America's Got Talent 2011

[Kheldarson]

Worked late last night so am finally watching.

Let's see...Zuma Zuma was fun, but I'm not getting a real kick out of them anymore. They're adding props sure, but their moves seem all the same at this point.

Beth Ann was pretty, but she's no Snap. I know she's technically good, and it was nice watching her, but no wow again.

Sandou Trio Russian Bar has been one of my favorite acts. But what the hell tonight?? Just what was that? What happened?? They can't sing, and that was just boring.

Kevin Colis is kind of neat. I like his voice and his enthusiasm. But his nerves got the best of him. Too bad.

I liked Matt Wilhelm's performance and think it's great his fall looked like it was rehearsed. But I could still see it was a mistake. Nowhere near the level of iLuminate though.

Poplyfe is definitely stepping it up. Still very good. I won't be surprised if they move on

YAY West Springfield Dance Team! That was a great performance by them. I love the horror theme they have going on. And was definitely better than last week's performance.

Melissa Villasenor makes me giggle. That's all. I like her.

WOW iLuminate. That was impressive! Definitely the group to beat this round.

I <3 Daniel Joseph Baker. I just want to squeeze him. Definitely a better performance than his last. I enjoyed.

I like Miami All-Stars, but I wasn't as impressed with their dance this time as with others. But still a decent performance.

Lys Agnes gives me goosebumps. Holy cow does she have a voice on her. And I didn't think I could like an Evanascence song quite that well.

So my choices are Lys Agnes, iLuminate, West Springfield Dance Team, then Poplyfe, Daniel Joseph Baker, or Melissa.

[Jester]

Beth Ann was pretty, but she's no Snap.

I don't think anyone is Snap. Dude could go all the way, if iLuminate wasn't standing glowing in his way.

I know she's technically good, and it was nice watching her, but no wow again.

I disagree. I thought she had some definite wow, beyond being just technically good. Even ignoring how good she is for her age, she was awesome last night.

Just not as much wow or as awesome as some of the other acts. I mean, I had written off Poplyfe, and they completely turned me around. They shocked me, and I mean that in the most positive way. Sadly, as good as Beth Ann was, she could not compete with that level of OMGness.

Melissa Villasenor makes me giggle. That's all. I like her.

I love her. I just don't think she's going to be able to get past some of the heavy hitters in this round. But I do think she's gotten herself enough on the radar where she will be picked up in some capacity by someone, even if it's "just" a comedy club. I would say her retail career is just about over.

WOW iLuminate. That was impressive! Definitely the group to beat this round.

Not this round. The whole damn show. Their audition may have been better than any other act's showing in any round, and yet, they keep upping it, going beyond where I thought they could. They have a Vegas show, and their choreographer/technical person is a flippin' genius....and I don't think she realizes yet just how good she really is.

[Jetfire]

So that was a decent Top 11.... It would have been Top 12, but the set decorators sabotaged Lys Agnes' set, and she blinked.

Seriously, a tough group to chose among this week. West Springfield, iLuminate and probably Lys are easy choices, but the rest, or at least most of the rest deserve to go on too.

Why oh why couldn't Professor Splash or Kinetic King have been in this round to make the choices a little bit easier? As is I'm thinking next week's gonna have a weaker group that will pass some on to the finals that shouldn't really be there. (And don't get me wrong, I love Kinetic King, but he shouldn't really have made it to this round, and shouldn't make it to the next)

[Kheldarson]

Not this round. The whole damn show. Their audition may have been better than any other act's showing in any round, and yet, they keep upping it, going beyond where I thought they could. They have a Vegas show, and their choreographer/technical person is a flippin' genius....and I don't think she realizes yet just how good she really is.

I'm still pretty sure Silhouettes can give iLuminate a run for their money. And they've got a bit of originality on their side for the act as well.

[Kheldarson]

First set of finalists!

Miami All-Stars, Team iLuminate, Poplyfe, and Lys Agnes were voted in. Daniel Joseph Baker and West Springfield Dance Team were up for judges' choice.

Howie chose West Springfield, Piers chose West Springfield as well.

So West Springfield Dance Team moves on!

[Jester]

5 for 5. Damn, I'm good.

Seriously, I don't think this has anything to do with my predictive powers, so much as those 5 were head and shoulders above the rest. I am sad to see Melissa Villasenor go, though.

I went back and watched a few of the acts from Tuesday night, and I just can't get over Poplyfe and how much they've improved each round, but especially this time. I have to say, from audition to this point, they are by far the most improved. And ballsy. I mean, not only did they take on one of the most iconic songs from one of the most iconic bands ever, but they did so with a very interesting, original, and awesome arrangement of it. They didn't do awesome for kids doing it, they just did awesome, period. Original arrangement, and they crushed it. If by some miracle they improve from this week to the finals as much as they improved from last round to this, they may well be a more serious contender than I thought. Hell, before Tuesday night, I just thought they were a decent act, and that they really were not a serious threat to move on. And they proved me, and Piers, completely and utterly wrong. (And have to say, the lead singer is freakin' hilarious. "Bring it!")

Strong, strong acts this week. The three heavyweights for next week, in my opinion, are Snap Boogie, Anna Graceman, and Silhouettes. Other than that, I agree that next week, overall, is weaker than this week was.

But, short of catastrophe, they are all still chasing iLuminate.

[Jester]

Going into last night, I though for sure it would be Anna Graceman, Snap Boogie, and everyone else.

I was partly right.

It was Anna Graceman, the Smage Brothers, and everyone else.

So many disappointments and letdowns! Hell, even Anna's set was one I thought could have been better, and she did have a couple of trouble spots.

While Snap Boogie and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., had minor letdowns, I thought they were still good enough to move forward. I haven't the foggiest idea who the fifth will be. And I can't even say that I'm right on these four. But I would be shocked if Anna did not get one of those five spots in the top ten.

Gymkana: Toast.
Summerwind Skippers: Toast.
Steven Ratchless: Meh. Great open, great close. So-so middle.

Landon Swank: I have no doubt that everyone was impressed. I see things a bit different, being a magician myself (though in a completely different category and style than Swank), and honestly, while I don't know for certain how he did it (though I have ideas), it just didn't have a lot of Wow! for me. But again, due to my position, I have a different view on this act than most of America, I'm sure.

Professor Splash: 8 feet of water took all the wow out. Yes, I know it's dangerous, but cliff divers do this sort of thing all the time (minus the fire, of course). But even if this blew you away, how in the hell do you make an hour show out of this?

Which is precisely the problem with Kinetic King: an hour? How? Don't get me wrong, I love the dude. But an hour? How? Seriously.

Fatally Unique: Meh. Nice of them to rip off the horror theme from WSDT. And even if they were doing this routine before AGT, they had to understand that that is how this would look. And parts of the routine very much looked like it had been lifted directly from WSDT's act. Even if it wasn't, they should know that perception is reality.

Silhouettes: Just like most acts last night, they were good, but not up to the level we've grown to expect from them.

As I said, Anna Graceman, Smage Brothers, and everyone else.

[Jetfire]

Keep in mind, they don't need to make a 1 hour act. They HEADLINE the show; so they have to do a 15ish minute act among the "best of the Top 20 or so we could keep on contract from the last season". Still, I don't see Splash or King doing that. Splash maybe as a between act bumper but that's about it. KK just has too much setup to endure a constant show.

I was a bit bored with the magician, and IMO, his trick was spoiled on camera. [spoiler] When it cut to the second video, and he was on screen describing the boxes over the stage, you can clearly see the second (the box the judges HADN'T picked) wiggling in the air, as if someone had just gotten into it. He should have had the box rigging tighter so they wouldn't wiggle as he got in position, or had some other way to shake all the boxes slightly to fool which one he was in. [/spoiler] Still, he might get through.

I do wish the set designers and dance acts would stop with the post apocalyptic themes. It's getting tiring. It works for West Springfield because that's their Theme right from the start, but to see the war torn/post industrial/apocalyptic themes used again and again is getting boring.

Silhouettes, I'll give them some props for trying to shake things up a little by making their screen more dynamic. The opening part with them under the screen causing it to wave, with the waves broadcast on it was mildly interesting, but needed some more work. But they may have strayed a bit too far from their origins; their strength and uniqueness is the silhouette dancing, not just dancing; and they didn't really focus on that as much last night.

The Bikers I liked. There was a flub at one point, but they recovered smoothly, and the jumps were exciting. I think they will make it through, since they should appeal nicely to the rural states especially as far as voting goes.

[Jester]

Rural states my ass. They should appeal to anyone who enjoys good entertainment, not just rednecks and farmers. Sorry, but I don't fit into either of those demographics, and don't live in a rural state (and never have), but I thought it was amazing.

And what in the HELL was up with the bike with no front wheel? That was stupidly awesome!

[BookstoreEscapee]

Professor Splash: 8 feet of water took all the wow out. Yes, I know it's dangerous, but cliff divers do this sort of thing all the time (minus the fire, of course). But even if this blew you away, how in the hell do you make an hour show out of this?

Which is precisely the problem with Kinetic King: an hour? How? Don't get me wrong, I love the dude. But an hour? How? Seriously.

I agree on both of these. Professor Splash is a Guinness Book trick, and Kinetic King strikes me as more Liberty Science Center than Vegas.

I wasn't blown away by anyone, really. I do like Anna Graceman a lot. Some of the others didn't have their best nights; hopefully whoever makes it through will step it up.

Edit: Is it just me, or would Piers have buzzed just about every guest performer they've had so far if they were actually contestants?

[Bandit]

I think it'll be Graceman, Smage Brothers, Landon Swank, and then the field.

I'd put Silhouettes and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. as the best of the rest.

B

[Jester]

Keep in mind, they don't need to make a 1 hour act. They HEADLINE the show; so they have to do a 15ish minute act among the "best of the Top 20 or so we could keep on contract from the last season".

I think you are incorrect, as on Tuesday's show, Howie actually commented on the winner doing an "hourlong" show. Yes, I rewatched it. Not to address this point, mind you, but just because there were a few things I wanted to see again.

KK just has too much setup to endure a constant show.

I don't see how he could do an entire hour show, or even a fifteen minute show, with all the setup he has to do. Also, while it is a blast to watch it happen--and it really, really is--do you think such a thing would hold your interest for that long? I doubt it would hold mine, personally.

I think KK got as far as he did mostly on his talent and his creations, but also partly on his endearing personality. How can you NOT like that guy?

WHOO HOO!

I was a bit bored with the magician, and IMO, his trick was spoiled on camera. [spoiler]

I suppose I should be embarrassed that I did not see that myself (being a magician), but since I do closeup magic and not stage magic, that is not that shocking to me. Although your theory of how he did it (hinted at by your spoiler) is pretty much what I was thinking. And yes, that was one of the things I went back to watch it again for. And damn it, you were right.

How DID you catch that?

It works for West Springfield because that's their Theme right from the start, but to see the war torn/post industrial/apocalyptic themes used again and again is getting boring.

Not just WSDT's theme, but their very act. I mean, it's what they do best. They certainly do it better than anyone else. Which is why for them it always seems fresh and lively and intense and impressive, and for everyone else, it seems stale and phony and put on.

And that is why WSDT is in the top ten, and Fatally Unique was delivered a fatal blow. Or, in the words of Mortal Kombat...."FATALITY!!!"

Edit: Is it just me, or would Piers have buzzed just about every guest performer they've had so far if they were actually contestants?

Most, yes. All, no. I highly doubt he would have buzzed Susan Boyle, for example. And definitely not that one group that was on last season, that the judges clearly thought so highly of.

I think it'll be Graceman, Smage Brothers, Landon Swank, and then the field.

I'd put Silhouettes and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. as the best of the rest.

Well called, my friend. Well called indeed.

[Jetfire]

I think you are incorrect, as on Tuesday's show, Howie actually commented on the winner doing an "hourlong" show. Yes, I rewatched it. Not to address this point, mind you, but just because there were a few things I wanted to see again.

It wouldn't be the first time, nor will it be the last time that the Judges have been mistaken about the details of the actual prize.

For the past couple of years, the Winner has gotten the chance to be the Headline act of the AGT Show in Vegas, usually made up of the Top 10 acts in total. (In other words everyone in now is going to Vegas), and/or the AGT Roadshow (those Top 10 acts if available, taking the show on the road).

And just about every other time they mention the prize, (especially from Nick) they're careful to make it clear that the Winner gets to Headline the Vegas Show, hosted by Jerry, starting late October at Ceasars.

I don't see how he could do an entire hour show, or even a fifteen minute show, with all the setup he has to do. Also, while it is a blast to watch it happen--and it really, really is--do you think such a thing would hold your interest for that long? I doubt it would hold mine, personally.

I think KK got as far as he did mostly on his talent and his creations, but also partly on his endearing personality. How can you NOT like that guy?

Verily. He did really well, and his act is a great TV act (who doesn't like watching those Domino and Rube Goldberg contraptions on TV), but it doesn't work for Live acts. It's great he made it as far as he did, but his time had come. (And no one will admit it I'm sure, but I would not be surprised if the voting was 'adjusted' to make sure those non-Live Showable acts get dropped for the Top 10. Like the Electric Dome guys last year)

I suppose I should be embarrassed that I did not see that myself (being a magician), but since I do closeup magic and not stage magic, that is not that shocking to me. Although your theory of how he did it (hinted at by your spoiler) is pretty much what I was thinking. And yes, that was one of the things I went back to watch it again for. And damn it, you were right.

How DID you catch that?

Part by chance (I was doing stuff on the computer and half watching the show, and I happened to look at the screen when they cut to the boxes and saw the movement right away), part PVR ( I did rewind to confirm it), and part logically thinking it out.

I'm happy he made it through, since it'll be more variety for the variety show. But he better have a huge finish planned for the next show. Considering he won't have Kinetic King's stuff cluttering up the stage ahead of time, he should have lots of space and time to prepare.

Not just WSDT's theme, but their very act. I mean, it's what they do best. They certainly do it better than anyone else. Which is why for them it always seems fresh and lively and intense and impressive, and for everyone else, it seems stale and phony and put on.

And that is why WSDT is in the top ten, and Fatally Unique was delivered a fatal blow. Or, in the words of Mortal Kombat...."FATALITY!!!"

Yeah. WSDT have a certain trueness to their costuming choices that Fatally Unique just didn't pull off. Makes me wonder what Fatally were thinking. Either they were hoping to show up WSDT for some reason (bad idea), or they were half hoping to torpedo their chances now (maybe to move on to another project they may have?).

All told the Top 10 does look nice. Granted in the big big view, it is 4 dance groups, 4 singers, a magician and a Biker group. But move in closer, and those 4 dance groups all have unique takes; two of those groups being more defined by their 'tricks' than their dancing even. And the 4 singers (well 3 singers and a band) have almost no overlap in their styles.

It should be a good show next week.

[Jester]

My position, which has been consistent from the start, is that this is Team iLuminate's competition to win or lose.

That being said, if they falter, I firmly believe that Anna Graceman will win it all.

Anyone wanna bet against me?

[Jetfire]

It's iLuminate's to loose this time, no doubts there.

Second place depends on what they pull out. As far as the potential we've seen so far, I'd probably have PopLyfe or Silhouettes as my Top Seconds, but they do need to pull off a big act to do it. And from what we've seen, PopLyfe seems more likely to do it. They've been on the rise through the show, whereas Silhouettes have been on the slide.