By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
On September 22, 2020, 10 acts face off for $1 million and headlining a show in Las Vegas!
Before we see this showdown, Jake’s Take has picked up several of its favorite musical performances from America’s Got Talent’s fifteenth anniversary season.
#8-Shaquira McGrath: “The Chain.”
Kicking off our best performances countdown is Shaquira McGrath. While she slew in both the Judges’ Auditions and Judge Cuts rounds, I felt that she failed to deliver in the quarterfinals. Luckily, America voted her through, and she redeemed herself with Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” There were elements of the performance that reminded me of watching Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson during their time on American Idol. I loved that vocal so much!
#7-Broken Roots: “God’s Country”
It has been quite a journey for Broken Roots. The two police detectives were previously eliminated in the Judge Cuts rounds, but the duo was invited back for the Season 15 quarterfinals. The duo’s best performance so far on the show has to cover Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country.” Performing outside the legendary Bates Motel, Broken Roots performed a fiery cover that would make the iconic Voice USA coach proud.
#6-Bonavega’s Audition
When Bonavega walked onto the Pasadena Civic Center stage, I initially thought that the Toledo, Ohio native would be a joke. However, when he strutted across the stage wearing something from Tina Turner’s wardrobe and showcased Adam Lambert-esque vocals, I became a fan! Bonavega had one of the best auditions from the season, and it was a performance that I remember from Season 15 once it concludes!
#5-Archie Williams: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”
America’s Got Talent: Season 15 truly began when they released Archie Williams’ emotional audition. The Louisiana native arrived at AGT after spending 37 years in prison for a wrongfully convicted crime. However, the Innocence Project freed him, and one of the first things he did was audition for AGT. Archie Williams’ cover of Sir Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” was one of the most open auditions I have seen in years.
#4-Voices of Our City Choir: “Heroes”
Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer act, Voices of Our City Choir, paid tribute to David Bowie during their final time on the Universal Studios Hollywood soundstage. The group sang the late recording star’s “Heroes.” From the backing choir singing the “aahs” to the soloists, this performance moved me deeply.
#3-Resound: “Fall on Me”
I got chills immediately when vocal trio Resound sang A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Fall on Me.” There is something heavenly about Resound’s harmonies that tugged at my heartstrings. While I was genuinely heartbroken that they were eliminated from the season, this trio has a bright future in the music industry.
#2- Every Malik Dope Performance
Drummer Malik Dope was one of the breakout performers from this season. Every time he performed, I was thoroughly entertained by both his musicianship and showmanship. Malik Dope shined as a performer from his breakout audition to his two performances on the Universal Studios Hollywood soundstage. His presence will be truly missed during the Season 15 finale. I hope that he gets his own Vegas show in the future.
#1-Every Cristina Rae Performance
Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer act, Cristina Rae, could be America’s Got Talent’s breakout vocalist. Cristina showcased her powerful vocals throughout the season. The body sculptor delivered epic covers of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and Cynthia Erivo’s “Jump.” Win or lose; I hope she gets a recording contract and even a spot in Las Vegas.
