Howie, Mel B, Simon, & Heidi presided over the second chapter of Season 13 semifinals. (Photo & graphics property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 13 semifinals round continued tonight! Earlier this season, I named my favorite acts. A majority of them performed at the Dolby Theatre. I believe that this group has the potential of delivering one of the best semifinals rounds in AGT history since Season Nine’s Top 12 night.
Which of the acts did the judges (Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel) buzz? Who brought their A-game and delivered outstanding performances? Which acts might need the last Dunkin’ Save of the season? Read on to find out!
Singer Christina Wells kicked off the final round of Season 13 semifinals. She has come a long way since her first audition at the Pasadena Civic Center. She tackled the late Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Despite some bum notes, Christina delivered a bombastic vocal performance that put a massive grin on my face! I honestly believe that Ms. Franklin would be smiling down from heaven after that vocal performance. A-/A
Dominican Republic dance crew Da Republik was the next act to take the Dolby Theatre stage. Like Christina, they have been on this wild and crazy journey. With Junior New System out of the competition, Da Republik had the opportunity to convince America why they are the last dance crew standing. While I was questioning the safety symbols on their outfits, they delivered a high octane routine that excited me. However, I was frustrated that Simon buzzed them! B+
Glee alum Noah Guthrie returned to the Dolby Theatre to perform on Season 13 Semifinals. Noah had a hard time with song choices in the past, so I wondered what he was going to do with his performance. I am glad that he chose to cover Whitney Houston & Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” While I applaud his decision, I have to be honest…with Michael Kettner, in the finale, I believe that we need to have either Christina or Glennis Grace competing against him. While I do see Noah having a career after AGT, I don’t see Noah winning this show. D+
The judges brought back opera singer Daniel Emmett for another chance and America voted him through. In all honesty, I do NOT CONNECT with him as I did with Andrew de Leon, Branden James, the Forte Tenors, and The Voice’s Chris Mann. His cover of West Side Story’s “Somewhere” felt very robotic and I wished that I had the power to transport myself to the Dolby Theatre to hit all four buzzers! F
I love the Angel City Chorale! Under the direction of Sue Fink, this massive choir delivers every single time that they perform on the AGT stage. They delivered an outstanding cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising” that moved me to tears and truly honored the 9/11 first responders. This choir not only deserves to be in the Season 13 finale, but they need to perform this song around the world! A+
Aaron Crow returned to the AGT stage for the Season 13 semifinals. In his pre-performance package, the danger act threw daggers at photographs of all four judges. However, he decided to put Howie through the ringer one final time this season. He held up four squares to the remaining judges. Little did they know that Howie was in one of the four boxes on stage. The silent magician returned to the stage where four guillotines hung from the ceiling. After breaking three boxes, Simon correctly predicted Howie’s location and Aaron used an ax to chop the rope. It was a terrifying act from start to finish, and I believe that Aaron has what it takes to make it to Vegas! A
Vicki Barbolak is an amazing comedian that has brought laughter to America since her first audition. When she walked out to “Milkshake,” I knew that she was going to something special. In her routine, Vicki talked about her trip to Italy and trying to find the perfect Italian stallion. She also taught the ladies to “trace their body” to get a man to notice them. She also talked about the struggles of losing weight and buying fake diet pills online. Her material made me laugh hard, and it would be a tragedy if she is not voted through to the Season 13 finale! A-
Sibling trio Joshua, Bethany, and Manny debuted “Make Up,” an original song tonight for the Season 13 semifinals. This was a risk for We Three as they journeyed down the Dave Matthews Band and Zac Brown Band jam band avenue. While the judges were not happy with the song, I think that We Three done enough for them to secure a spot on the alternative radio charts. B
Glennis Grace returned to the stage determined to make it to the Season 13 finals for her son. She tackled a stunning cover of Maxwell’s “This Woman Work.” It was a spectacular performance that showcased her vocal prowess and gave me chills! I believe that she secured her future in the recording industry. A
Violinist Brian King Joseph is creating music despite battling peripheral neuropathy. He delivered a spectacular performance that was on par to both AGT alumni Nuttin’ But Stringz and Lindsey Stirling. He also added fire and graphics to his performance, which enhanced it and I believe that he delivered a $1,000,000 performance! A
Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer, Courtney Hadwin, concluded the Season 13 semifinals! After taking the Internet by storm, she sang “Born To Be Wild.” Courtney is an actual force of nature that cannot be tamed; it was jaw-dropping performance. I genuinely believe that she is going to be signed after this show! A-
Tomorrow night, international sensation BTS will take the Dolby Theatre stage as the Final Five acts will be revealed!
