to showcase their unique choreography and outstanding acrobatics, they could be $1,000,000 richer when the show ends in September.
Yu Hojin (Magician):
Shin Lim is one of the masters of close-up magic and if there is anyone on this season that is at his caliber, it is Yu Hojin. His brilliant audition to Emeli Sande’s “Read All About It” gave me chills. Just like the two-time AGT champion, I believe that Yu has the potential to elevate the art to another level of excellence.
America’s Wildcard – My Pick:
Ben Waites (Singer)
I was very disappointed to learn that Ben Waites needs America’s Wildcard. The 32-year-old Nashville, Tennessee transplant delivered one of the most emotional and powerful vocal performances I have heard this season. His haunting cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” gave me chills and made Sofia Vergara weep. Ben’s presence would elevate the Season 17 Live Shows to another level of excellence.
Which acts are you rooting for this season?
