Olivia Munn joined the “America’s Got Talent” family as the second guest judge for the Season 13 Judge Cuts. (Screenshot property of NBC & Syco Television)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The Newsroom and X-Men: Apocalypse actress Olivia Munn joined America’s Got Talent for week two of the Season 13 Judges’ Cuts.
Which act did she select to advance to the Dolby Theatre live shows? Read on to find out!
The acts were excited that Olivia Munn, who is a super fan of the show, would be joining Simon, Heidi, Mel B, and Howie at the table. Up first to face the judges and Olivia Munn were the Human Fountains. The guys knew each other since kindergarten, and the act started in high school. The last time they faced the judges, Simon buzzed them. The quintet performed their routine to the opera aria “Time to Say Goodbye.” While their method made me laugh, I don’t know how they could accumulate this for a Las Vegas show. One unique twist is that they barfed up orange juice, water, and raw eggs. Howie and the ladies gave them a standing ovation, while Olivia Munn and Simon seemed disgusted.
Magician Shim Lim had one of the season’s best auditions. I had high hopes for his Judges Cuts performance, and Shim did not disappoint. He invited Olivia Munn to be his “spectator.” Once Olivia was on stage, Shin drew out his deck of playing cards. After he asked Olivia to cover the Ace of Spades, Shin transformed three Queens into the remaining aces. Next, both the Queen and King of Diamonds cards magically appeared in his hand. Shin did the same thing with both the Hearts and Clubs. Next, he magically made the three Aces disappear, and they reappeared under Olivia’s hands. For his final act, the cards that were on the black platform disappeared! That routine was spectacular, and he is one of the best magicians I have ever seen audition for this show.
5-year-old Sophie Fatu returned for the Judges’ Cuts round. She won over the country with her take on Paul Anka’s “My Way.” She tackled the Chairman of the Board with her interpretation of “New York, New York.” While Sophie has a good voice, I believed that she belongs on Little Big Shots over America’s Got Talent. We have plenty of young performers on this season and we don’t need more kid acts! In fact, I think Simon needs to consider a Kids’ only edition of AGT for Universal Kids. I would petition the judges’ panel to be myself, 2-time Emmy-winning choreographer and So You Think You Can Dance alum Travis Wall, singer and TV personality Kelly Osbourne, and singer-actress Zendaya.
The next segment featured a dance off between Salsa dance troupe Reyes del Swing and the hip-hop dance crew The Future Kingz. Reyes del Swing performed a firey routine to Sia’s “Move Your Body,” while the Future Kingz delivered an explosive performance that featured Bruno Mars’ “Finesse” and M.C. Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.” All five judges gave them a standing ovation and I believe that the Future Kingz’s future is bright with or without AGT.
Israeli mentalist Lioz Shem Tov delivered a memorable performance during the Season 13 Judges’ Auditions. The mentalist revealed that he was doing “magic!” He transformed a rubber glove into Pikachu, a sea turtle, and “Donald Trump.” He brought out a giant deck of cards and gave Mel B a card (Three of Diamonds)—which were correct. His sense of humor made me laugh so hard, and he received a standing ovation from Howie, Simon and, guest judge Olivia Munn. Unfortunately, Heidi did not like him at all!
I love the Angel City Chorale! Their impeccable interpretation of Toto’s “Africa” gave me chills during the Judges’ Auditions. This choir is made up of a variety of people from various backgrounds. 145 group members joined their director, Sue Fink, for another stunning performance. Their voices and choreography blew me away, while I did not understand what they were saying, Angel City Chorale stole my heart once again!!! All the judges gave them a standing ovation, and Olivia Munn gave them their Golden Buzzer. I cannot wait to see what they do at the Dolby Theatre.
As the choir left the stage, Reckon ruined Shannon’s chances to advance into the next round. Also, EXISDANCE bored Olivia Munn and the judges with his lackluster auditions. Comedic singer and accordionist Hans returned for his chance to make it to the Dolby Theatre live shows. In his last audition, he impressed the audience with his hysterical take on Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” The Got Talent creator advised him during the Judges’ Auditions round, and he advised him to “prepare himself for something he has not seen before.” Hans performed “It’s Raining Men” with his backing assistants that made guest judge Olivia Munn smile and received a standing ovation from the audience. Mel B called Hans “the gift that keeps on giving,” while Simon thought that he was worse than last time.
Illusionist Rob Lake revealed that is closest competition was Shin Lim. A trip to Branson inspired him to pursue. Last time, Simon told Rob that he needed to speed up his act, but also step up his routine. He bonded with fellow University of Oklahoma alum Olivia Munn before he began his act. I got to say that Rob did step his act, but Simon stated that it was “corny.” The Magic Mike actress boldly stated that “Rob needed to go through.”
Singer-songwriters Hunter Price, Joseph O’Brien, and Leah Mathies performed for a spot in the Live Shows. Both Hunter and Leah were lambasted by the judges for singing their original material. Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien started to perform an excellent cover of REO Speedwagon’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling,” but Simon stopped him. However, Joseph’s second song (an original) was so much better, and Simon was impressed with his fighting spirit.Stand-up comedian Vicki Barbolak was the final person to face Olivia Munn and the judges for this round of Judge Cuts. The Oceanside, California native’s routine talked about her new outfit courtesy of the Beverly Hills Hospice, entitled children, and bringing a flask to a first-grade field trip. I admit I got the hiccups from laughing so hard! After receiving a standing ovation from Olivia Munn and the judges, Heidi revealed that Vicki was her favorite comedian this season!
Stand-up comedian Vicki Barbolak was the final person to face Olivia Munn and the judges for this round of Judge Cuts. The Oceanside, California native’s routine talked about her new outfit courtesy of the Beverly Hills Hospice, entitled children, and bringing a flask to a first grade field trip. I admit I got the hiccups from laughing so hard! After receiving a standing ovation from Olivia Munn and the judges, Heidi revealed that Vicki was her favorite comedian this season!
Once the judges finished deliberating and thanked Olivia for her assistance, it was time for the quartet to deliver the news. Joining the Angel City Chorale at the Dolby Theatre live shows next month were Joseph O’Brien, Shim Lim, Rob Lake, The Future Kingz, Hans, and Vicki Barbolak!!!
Next week, Martina McBride joins the America’s Got Talent family for round three of Season 13 Judges Cuts.
