By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Three years ago, when he auditioned for America’s Got Talent (AGT), Kodi Lee’s life changed for the better. After his moving cover of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” former judge Gabrielle Union pushed the Golden Buzzer and he automatically advanced to the Dolby Theatre live shows. Every week, Kodi’s stunning performances received some of the judges’ highest praises and millions of votes that led him to be crowned the Season 14 champion. Kodi Lee returned to AGT tonight to perform with Teddy Swims and Neal Schon.
Last night, 11 acts performed with hopes of joining Kodi Lee in the AGT Winners’ Circle. I felt like it was A Tale of Two Cities. One city contained Las Vegas-ready acts such as MPLUSPLUS, Nicholas Ribs, and Celia Muñoz. At the same time, another had performers best suited for Universal Studios Hollywood (the Cline Brothers, XOMG! Pop, and Funkanometry). Tonight, only two acts made it to Season 17 finale. Which acts made up this week’s Top Five? Who will compete against Avery Dixon, Drake Milligan, Chapel Hart, and Yu Hojin for inheriting Kodi Lee’s crown? Read on to find out!
The night started with a quick look back at the performances, including a motivational speech from Got Talent creator Simon Cowell and behind-the-scenes moments. Terry also revealed that the judges would be picking a wild card act, and America would use the Instant Save on one of them.
This week’s Top Five were comedian Hayden Kristal, ventriloquist Celia Muñoz, singer Amanda Mammana (Really? Over Mia Morris?), magician Nicholas Ribs (MPLUSPLUS should have had Amanda’s spot), and singer Sara James.
As the Top Five briefly relaxed backstage, Kodi Lee returned to AGT with Teddy Swims and Neal Schon to cover Journey’s legendary “Don’t Stop Believin’.” I developed chills when Kodi sang as he traded verses with Teddy Swims (who did a fabulous job filling Steve Perry’s iconic shoes).
This week’s Top Three were Nicholas Ribs, Celia Muñoz, and Sara James! Sara secured the first spot in the Season 17 finale, and Nicholas Ribs got the second spot…Celia was robbed!
Next week, the fourth set of qualifying acts take on the AGT stage!
