“AGT:Season Eight” will start their live shows at Radio City Music Hall next week. Who will be competing for your votes? (Photo courtesy of NBC)
By; Jacob Elyachar
Throughout the summer, Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B have been looking for the next best thing!
As they traveled across the country, they found several outstanding acts that could become the next Terry Fator, Jackie Evancho, Fighting Gravity or iLuminate.
But with so many acts, the judges had a rough time in trimming the massive group from 100 acts to 88 performers.
The judges divided the contestants into three groups. The first group was automatically sent through to the live shows, the second were eliminated and sent home and the last group will be competing for the remaining spots.
After bickering back and forth, the quartet announced that they wanted to see several acts perform one more time before they make their final decision.
As the acts were getting ready to face the judges, the show revealed that several potential frontrunners including opera singer Branden James, 11-year-old singer Anna Christine, impressionist Angela Hoover, dance troupes Catapult Entertainment and the Struck Boyz and the American Military Spouse Choir were among the acts to receive a spot at the Radio City Live Shows.
With 30 spots remaining, the final acts had to give the performances of their lives. The Danger acts were the first group to face the judges. Chicago standout David Ferman spent all of his Bar Mitzvah money on creating on a high voltage stunt that contained 26,500,000 volts of electricity. While he gave Heidi a scare, the King of All Media said that David lacked showmanship.
Brad Beyers grossed everyone out when he put out a 350,450 degrees Fahrenheit flame out of mouth and put a hook up his nose and carried Nick and his wife on a wagon. While Howie said that Brad put him on the edge of his seat, Mel B was disgusted. Meanwhile, Alexandr Magala delivered a stunning sword-swallowing danger drop act that had Howard declaring him “Crazy” and Heidi: “Nutty.”
New Orleans standout Sam Johnson stepped it up a notch, as he dedicated his act to improving his son’s future. He poured gasoline onto his body and lite his hat on fire. Unfortunately, he burnt himself in the process. Mel B called it “Ridiculous” and Howard asked “How many danger acts they can put through?” Johnson was not the only one to mess up, Chicago standout Red Panda dropped a plate during her act but managed to recover after successfully balancing five bowls on her head.
Howard’s favorite category, the Musical Groups, were the next acts to take the stage. Despite getting a new member at the last-minute, Tenor trio Forte delivered an outstanding cover of “The Prayer” that would have impressed both Andrea Bocelli and Jonathan of Jonathan and Charlotte plus would had received a standing ovation.
However, the biggest competition of the band rounds belonged to the battle between Boca Raton’s Brandon and Savannah and the American Hitmen.
Brandon and Savannah performed an intriguing cover of Of Monsters & Men’s “Little Talks” which was actually better the original. Meanwhile, the Military Veterans delivered an incredible cover of “the House of Rising Sun” that would have made the Zeppelin guys proud.
The Children’s Variety Acts were up next. 2Unique brought the house down with a cover of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA” while Lil Demon breakdanced to Pitbull’s “Don’t Stop the Party.” But, the biggest battle of the night in the children’s variety acts were the second round battle between the ballroom siblings (or the Mini-Schwimmers versus the Mini-Houghs). While D’Angelo and Amanda shined with a perfect routine to “Moves Like Jagger,” an accidental drop made by Ruby and Jonas confused the judges and D’Angelo’s sister broke down only to receive a hug from Mel B.
The Comedians were the next group to face the judges. While there were some comedians that floundered with the judges, others like Taylor Williamson and John Wing, Jr. were able to shine and connect with them. Dance acts were also among the acts to feel the heat. Art Spark and Hype divided the judges, while soloists Dancin’ Dylan and Kid the Wiz battled each other in their solo rounds.
For the first time in the series’ history, the Acrobats had their own category! While the first few acts failed to impress the judges and the audience at home, only two acts delivered on Planet Hollywood stage. Timber Brown showed off his Texas heritage while showing acrobatic tricks on a high bar. Meanwhile, the KriStef Brothers showed off amazing feats of strength. While, Howie questioned the duo in fusing comedy into the act, the duo said that it wanted to entertain the crowd. Howard agreed with their decision.
All the female singers dealt with stress of the Vegas Round. New Orleans auditionee DeAnna DellaCioppa faced technical difficulties, while Skilyr Hicks delivered a shaky vocal performance. However, two girls, Selena Gordon and Cami Bradley, stepped up to the plate and delivered outstanding covers of “A Broken Wing” and “Summertime” respectfully. DeAnna took the stage one final time and closed the show with a high octave vocal that divided the judges.
Tomorrow night, the remaining acts continue to perform for the judges and the results…are..revealed!
