17Episode #4.17
The third batch of 12 quarterfinalists squared off Tuesday night on "America's Got Talent."So far, 10 semifinalists have been chosen, and this week would result in another five getting their semifinal tickets punched.Host Nick Cannon first addressed last week's controversial decision in which David Hasselhoff and Sharon Osbourne picked a Frisbee-catching dog act over soulful singer Charles DeWayne, who Piers Morgan preferred. Sharon defended her choice, saying the show is about variety and that a singer in this show has to be "brilliant" because "Talent" is more than a singing show.FootworKINGz: The Chicago-based dance crew came out with glow-in-the-dark sneakers on that highlighted just how perfectly synced they were with one another. Piers said he couldn't decide if they were "one of the best" dance acts the show's had, or "the best." Sharon loved it all. Hasselhoff said it was "Hoff the charts" and wondered how they would top it next week. Nick noted that one of the dancers hurt himself in the previous night's rehearsal, but he appeared to be fine for the live performance.Marcus Terrell (and the Serenades?): Singer Marcus Terrell was told in the previous round of the competition that his backup singers were keeping him from moving on into the quarterfinals. The judges had given him the green light alone, but Marcus went and found three new backup singers, including one that showed up two nights earlier. Sharon said Marcus was "fabulous," and said Marcus was the kind of different and special singer the competition needed. The Hoff said they were right to have Marcus fire his other backup singers and said they could go on to "Vegas and more." Piers said it was big pressure for Marcus on a night when he could either sink or swim, and "boy, did you swim."Pixie Mystere: Gymnastics and contortion specialists Pixie Mystere lit up the stage with their high-energy choreography and flips and big finish that included one of the young girls flipping over another. The Hoff asked them "how do you feel about going to school in Las Vegas?" Piers said he was disappointed he hadn't hit his buzzer once through three acts. He said he enjoyed that the girls came back and gave a strong routine. Sharon said "Pixie power" is magic. She said they delivered a "total package."Jay Mattioli: One of the acts that was originally cut, magician Jay Mattioli received a second chance at the quarterfinals and said he wanted to make the most of it. Piers buzzed Jay just over halfway through, and Sharon gave a second buzzer a second before Jay made a fluffy dog appear inside a box. Piers said he'd seen it all before, "it's what we call end of the pier stuff in Britain." Sharon agreed, saying "it's the same old, same old that we've seen forever." The Hoff said he wasn't sure if it was big enough for Vegas, but "good job."Bri: Keyboardist and singer Bri, 17, said she dreamed of being in a big show in her hometown of Las Vegas. This was her chance. Sitting at a grand piano, she started a slowed down version of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" before picking up the tempo halfway in and giving a big, running finish. Sharon said it was brave of Bri to take on such a song and make it her own, and she succeeded. The Hoff liked that she made it her own and said "it all worked for me." Piers said not much excites him these days, but her act excited him. He said her unique style was on par with some of today's bigger pop acts and "you have got exactly the right package for the right time."U4IA Dance Crew: Another second-chance act, the U4IA Dance Crew vowed to bring something bigger and different for the quarterfinals. The Hoff said he loved it, "I don't know why." Piers called out one of the dancers and said she was scary "in a great way." He said they were the first wild-card act that he was really pleased to have seen. He added that the dancing this season has been "unbelievable." Sharon said she loved the routine, but she wasn't sure if they were the best dancers, "technically," that she's seen.Dave Johnson: Loan officer turned "David Hasselhoff song guy" from the audition round Dave Johnson took a chance to bring something different to the stage. Dave said this was his second time performing in front of more than 20 people, and it didn't last long. Piers and Sharon buzzed him not too long into his ode to "The Golden Girls," and The Hoff followed a little later to kill Dave's performance. "I guess the judges don't like 'The Golden Girls,'" Nick Cannon said. Piers said he didn't get it, "it just wasn't funny." Sharon said "it's just not my thing." The Hoff said "it's just not going to make it to the next round."Hairo Torres: Breakdancer and contortionist Hairo Torres wanted to prove that a single dancer could sustain an entire show. he knew that in order to achieve that he had to prove he could do things other people couldn't. Sharon said he was unique, but she still didn't know if he could go and do it on his own. The Hoff said Hairo was "the weirdest dancer" he'd ever seen. Piers agree, "you are a bit strange," but "you are also very entertaining and the crowd loved you tonight." Piers told him to think about the choreography and how he would adjust it for a 90-minute show in Las Vegas.G-Force: The three sisters wanted to show the world they "could be the girl version of The Jonas Brothers." Just over halfway into their rendition of Katy Perry's "Hot n Cold," Piers buzzed them. "What type of ogre buzzes three little girls?" Nick wondered. The Hoff said they were always his favorite from the beginning. He admitted they "were off a little bit on the vocals," but they have a major career ahead of them. Piers said he loved them, the guitar playing and the drumming, and agreed that the singing was way off. Sharon also agreed, saying their audition was better than this performance.Jeffrey Ou: The teenage pianist said he was going to come alive on stage, and he did. After opening his performance with some classical piano, he jumped into "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," but it included a bit of a technical problem because the sound went out on his piano. The Hoff said he couldn't really comment on the piano because he couldn't hear it, but he noted that Jeffrey didn't need the dancers he used. Piers said he thought it was good that Jeffrey took himself out of his comfort zone. Nick explained that one of Jeffrey's dancers actually kicked the cable out of his piano. Sharon said she preferred Jeffrey's "Mad Professor" vibe from earlier in the competition.Mario & Jenny: The daredevil fire act cranked up the heat with a dramatic and dangerous routine that included guitars and more ablaze. Sharon said she loved it. The Hoff said "every time you come, you come to play." He said they were even better Tuesday night than they'd been before. Piers said it was a very tough night to vote and called it "as near to a Vegas act as we've seen."Lawrence Beamen: The deep-voiced singer who wowed the judges in the audition round came back to prove it was no fluke. Sharon said Lawrence's voice was "smooth like velvet." The Hoff said he felt sorry for everyone else in the competition because if Lawrence kept singing like that he could win the competition. Piers said Lawrence was the best of the night and called him "a rare talent" and "the new Barry White." He said Lawrence was "the nearest thing to a guaranteed, nailed-down star we have produced on this show for a very long time."
18Episode #4.18
For the third time this season, five acts Wednesday on "America's Got Talent" moved into the semifinals.First, a recap of the previous night's action: Piers Morgan made another little girl cry, a triple-buzzed contestant (Dave Johnson) called the judges old and Piers thought they discovered the next Barry White.To the results: Host Nick Cannon quickly called out the first two contestants to the middle of the stage. The first two: Singer-keyboardist Bri and pianist Jeffrey Ou. The judges loved Bri, but Jeffrey suffered from technical issues that stopped his piano from being heard halfway through his performance. After America's vote, the act moving into the semifinals was Jeffrey Ou. The judges looked shocked at the result as Bri went over to give Jeffrey a big hug. Sharon, whose hand was over her mouth, said, "There have been very few times in my life when I have been lost for words. I'm lost for words."Be our guests: "High School Musical" star turned pop singer Ashley Tisdale stopped by to perform her new song "It's Alright, It's OK." Later in the show, "American Idol" veteran rocker Daughtry hit the stage to perform the new single "No Surprise."Back to the results: Nick next called magician Jay Mattioli, questionably humorous singer Dave Johnson, and deep-voiced singer Lawrence Beamen. The first of the three to be eliminated was Dave Johnson. That meant it was down to Jay Mattioli and judges' favorite Lawrence Beamen. The act moving into the semifinals was Lawrence Beamen.Up next were singer Marcus Terrell & the (New) Serenades and daredevil duo Mario & Jenny. The act moving a step closer to the million-dollar prize was Mario & Jenny.The next acts called to the stage were U4IA Dance Crew, little girl rockers G-Force and breakdancer/contortionist Hairo Torres. Only one of them would go through to the next round. The first act to be eliminated from the group was G-Force. The act moving into the next round was Hairo Torres.With just two acts left, the judges would have to decide between dance groups Pixie Mystere and FootworKINGz. Sharon said she loved the Pixies, but "you're still children, you're not even teenagers yet." She said they had more opportunities to come in their lives, but today belonged to FootworKINGz. Piers said he was debating between one of the best young dance groups against one of the best adult dance groups he's seen. He said he had to go with the act he believed genuinely had the best chance of winning, "and that, I believe, is the FootworKINGz." Two votes was enough to send FootworKINGz to the semifinals, but The Hoff agreed that he would also have voted for them to give them the unanimous nod.
19Episode #4.19
The final set of 12 quarterfinalists on "America's Got Talent" took to the stage on Tuesday in the hopes of winning the nation's vote and moving into the Top 20 acts with a shot at winning $1 million and a show in Las Vegas.Ishaara: the modern-day Bollywood dance group from Berkeley said they practiced in a parking garage because they had no studio in which to rehearse. They turned in a high energy routine that had the crowd and the judges jumping for joy. Piers called it a "wonderful way to start the show." He said they had a freshness about them that he loved. Sharon said dance groups have to be different and that they stood apart "from every other dance act that we've had so far on this show." The Hoff maintained his streak of adding "Hoff" or "Watch" to everything, calling the group "Bollywatch." He then called them the best dance act of the season.Barbara Padilla: The opera singer who overcame cancer to make it to the audition had her chance to shine on the big stage. She said she wanted to be a good example to her daughter, who was adopted because Barbara's cancer treatment left her unable to conceive. She brought the crowd and the judges to their feet with a strong and lengthy final note on her operatic number. Sharon said "it was so perfect -- everything from the performance to the way you look." She called Barbara a star. The Hoff said there is a saying, "You are exactly where you are supposed to be in life," and then repeated it three times. Piers simply said, "Look at you." He went on to explain that she is virtually the reason the show exists, having comes from her background and making it to the quarterfinals. He then said he didn't see anyone beating her this night.Pam Martin's Top Dogs: Dog trainer Pam Martin faced a big challenge. Piers, who was already upset that one dog act made it into the semifinals, said he would show no mercy with the buzzer. Pam made it through the routine with another dog, Spy -- the brother of Biba, the dog with whom she auditioned. The Hoff said Pam definitely had a place in Vegas. Piers said he was sure he was going to buzz her and he didn't because Spy didn't make a single mistake. Sharon loved it all and said, I've got 16 dogs at home. The only thing my dogs can do -- pee on my silk curtains."African High Flyers: The Kenyan group of aerial acrobats said they used to work for tips. Now, they were promising to bring some special for the quarterfinals in order to make it to the next round. Just past halfway through, Piers buzzed them for no clear reason. He quickly explained that earlier he thought he could listen to Barbara Padilla sing for an hour, "quite happily." He said she "raised the bar so high that everybody comes after her has got to be at that level." Sharon agreed, saying the group had great energy and enthusiasm, but doubted whether they added enough to the act to move on. The Hoff said, "I don't know what they were watching, but I loved you."Mia Boostrom: The teenage singer was looking to prove she deserved a shot despite having felt in the past that she was passed over because she doesn't possess a classically desirable figure. She gave her rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Sharon said, "Who knew?" She said it was a huge song and Mia delivered. The Hoff was impressed at what Mia had become since failing to make it beyond the Las Vegas round on the show last season. Piers said it was lovely to see her again and he loved a fighter and a comeback story. But he said he thought she missed some notes. "It was a good performance," but said he didn't rate her above Kevin Skinner, Lawrence Beamen or Barbara Padilla. Mia's response: "We're all different."Erik and Rickie: The pint-sized ballroom dancers started dancing when they were 4 and they were now 8 and 9. "Erik is my best friend that's not a girl and we do not want to be boyfriend and girlfriend," Rickie explained. The little dancers offered up a paso doble that might have made Len Goodman proud. The Hoff and Sharon stood up in applause. David said they were an inspiration for all the kids in America. He added that he loved the choreography and the attitude. Piers asked if Erik had secret practice behind Rickie's back, because she was better than him in the first audition, "but tonight, you were the man." He went on to say the act was "one of the most charming we've ever seen." Sharon said Erik was "a true matador," and acknowledged that there's ballroom fever around the world and she hoped those dance fans would vote.Coney Island Chris: The trickster who goes by the name "Coney Island Chris" became known as the guy who ate a light bulb in the audition round. He said he prepared an act that was shocking -- saying he was risking everything, including his life, to drop jaws this time. In a definite bit of "don't try this at home" entertainment, he spilled gasoline all over the place and played with fire while trying to crack jokes. Piers and Sharon both buzzed him fairly quickly, but it took The Hoff a little longer. He gave the third "X" after Chris lit his butt cheek on fire. Piers said Chris committed the cardinal sin -- he wasn't funny, "and it was horrifically bad." Sharon said "you could hear a pin drop" when the act was finished. The Hoff said he was hoping Chris would set himself on fire.Matt & Anthony: The quirky acoustic-guitar-and-tap-dancing duo set out to take their college dorm room hijinks to Vegas. With backup dancers, smoke and a moving set on which they climbed and tapped, Matt & Anthony impressed the crowd. Piers wasn't so impressed, buzzing them about halfway through. Sharon said she loved the two guys, but there was something she didn't quite get about the combination. The Hoff said the combination works and called it exciting. "It was just a little bit off in some places," but he thought they did very well. Piers said Sharon and The Hoff were struggling to say what he was the only one was brave enough to say: "You're a great dancer, you're not a very good singer," talking to Matt, then Anthony. He said the singing was dragging down the dancing. The crowd booed.The Lollipop Girls: After first being eliminated, The Lollipop Girls were amazed to be able to return and perform for America. Piers said he thought The Hoff would go into a great depression if the group didn't make it to the next round. One of the girls said it was "all about the tease" this time around. The classic burlesque routine remained within the FCC's limits, despite Nick Cannon's suggestion that they were "throwing (their) drawers all over the place." The Hoff said they were terrific and said "Las Vegas needs an act like this." Piers said, "I could watch that for a long time." He said he wasn't sure about them before, but now he's certain. Sharon applauded them, saying, "It's so much fun, what you do." She noted the Pussycat Dolls had been in Vegas for a long time, and followed with "Vegas for you."Drew Stevyns: Another act who got a second chance at the quarterfinals, Drew Stevyns said he needed the competition and it could be the break he was waiting for his whole life. Piers went into the act wondering whether Drew had the vocal chops to keep up with the rest of the singers in the competition. He gave a decent rendition of The Fray's "How to Save a Life." Piers said he didn't think Drew was the best singer in the competition, but what he saw was "desire and hunger," which is what he really liked. Sharon loved Drew's song choice, saying it fit his voice. She said Drew surprised her and she was glad they brought him back. She also said she hoped people would vote for him. The Hoff said he was impressed and noted that when he heard the performance during rehearsals he thought it was the guest act of the week, not just another contestant.Recycled Percussion: The group of drummers known for hitting plastic buckets, as Sharon put it, had to bring something bigger in the quarterfinals if they wanted to make it to the next stage. They vowed to "blow the roof off this place." With flames and sparks flying all over, they wowed the crowd with a version of "Ballroom Blitz." Sharon said they listened to the advice the judges gave them and applauded them for that. She was amazed at how far they'd come since the first audition. The Hoff, who stood in ovation, said he just wanted to go bang on things and said they "came back awesome tonight." Piers said he could not believe what he was watching. "Every single part of that was 20 times better than your audition," he said, "and now we've got to ask ourselves one thing: Can a load of trash win 'America's Got Talent'? I think it can."The Eriam Sisters: The singing trio of siblings brought a bigger routine to the stage. For the first, they were using background dancers and other added elements to their show. They gave a harmonized version of Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" that was reminiscent of Destiny's Child. The Hoff said their talent really lies in their voices. "The dancing's OK, but the singing really knocks me out." Piers said he liked the dancing, calling it "cheeky." Piers said they were the future and called them the next Destiny's Child. Sharon said she didn't think the other judges realized how hard it is to sing and dance at the same time. She said she hoped people would vote for them.
20Episode #4.20
The Top 20 was finalized Wednesday night on "America's Got Talent," as the last of the quarterfinalists learned whether they would be advancing to the semifinals and continue on the path toward the $1 million grand prize.Tuesday's highlights: A guy lit his butt on fire, Piers said an opera singer changed the game and Sharon said her 16 dogs pee on her silk curtains.To the results: Host Nick Cannon first called singer Drew Stevyns and The Eriam Sisters to the stage. Drew, the dark horse who won over the judges on Tuesday, was put through to the semifinals.Nick went over to The Eriam Sisters for their reaction and they were gracious, calling the experience "unbelievable" and wishing everyone else in the competition good luck. "You're so nice, America loves you guys," Nick said. "And, you know what? America loves you guys so much, guess what? You're going through, too!"The new host pulled of the bait and switch so well, even Piers Morgan smiled and gave him credit for the "mean trick."After a behind-the-scenes package about the making of a performance show, Nick asked the Africa High Flyers, Pam Martin's Top Dogs and Coney Island Chris to the stage. Was there a chance none of these acts would continue?"America has voted," Nick said, giving a dramatic pause before finishing, "you all are out."Nick called Recycled Percussion, Matt & Anthony, and Ishaara to the stage. He told them only one would go through before announcing that the next act out of the competition was Matt & Anthony. That brought it down to Recycled Percussion and Bollywood dancers Ishaara. The third spot in the semifinals went to Recycled Percussion.Be our guest: Country superstar Reba McEntire paid a visit to the "Talent" stage to perform her new song, "Consider Me Gone." Her new album, "Keep On Loving You," hit No. 1 on the charts Wednesday, Nick said.Back to the results: Nick brought the Lollipop Girls, Mia Boostrom, Barbara Padilla and Erik & Rickie to the stage. The four acts vied for just two remaining spots in the semifinals.The next act to go home was The Lollipop Girls.Nick then let one more act into the semifinals, announcing that Barbara Padilla was moving on.Mia Boostrom and Erik & Rickie stood across the stage from each other. Having places fifth and sixth in the voting, the judges would decide who was moving on and who was going home.The Hoff was the first judge to speak. He said Erik & Rickie were incredible dancers, but they were really, really young. He then said that Mia was great, but there were better singers in the competition. "For this competition, alone," The Hoff said, "my choice tonight is ... Erik & Rickie."Sharon said Erik & Rickie brought something special to the stage, but she said she knew how badly Mia wanted it. Her vote went to Mia.Piers said, "If you're asked me last night, I would've said Erik & Rickie." He said he wasn't very impressed with Mia's performance, but then after watching on TV later, he was "a bit more impressed" than he was when he heard it live. Piers said Erik & Rickie were "very charming" and there were some great dance acts in the competition. After saying he knew how much it meant to Mia, who came back after being booted last season, he chose Erik & Rickie.The Top 20: After weeks of auditions, the Las Vegas round and four weeks of quarterfinals, here is a look at the Top 20 semifinalists in the fourth season of "America's Got Talent":The first 10 will perform next week in the first round of the semifinals:Acrodunk, high-flying dunking crewArcadian Broad, teenage dancerDrew Thomas Magic, magic groupFab Five, clogging sistersGrandma Lee, comedianKevin Skinner, country croonerParadizo Dance, odd-sized, husband-and-wife dance actThe Voices of Glory, sibling singing actThe Texas Tenors, singersTony Hoard & Rory, Frisbee-catching dog actAnd the remaining 10 will perform the following week:Barbara Padilla, opera singerDrew Stevyns, singer/guitaristEriam Sisters, young sister singing actErik & Rickie, 8- and 9-year-old ballroom dancersFootworKINGz, dance crewHairo Torres, breakdancer/contortionistJeffrey Ou, pianistLawrence Beamen, deep-voiced singerMario & Jenny, daredevil juggling actRecycled Percussion, drumming group
21Episode #4.21
After several weeks of auditions and quarterfinal performances for America's votes, the semifinals arrived Tuesday night on "America's Got Talent." The final 20 acts would perform, 10 at a time, over the next two weeks to try stay in the running for the show's $1 million grand prize and a show in Las Vegas.Judge Piers Morgan called it "the biggest night of their lives" and said he wanted "to see how far they've come" and "are they worth $1 million?" Sharon Osbourne said she wanted to see personalities, noting, "we know they've got talent, that's why they're here. But I want to see more of them, get a sense of what they're about." David Hasselhoff said he was "Hoff-static," to which the crowd reacted with silence.After a behind-the-scenes look at the pressure-filled preparations for the semis, it was time to get to the performances.Acrodunk: The high-flying dunkers were "risking it all" to make it to the finals, with an act that was going to include jumping through a loop that was set aflame and dunking into a hoop that was also on fire. They nailed it, bringing the crowd to their feet. Piers called it "absolutely unbelievable." "That has to be one of the most thrilling, exciting, dynamic, dangerous, entertaining things I've ever seen on this show. Amazing." Sharon praised them for adding different elements and said, "You make the Harlem Globetrotters look like..." before stopping herself and saying, "forget it; it's all about Acrodunk." The Hoff said "dreams do come true and you guys are on your way."The Texas Tenors: The singing trio from Houston has only been together for a few months, but excited the crowd with their rendition of "Unchained Melody." Taking The Hoff's advice, they went with a ballad. Did it work? Sharon singled out the blond guy named Marcus and said it was amazing, but then she praised the whole group. The Hoff said he could see that billboard in Las Vegas with a picture of the three cowboys. Then he called them a front-runner to win the whole competition. Piers chided them for coming back with "the cheesiest pop song ever written" and singing it "in the cheesiest possible way," immediately after he told them to be less cheesy. But then he called it "brilliant."Paradizo Dance: The husband-and-wife dancing duo that has dazzled the crowd and the judges with their unlikely lifts and acrobatics tried to prove that their act was worth $1 million. Sharon enjoyed their more light-hearted approach, which she called "cute," before saying she preferred their more romantic side. The Hoff agreed, but said he really hoped America would vote them back. Piers said he was a bit disappointed that they didn't include more of "impossible," which is their signature move of the small wife lifting her burly husband.Drew Thomas Magic: The illusionist who floored the judges with his quarterfinal performance opened up about having spent the summer with his daughter because of a shared-custody agreement with her mother. He said he put everything he had into his next act, which he said would feature more personality. Set to the tune of a sappy song, it incorporate his daughter through a storyline about how he missed her. Piers, who buzzed Drew, said he "hated it." He thought the music was too slow and the performance put him to sleep. He also criticized Drew for repeating the trick with his assistants disappearing, which made Piers think Drew was "a one-trick pony." Piers' words made his daughter, Olivia, cry. Sharon told Drew it was fabulous. The Hoff praised Drew for bringing his daughter into it and said a Vegas show needs a change of pace like this performance.Tony Hoard & Rory: The Frisbee-catching dog slipped into the semifinals thanks to Sharon's vote. Piers was still upset that the act made it, saying in the preview piece that "these two should not be in the semifinals." Tony said he lost his factory job of 24 years because he used up all of his vacation time to be on the show. Despite Piers' extreme objection, the act made it through without dropping a Frisbee and without getting buzzed. Sharon said "Rory delivered tonight" and had some choice words for the guy who laid Tony off and said "the karma truck will be parked outside his house." The Hoff said Tony "really stepped it up and made it Vegas-worthy." Piers smiled and noted that he didn't buzz Tony. "The dog went back to what it did in the first place, which was not drop any Frisbees." Piers also said it was "miles better" than the last performance.The Voices of Glory: The singing trio of siblings who perform in honor of their mother, who was seriously injured in a drunk-driving accident. The two older brothers opened up the number so that their little sister could make a grand entrance on "Anytime You Need a Friend." The Hoff said the group just brings the world together. Piers said he really liked what they stand for, "it's a very impressive thing to see in young people." He said they've got talent, but again pointed out that the little sister was the star. Sharon said, "the next time I see you guys, it will be in the final."The Fab Five: The five adult sisters from Utah who pulled their act back together after moving apart and starting their own families. They got emotional when talking about the fact that their father would be in the audience for the first time. They turned in another mesmerizing performance with intense and fast-paced footwork. Piers said it's easy to forget how extremely difficult their type of performance is, but he would have liked to have seen a bit of a change of pace. Sharon said she loved that they keep delivering the high energy. The Hoff said they were "better every time."Grandma Lee: The acerbic comedian opened up about living on her own since her husband died, and the fact that he'd only had the chance to see her perform once. She revisited some familiar territory with jokes about hooking up with Piers and The Hoff. Sharon said she loved Grandma Lee and that she hoped America got it. The Hoff said, "Most comedians who come on this stage are just not funny," and said Grandma Lee was funny, regardless of age. Piers said Grandma Lee's deceased husband would be proud of her and that she deserves to be in the finals.Arcadian Broad: The 14-year-old dancing phenom decided to take a chance by bringing a partner into the routine. He took on a basketball theme with a group of dancers behind him and the partner showing up about halfway through. The Hoff loved the presentation. Piers said there was no doubt Arcadian was a very talented young man. He said he wondered whether Arcadian was good enough to get into the final given the high standard that had been set. "The answer to that question is 'No, you're not.'" He said the show had come to another level. Arcadian jumped in to defend himself, taking a bit of a shot at the producers, saying they gave him the music from "High School Musical," which he did not want to do. Piers said the routine wasn't the issue, but Arcadian just didn't have the chops to keep up with the competition. Sharon defended the boy, saying "it is a tough competition, but you're doing a great job." Host Nick Cannon mentioned, almost in passing to clearly addressing Arcadian's quip about the producers, "the acts do have a final say on what they do and they perform" before calling out Arcadian's phone numbers.Kevin Skinner: The country singer Piers called the man to beat in the competition was overcome with emotion when talking about the support he was receiving back home. He said he was going to perform his father's favorite song. "I really wish he could be here to see me do it, but he's not well enough to travel," Kevin said. "But he'll be watching from home, and I know he'll be proud." He captivated the crowd with his version of Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind." The crowd roared and Piers gave a standing ovation. Piers said he nearly had tears in his eyes. "After that, you are my favorite to win this whole competition," Piers said. Sharon told Kevin to smile, "because you'll be coming back." The Hoff said Kevin had come a long way in the course of the competition.
22Episode #4.22
The first performances from the semifinals were done Tuesday night, which meant Wednesday was when the results would be announced, letting viewers know the first four acts that would return for the final and compete for the $1 million grand prize on "America's Got Talent."Highlights from Tuesday night: Piers Morgan made another little girl cry, and she wasn't even a contestant (it was magician Drew Thomas' daughter); David Hasselhoff pictured three cowboy singers on a billboard in Las Vegas; Piers was nice to a dog and gave a 75-year-old woman permission to get in his shorts anytime.To the results: Host Nick Cannon first asked dancer Arcadian Broad, The Texas Tenors, and Drew Thomas Magic to come to center stage. The first of the threesome to go home was Drew Thomas Magic.That left Arcadian Broad and The Texas Tenors waiting to see which of them would get a spot in the finals. It was The Texas Tenors. The Hoff said, "America made the right choice!"Be our guests: The Muppets visited, with Kermit and Miss Piggy offering up a bit of "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart." The Hoff took the stage later, to remind folks outside of Germany that he's also a singer. He performed a cabaret-style rendition of "Feelin' Good."Back to the results: Next to center stage were Grandma Lee, Tony Hoard & Rory, and Paradizo Dance. The first to go home was Paradizo Dance, and with the crowd chanting "Grandma Lee! Grandma Lee!" the 75-year-old comedian's dream of winning the whole thing was kept alive.With two spots left in the finals, Nick brought the remaining four acts to the stage: singer Kevin Skinner, high-flying dunkers Acrodunk, singers Voices of Glory, and the clogging sisters The Fab Five.The first of the four acts to get a spot in the finals was Kevin Skinner.The next act to go home was -- insert long, dramatic pause here -- Acrodunk. Piers shook his head as the result was announced.That left The Fab Five and The Voices of Glory in the middle of the stage, and the decision on which act would continue rested in the hands of the judges.Sharon was asked to speak first. She said Voices of Glory has contributed "so much" to the show and haven't even shown their best yet. The Fab Five, she said, were also terrific. Then, she refused to give an answer and passed it over to The Hoff.He asked both of the groups not to look at him and he struggled to say anything before passing it to Piers.Piers hemmed and hawed himself, suggesting they might just send both acts home -- which any keen viewer should've known meant they were going to send them both into the finals. And that's exactly what they did.
23Episode #4.23
The second batch of semifinalists took to the "America's Got Talent" on Tuesday to prove to the judges and to America that they have what it takes to remain in the running for the show's $1 million grand prize.Judge Piers Morgan defended the judges' decision last week to take five semifinalists into the finals instead of just four. He said all five acts deserved to advance to the next round, and that's why the judges made the twist.The Hoff promised he wouldn't use the word "Hoff" anymore, but then said he was "Hoff-ully excited" and that when the finals come around next week, the show will be "Hoff and running."Recycled Percussion: the garbage-can bashing drummers who floored the judges with their quarterfinal performance set out to prove it wasn't a fluke. They wanted to show the judges something they hadn't seen before, and came out beating on an old van and anything else they could find. Piers said there were moments where he couldn't tell whether they were "incredibly talented or just completely mad." He called it inventive and said it was full of showmanship and entertainment. Sharon agreed, and pointed out that one of them was "very ripped." The Hoff said it was a great act and that every week they came back with something different.Lawrence Beamen: The man the judges have called a new Barry White had another chance to prove himself. He opened up about being raised in an extremely strict "religious group," and that he left at age 16. He gave his deep-voiced rendition of Alicia Keys' "Fallin'." Sharon said she loved his voice, but she could have done without some of the "vocal acrobatics." The Hoff said he loved the choice. Piers noted that he loves Lawrence, but he didn't really like that performance. Piers said he still saw Lawrence as the new Barry White, and that seeing him as Alicia Keys didn't quite work.Erik & Rickie: Pre-adolescent ballroom dancers Erik and Rickie said they were working "extra, super duper hard" on their semifinal routine in an effort to keep their million-dollar dream alive. Playing a couple of toy-store dolls that came to life, they danced to Michael Jackson's "Black or White." Piers buzzed them just over halfway through, but they held it together to the end. The Hoff spoke first and said the little pair could have their own Disneyland. He said they could do Vegas. Piers, who was booed, said his buzz wasn't personal. He just didn't like putting their style of dance to pop music. He said it was like having "deep-fried custard," because it was two things that are good on their own, but didn't work together. Sharon said she liked it and said it's common for ballroom dance to be done to current, popular music.Jeffrey Ou: The mad teenage pianist who suffered from technical difficulties in the quarterfinals made it through nonetheless. He knew the semifinal performance was his chance to prove to America that he deserved to be there. Jeffrey hit the stage sporting a wild, vertical hairdo. A light show moved in time to his fast keystrokes on the piano. It didn't take Piers long to buzz Jeffrey. Piers was booed and said the performance was a bit like Jeffrey's hair, "completely out of control." Sharon thought Jeffrey looked fantastic, but said "the playing was pretty out there." The Hoff said he didn't know what Hungarian Rhapsody was, after Jeffrey said that was the name of the piece he played. "It sounded more like beef stroganoff to me," Hoff said.Hairo Torres: Breakdancer and contortionist Hairo Torres said his hero was his mom. She said she was so proud of her son, who was living his dream of dancing, which was a dream she shared as a teenager. Hairo suffered a back injury in his final rehearsal, but his routine was filled with his patented, back-breaking moves. Sharon noted that Hairo added a lot of new steps and said she hoped America would vote to bring him back. The Hoff said the guy next to him was "laughing hysterically," and that it was because his dancing was entertaining. Piers said he realized the reason he liked Hairo was because Hairo dances just like Piers does.The EriAm Sisters: The singing sibling trio struggling with song choice for this week's performance, but were confident in their choice. They settled on David Archuleta's "When You Believe," which gave them a chance to work out some harmonies. Did it work? Piers said it was a "very shaky start" and said they were very flat at first. He said they then got their confidence and it became a really good performance. Sharon agreed that in the beginning they were trying to be three lead vocalists instead of working as a unit, but it "definitely came through in the end." The Hoff added that the sisters' spirit was great and they just make him smile when they're on stage.Mario & Jenny: The daredevil, husband-and-wife juggling act of Mario and Jenny said they hoped this was their time to shine. Mario said he came from a long line of performers and Jenny was a dancer who was tired of constant rejection. The routine was a bit of a mess, with Mario doing an aggressive tap dance and banging on some drums while Jenny worked a pole dance. Piers said it didn't work for him and "I thought you blew it, big time." He said he loved the illusion and danger of their act in the past. Sharon said it showed they weren't one-dimensional, which would work in Vegas. The Hoff said there was "a lot going on" and he thought it was entertaining. He disagreed with Piers, saying they were ready for Vegas and they could hold a show together.Drew Stevyns: The singer-guitarist who slipped through the quarterfinal round said he'd always wanted to play music rather than follow a more traditional career to please his family. He gave a rocked-up rendition of Wham's "Careless Whisper," in the style of the band Seether, which released a version of the song earlier this year. Sharon said Drew made the song his own, even though she didn't like it. She said she hoped America would vote him in. The Hoff said he admired Drew and compared him to Daughtry, saying that kind of music turns him on. Piers said it was a "massive gamble" to do "Careless Whisper," and he thought it paid off.FootworKINGz: The street dance crew from Chicago wanted to show the voters of America that they made the right decision in keeping the dancers around. They showed off their quick footwork to a Power Rangers theme song. Piers buzzed them before too long, and Sharon followed shortly afterward. The Hoff told the crew they'd come a long way, but some of the lasers and other antics got in the way. Piers called the performance "career suicide," saying they were the best dance crew he'd seen in years, but they went with a Power Rangers theme and were joke fighting -- moving too far away from what was at their heart. Sharon said they do the same dance moves in difference costumes. "You've got to stop doing that Russian Cossack move -- we've seen it," she said.Barbara Padilla: Cancer survivor and opera singer said she'd received messages from cancer survivors and became emotional when talking about how she gave some of them a reason to fight. She entranced the crowd with an engaging performance of "Ave Maria," and the judges responded with a standing ovation, along with the audience. Piers said, "Wow. Wow, wow, wow." He said "the whole of America is going to remember where they were when they heard you sing that song," and added that "tonight, a superstar was born on this show." Sharon said it doesn't matter was one's musical tastes are, because music goes beyond language. "I bow down to you," Sharon said, literally standing and bowing. The Hoff said, "They say that God has a plan for all of us," and continued to say that God had a plan for Barbara. He said she gave "a blessed performance tonight."
24Episode #4.24
As the last set of finalists on "America's Got Talent" were announced on Wednesday, host Nick Cannon noted that the precedent set by the judges last week -- in which they did away with the judges' choice and sent the fourth and fifth top semifinalists through to the next round -- would continue for a second consecutive week. That meant the finals would be a made up of a Top 10, rather than the originally planned Top 8.Highlights from Tuesday: Piers said he didn't like Lawrence Beamen's audition, and he buzzed 8- and 9-year-old kids. He also made fun of a teenage boy's hair and praised a guy for singing a Wham song. He also told his once-favorite dance crew that they committed "career suicide," and the judges gave a standing ovation to an opera singer.To the results: Nick first called FootworKINGz and break dancer and contortionist Hairo Torres to center stage. The act moving on to the finals for a shot at $1 million was Hairo Torres.Behind-the-scenes with the judges: For the first time in the show's history, the judges' interactions during the commercial break last week was shown as they debated their historic move to get rid of the judges' choice and send The Voices of Glory and The Fab Five to the finals. It was interesting.Back to the results: The next two acts called to center stage were Erik & Rickie and Jeffrey Ou. After a dramatic commercial break, we learned that both acts were out.Up next were Recycled Percussion and Mario & Jenny. The act moving into the next round was Recycled Percussion.Be our guest: The cast of "Jersey Boys" paid a visit to perform a medley of songs by the Four Seasons.Back to the results: Four acts and three spots in the finals remained. Nick asked Lawrence Beamen, Drew Stevyns, The EriAm Sisters and Barbara Padilla to come to center stage.The first act moving into the finals was Barbara Padilla. She was shocked and Piers said that after watching her performance again, he thought it was "the single greatest performance I think we've ever had on 'America's Got Talent.'"Lawrence Beamen and Drew Stevyns took the last two spots in the final, leaving the EriAm Sisters out in the cold and completing the Top 10, which will square off next week for one last shot at the $1 million.
25Episode #4.25
"It began three months ago," host Nick Cannon announced Monday night as the "America's Got Talent" finale week kicked off with the Top 10 acts performing for the nation's vote.Six singing acts, including Kevin Skinner, The Texas Tenors, The Voices of Glory, Drew Stevyns, Lawrence Beamen and Barbara Padilla, were set to face off with comedian Grandma Lee, trash can beaters Recycled Percussion, and dancers The Fab Five and Hairo Torres.One thing's for certain, the judges should have buzzed Nick on his wardrobe choice that included a jacket woven like a basket. But The Hoff was rocking a pink shirt and tie combo, so who's to judge?Judge Piers Morgan said he didn't think there was a clear favorite and that he was excited to see how it turned out on "the biggest talent show in the world." Sharon Osbourne said the performers should "just think about that million dollars," because it would make her sing, dance and tell jokes better.The Voices of Glory: The young and talented trio that performed all season in honor of their mother, who was critically injured in a drunk driving accident, decided to try a different approach. The little sister of the group, who has earned the best reviews of the bunch all season, took the lead while her brothers harmonized behind her. The judges and the crowd jumped to their feet. Piers said he'd waited the whole time for something to click and it did. Sharon agreed that "everything was perfectly in sync, it all came together." The Hoff, classin' it up as usual, said, "You not only brought your mom out of a coma, you brought Piers out of a coma." He said they "hit it out of the park. Hat trick. Slam dunk."Hairo Torres: Breakdancer and contortionist Hairo Torres talked about the emotions of being in the final, but also about the pressure of coming up with something big for the final. After using backup dancers after his first audition, Hairo did away with them symbolically and literally at the start of his routine, showing himself as a solo dancer. Sharon said he "took a really big risk" in giving such an emotional performance "and I think you did the right thing." The Hoff said Hairo "tied it all together" well. Piers said he absolutely loved Hairo as a person, but "I don't think that worked." He said it lost a lot of the fun that he loved about Hairo's performances.Lawrence Beamen: The big-voiced singer said he never imagined performing the way he has on the show. He said he was definitely feeling the pressure heading into the finals, wondering about whether he'd make the wrong decision on song choice and how he sang it. He went to Barry White, with "You're My First, My Last, My Everything." Piers once called him a new Barry White, but was his move too literal? The Hoff said he was glad to be part of Lawrence's journey and said he was leaving the show "a star." Piers said, "That is why I wanted you to sing Barry White." But he said Lawrence's rendition didn't quite have the "love" that Barry's did.Barbara Padilla: Barbara's montage recounted her cancer fight and she talked about how it gave her more than it took away. She went back to "O Mio Babbino Caro," the song she sang in her first audition, because of the door that it opened for her. She captivated the audience again. Piers said viewers at home were thinking, "She's one of us and she's living our dream, and they're all going, 'Way to go, Barbara. Way to go.'" Sharon said she couldn't believe Barbara's journey from the audition to the finale. The Hoff said Barbara was "so beautiful, you command the stage, you command our attention and our respect." He told her, "Forget Vegas, you're going to play bigger halls."The Fab Five: The five sisters from Utah who have since moved to different parts of the country talked about how they'd wanted all their lives to share a big stage. Piers said in their preview tape that he wanted to see something unique that showed a different kind of range. They said they were doing something they hadn't done since they were kids. Sharon said it was beautifully choreographed and said "you girls belong in Vegas." Hoff wondered if the girls ever stopped smiling, but then said he couldn't stop smiling watching them. Piers said it was incredible that the sisters still seemed to be best of friends. "When you dance together, it's like you're one, dancing, and it's amazing infectious."The Texas Tenors: The trio got emotional when talking about their experience and with the blond one talking about his father who'd passed away and wanted his son to pursue his dream of singing. They were prepared to go all out, Vegas-style, with a performance of "My Way." The Hoff said they had "a lot of guts" coming out and doing a Frank Sinatra song. He said they took a chance, then he said they did it their way (about three times). Piers said, again, it was cheesy and said "Vegas is cheesy, in many parts, and I think it's fabulous cheese." Sharon agreed it was "triple cheese," but she called their vocals perfect.Drew Stevyns: The dark horse singer-guitarist said it was tough to stand out among the several thousand performers earlier in the competition. He talked about going through a difficult breakup and that the response has been "amazing and overwhelming -- especially the female response." He sang The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." Piers said that as he watched Drew, he felt "very proud of the show." He said Drew gave the best performance he'd given. "This could be a night when a wild card goes the whole way," he said. Sharon said that, as a manager, if she was looking for a young guy to be a rock singer, she'd pick Drew.Grandma Lee: The 75-year-old comedian said she wouldn't have imagined in a million years that she would have made it to the finals. She said she was always a bit of a scoundrel. She shared the story of when her father died and her mother couldn't cope, so she was sent to a girls' home, which she said she loved. She vowed to pushing the grandma limits Monday night. She came out donning a pregnant belly and said, "We'll discuss this later, Mr. Morgan." Sharon said Grandma Lee got her early with a Ryan Seacrest joke and she "couldn't stop laughing." The Hoff said every time Grandma Lee came out, she was "funnier and funnier." Piers said he wanted a paternity test, "because if you win the million dollars, I want my slice of the pie."Kevin Skinner: The country singer opened up a bit about his family and said that where he comes from, it's not always easy to support your family. "Not to say I'm not proud of where I come from, either," he said. It's made him who he is, but the opportunity to change his life made him feel good. He stepped out of the country realm with Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." The Hoff mocked Kevin's accent and suggested Kevin could win it. Piers said it wasn't perfect and said he could benefit from some training, but his heart was what the show is about. Piers suggested Kevin's victory would be the best way for America to come out of the recession. Sharon said Kevin didn't have to have the greatest voice because he's unique.Recycled Percussion: The group said they have a lot of creative ideas and they were looking forward to unleashing them. The were fueled by the fact that they had gotten the judges and America to believe in them throughout the competition. Piers called their performance "an absolutely brilliant way to end a brilliant show" and added that he would put them in Vegas tomorrow. Sharon said they were so creative to come up with such different ideas and agreed that they "really do belong in Vegas." The Hoff said they were insane and made him want to drum in the shower. This is the point at which it would be best to fully explain their performance, but a comment like that should be allowed to stand on its own.
1Episode #5.1
The two-hour fifth season premiere kicks off with auditions from Los Angeles. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts -- and the $1 million prize.
2Episode #5.2
A technological performance group called ArcAttack started the second night of auditions on "America's Got Talent" in Texas and it seemed like a boring start for a moment. Sharon buzzed them after a few moments of just watching a bunch of guys stand around the stage while someone played guitar. But then a hooded man walked to the middle of the stage and began catching massive sparks of electricity that were coming from pylons on either side of the stage, and the crowd went nuts. Howie called it different and amazing and unique. Piers called it "one of the most incredible auditions I've seen in my life." Sharon said it was fabulous, but "it's all a bit too technical for me." (She seemed to feel forced into defending her early buzz at that point). Howie voted yes, Sharon said no, but Piers said yes and ArcAttack went through to Vegas.A guy calling himself "Cut Throat Freak Show" vowed to bring a shocking act on stage and said that if it were to go wrong, "I wouldn't die, but I wouldn't want to live anymore." He went on and referred to his talent as "a genital daredevil." He asked host Nick Cannon for assistance, requesting that he ignite a lighter for him. At that point, the guy pulled down his pants (making use of an "America's Got Talent" on-screen censor I hadn't seen before), and Sharon and Piers both buzzed him. Nick pleaded with Howie to buzz him, as well, but Howie wanted to see what would happen. Nick light the lighter and the "Cut Throat Freak Show" put the flame to his genitals and some firecrackers went off. "Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire!" Nick exclaimed. The judges didn't put him through.Jenna Adora Somar, 23, a singer, actress and model from San Antonio, Texas, promised to give a performance that would wow the judges. She sang Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good." Sharon and Piers agreed with that general sentiment and buzzed her. Sharon said the only thing that was missing from Jenna's act was "a pole." Piers called on the song's lyrics for his critique. Howie gave her a dollar bill, but that was all she'd be getting.A husband-and-wife team, Bert & Franny Davis, brought their "Muttley Crew," a group of mostly rescue dogs that did some fun tricks that brought smiles to the faces of the audience members and the judges. Piers said he didn't normally like dog acts, but there was "something about your mutts I quite like." He voted yes, along with Sharon. Howie was on board, as well, and put the act through to Vegas.A run of green-lit acts followed, including a '70s-inspired rock band called Le Freak, and a man named Chip Townsend who breaks stuff, and a plus-sized burlesque dancer who first got buzzed by Piers, but earned his vote after sitting on his lap -- seriously.A young guitarist and singer looking to make his dad proud took the competition by storm with his aww-shucks persona. Taylor Matthews, 18, was nervous, but pulled it together for a rendition of "Over the Rainbow." The crowd erupted when he finished and he admitted to Sharon that he was "shaking like a dog." Howie was impressed by his voice and originality, and Sharon called him "an odd little thing" -- in a good way. Piers loved it all and they put him through to the next round.Ray Sanders, a 62-year-old band director, got a chance to show his turkey-baster-playing skills, but it wasn't long before all three judges X'd him and stuffed his chances on the spot. He was followed by a string of X's.Ms. Donna, 57, who twirls flaming Samoan knives, admitted she'd half blind -- which is why they cleared out the first three rows of the audience. The judges also decided to stand back and eventually ducked behind their table when Ms. Donna started swinging a couple of knives wildly in circles. They all buzzed her, but Piers voted yes after Howie voted now. With the decision resting in her hands, Sharon voted yes just because Ms. Donna's act was crazy enough.A sixth-grade rapper named C.J. Dippa wrote and performed his own material, and danced. Piers loved it and said, "Move over Eminem." C.J. responded, "The only difference between me and Eminem is Eminem don't dance." All three judges voted yes.
3Episode #5.3
The New York City auditions of "America's Got Talent" started with a remarkable act called "Fighting Gravity," a group of college students who shut down all the lights in the theater and delivered a performance that blew the judges and the crowd away. Four dancers dressed in white, who were the only figures visible on stage, turned in some precise choreography and surprised everyone when there were a couple dozen guys on stage after it ended. Howie called it the most unique and exciting act he's seen since The Blue Man Group, and "Fighting Gravity" was on its way to Vegas.Father-and-son duo Gino and Tony Antanies gave a so-bad-it-was-worth-cheering-for rendition of "All By Myself." Piers buzzed them quickly, but the other judges were willing to indulge them a bit more. Piers said no, but Sharon said, "Absolutely yes." Howie said he could sense the passion and the love, and said it was a beautiful father-and-son thing, but he voted no.A guy named Joe Menchetti put his speed-eating skills to the test, trying to eat five pizzas in 90 seconds. Three buzzers came before he could finish, though, and he set off a run of terrible auditions that included a guy playing a very over-sized guitar and a terrible singer.A guy dressed in 18th-Century garb calling himself Prince Poppycock turned heads with his outfit, but delivered a stunning operatic performance that Sharon called "magnificent." Piers said he was expecting the performance to "take a certain route," but instead it took a different one. Howie called Prince Poppycock "great talent." All three judges voted yes to send the Prince to Vegas.The Peek-a-Boo Revue, a burlesque group, won over the judges and earned a ticket to Vegas. A guy named Jia-Yi He played four harmonicas at once and earned a standing ovation from the crowd and the judges. A group of knife-throwers earned a unanimous nod from the judges, as well.A singing duo featuring a couple of guys who were very into themselves and called themselves "On Repeat," weren't nearly as good as they thought they were and earned three buzzes from the judges.Antonio Restivo, a 39-year-old street vendor, showed off a pyromaniac routine that mesmerized the crowd. Howie said it was exactly the kind of thing that works in Vegas. Piers appreciated how polished it was, and all three judges gave him a vote for Vegas.Three stand-up comedians were quickly shown the exit as a ramp-up to Doogie Horner, a 30-year-old guy who hoped to turn around the fortunes of stand-ups. The relentless crowd started booing him almost immediately, but Howie seemed to like him. Howie said he thought Doogie was talented, and Sharon appreciated how he held his own against the tough crowd. Piers told him the audience turned on him because he wasn't funny. Howie voted yes, Piers voted no, and Sharon broke the tie with a yes vote.
4Episode #5.4
The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed for New York City, and the first contestant out of the gate was 74-year-old Mary Ellen. She struggled out of the gate to get her keyboards working on Patsy Cline's "Crazy." Piers buzzed her immediately, and Sharon buzzed her once she started singing. Howie was the lone holdout, and as the crowd roared in disapproval, and Mary busted into some yodeling that got the crowd back into it. Sharon told Mary she's "absolutely barking mad" but she loved her. Howie said he didn't know why he loved it, but he did. Piers said no, but Howie realized that even though everyone would think he was crazy, he gave her a yes. Sharon hoped Mary would find herself a husband in Vegas, and she'd get the chance because that's where she was headed.Rudi Macaggi wowed the judges and the crowd by doing a headstand on a basketball that was set on a stack of shelves that were propped up by champagne glasses and bottles. Rudi vowed more of an act that would blow our socks off. All three judges gave him yes votes for Vegas.The '80s dance group, "The Spangles Dance Company," started a montage of green-lit acts, and they made Howie feel like his mullet was growing back. A kid named Eric put on an impressive yo-yo display.Michael Grasso, a 36-year-old magician, dazzled the crowd with a switcheroo in a box, where he and his assistant swapped places. All three judges were amazed and Piers even called it "absolutely brilliant." With three yeses, Michael was heading to Vegas.A 12-year-old ballroom dancing couple earned a ticket to Vegas before a married couple calling themselves "Just the Two of Us," playing a flute and a lute, took the stage. Just a few seconds into their serenade, which appeared to be done more for each other than for the crowd, all three judges buzzed them, and voted no.A 39-year-old singer named Chale with a deep, radio DJ's voice walked off stage to give himself a grand emcee's introduction, but that was the highlight as all three judges buzzed him and he was gone. A few more bad acts, including a weird dancing guy and a female accordion band followed.Nina Mojares, 10, and her dancing quartet called Legit, impressed the crowd with her singing and their dance moves. Piers said Nina had a good voice, "but it wasn't great." Sharon praised her stage presence and confidence, but said she seemed too precise. Howie agreed with both judges, saying Nina needs to take it to the next level. Howie voted yes, but Piers voted no, saying they weren't quite ready yet. Sharon strung her along, by saying she didn't know if Nina was quite ready yet. It seemed as if she was dragging out a yes vote, but she wasn't. Sharon said no.Alice Tan Ridley, the 58-year-old mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, said she's been singing in the subways for 20 years, but was still chasing her dream. The crowd rose to its feet after hearing her sing Etta James' "At Last." Sharon wondered why no one had signed her yet, and Howie said she deserved to be heard by more than just the people on the trains. Piers called it the best audition of the day. All three judges voted yes.Chipps Cooney, a 61-year-old illusionist from New Jersey, put on a clearly satirical "magic" show in which all of the illusions were obvious. Piers buzzed him, but Howie pointed out that Piers just didn't get it. Then Piers admitted he didn't get it. Howie loved Chipps' deadpan delivery, and Sharon said she found it very entertaining. Howie said yes, Piers said no, and Sharon said yes.
5Episode #5.5
The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed south to Orlando, which Piers Morgan called "very, very cool." Howie Mandel said he'd not only been to Orlando before, but he's performed on this very stage.The first contestant was local lifeguard Jason Pote, who called himself a "freestyle dancer." A quick three buzzes later, a winded Jason was sent home -- at least he lived nearby. He walked to the audition. Jason started a run of terrible acts, including a guy whose eyebrows danced, a guy who put some kind of colorful paint on an overhead projector, and a horrible dancer who referred to the new judge as "Howie Mendez."A college student dance troupe called The Morphs were dressed in head-to-toe leotards that covered their faces. They were awful and Piers buzzed them quickly, then shook his head as he wondered why the other judges weren't buzzing them, as well. But they did, eventually. Another guy named Billy Bob beat his bicycle like a drum and was buzzed by all three judges. A hula-hoop dance group was buzzed three times over, as was a bad singer named Stacey Weaver.Piers called it "the worst day of auditions I can remember."A 44-year-old guitarist and singer named Lonnie Lear who looked and talked like last year's winner Kevin Skinner was also from Kevin's hometown of Mayfield, Ky. He claimed he was better than Kevin. He wasn't. The crowd hollered for X's, which came from Piers and Howie, and finally from Sharon. Howie struggled to come up with a positive comment, and gave up.Nick Pike, a 30-year-old cruise ship performer, tried something he said was very dangerous and he'd never done it before. He laid out a complicated agenda for his routine. He rode a unicycle that was on fire, while juggling clubs that were also on fire. After more juggling, he did some backspins that make him dizzy. Then he fired up a chainsaw and incorporated it into his juggling routine. The crowd loved it. He dropped a club at one point, so Piers buzzed him. Sharon loved it and Howie called him "truly a great entertainer." Piers, even after X'ing Nick, gave him a yes vote. He was heading to Vegas.Kruti Dance Academy sought to make Indian dance well known, and their tight choreography won points from the judges and the crowd. They were given a pass to Vegas.Lil Chris, 12, wowed with his singing and dancing, continuing the trend of successful acts. Jayna Lee did "a strong-woman act" in which she literally bent over backwards while Nick Cannon stood on her stomach. Mama T, who is 73, sang and danced her way to Vegas.Unassuming Nathaniel Kenyon, 19, carried his guitar on stage and tried to overcome his nerves. He talked about working at an elderly person's home and that he does it because he was inspired by the people who helped his grandmother in her final days. The crowd seemed to enjoy it, but Piers hit him with an X. The crowd chanted "Vegas!" Sharon said Nathaniel had something special about him. Howie said he wasn't the world's greatest singer, but he's good looking and has some talent. Piers said he didn't think Nathaniel was quite there. Howie said yes. Sharon broke the tie by telling Nathaniel she'd be seeing him in Vegas."Twisted Trystan and Krystan," a sideshow performing couple carrying a large and imposing hand drill, did something they admitted wasn't entirely safe. Trystan said he went to the hospital performing the trick he was going to do on stage. He swallowed a sword, then he dropped to his knees while Krystan stuck the drill down his throat. Piers said it was "not normal" and said "the pair of you are mad." Sharon said she enjoyed it. Howie called it more compelling than other sword swallowers. All three judges gave them yes votes and invited them to Vegas.The final act of the night was a dance group called Wreckless from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., whose leader said they had no formal training or a professional setting in which to train. Piers said he'd been looking for a dance group that could "kick butt" and said they made it worth the wait because they kicked butt. Sharon liked that they were "raw and edgy," and called them fantastic. Howie loved it and after some quick votes, told them they were going to Las Vegas.
