The “America’s Got Talent” judges found incredible acts in New York and Los Angeles. (Photo by NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Throughout the past three weeks, AGT judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B have looked for the best-undiscovered talent in the country.
Read on to find out, if they find any talent to join the overpopulated hopefuls in Las Vegas…
The show returned to the Big Apple to continue their talent search. Staten Island natives Struck Boyz kicked off the night with an energetic Hip-hop routine to Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me” that would have made Nappytabs happy and activated their fanbase. Heidi loved their attitudes while Howard called them “little stars.” The seven dancers were the first group to receive four “Yeses” from the judges.
Hoping to get two tickets to the Las Vegas Rounds were the KriStef Brothers. These second-generation circus performers were hand balancers who wanted to win the $1,000,000 prize. They were crowd pleasers that showed off their incredible strength and dropped trough onstage, which immediately pleased Heidi Klum. Mel stated that they had her on the edge of her seat for all the right reasons. Howie added that he liked their twist on a circus act. The KriStef Brothers received the second “Yes” of the night.
Unfortunately, the New York auditions took a nosedive as multiple acts received multiple “X’s” from the judges. Hoping to turn things around was Hammerstep. This septet specialized in combining Irish dance with Hip-hop. They had superb solos and their choreography was fantastic. Hammerstep received a standing ovation from Howie and Mel B, who stated that while their routine was “weird, dark and intense,” they blew her away. They received the third unanimous four-judge “Yes” of the evening.
The New York auditions featured dozens of talented kid acts. However, one of the most peculiar and cutest acts of the night belonged to brother-and-sister duo Aarlyn and Izzy. Once Aarlyn opened her mouth, she sounded like a female Marilyn Manson and Ozzy Osbourne. Howard and Mel B were the only two judges that buzzed. Howard buzzed because he was worried that Aarlyn’s voice would blow out. However, Mel B stated that she was scared and voted “No!” Luckily for the duo, Howard, Howie and Heidi all overruled her and they said: “Yes!”
For a couple of episodes, there has been an absence in R&B/Soul/Gospel singers. Hoping to fill the gap was the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale. This gospel choir took everyone to church and had incredible choreography plus amazing pipes! Howard stated that they wanted to make the audience go to church. Meanwhile, Scary Spice admitted that she wanted to join the choir and called them “Bloody Good!” All four judges gave them a unanimous “Yes” and they will be going to spread joy in Vegas.
The first couple of Los Angeles auditions did not please the judges. One of the biggest discussions that the panel had during the auditions was a debate involving original songs. While Howard was for it, Howie was against it and he was worried that the acts that go on this path might lose points with America. The former Deal or No Deal host changed his mind when he heard Boca Raton brother and sister act Brandon and Savannah. They performed their original song that had a similar sound of Maroon 5 and P!nk. Mel B stated that even though she did not like the song choice, they captivated her. Howie added that they won him over with their selection. Brandon and Savannah were the first LA act to receive four “Yeses” from the judges.
Stand-up comedian Taylor Williamson hoped to be the first comedian to make it to receive a “Yes” from all four judges. While he was awkward, Taylor was very witty and quickly established a relationship with Mel B and the audience. The Spice Girl stated he was very funny and Howie said that he was fabulous and had great stage presence. The King of All Media added that he liked that Taylor was quick and witty. Taylor was able to receive a spot in the show’s Vegas Rounds.
Unfortunately, magicians had a bad luck streak in Los Angeles. 24-year-old Naathan Phan was about to join his fellow magicians on the street after his singing while escaping from a straightjacket act failed to move Howard and Heidi. However, Heidi asked him if he wanted another chance. Naathan took it and delivered an outstanding card trick that changed Howard and Heidi’s minds and they joined Howie and Mel B in sending Mr. Phan to Vegas.
The last act of the night met on the Internet a couple of weeks before the audition but met face-to-face…the day before! The operatic trio known as Forte delivered an outstanding cover of “Pie Jesu,” that showed off their outstanding voices and received a standing ovation from Howie and Heidi. Mel B stated that she was not expecting that and Howard said that they were terrific and said that the judges will have high expectations from them in Vegas!
Next week, the show returns to Chicago to look for more talent!
