Okay, so let’s talk about Week 2 of America’s Got Talent, which in a more accurate, more verbose world, might be called America’s Got Plenty of Middling, Vaguely Disturbing Talent. Once again, my main complaint about the show is the downright Abdul-ian judgment shown by judges Brandy, David Hasselhoff, and that Simon Cowell wannabe. Seriously, these people want encore performances from singer-contortionist Dave Smith, Michigan rockers PBM (who could barely defend their own whiny lead singer), and stripper Michelle L’Amour (who’ll need to head to Cinemax if she’s planning to take her act any further)? Why allow so much cannon fodder to advance to the next round?
As Cowell 2.0 himself pointed out last night, 11-year-old belter Bianca Ryanis probably going to win the top prize anyhow, provided she steps awayfrom the Shirley Temple Collection at Kmart and ditches thetoo-precious hairstyle. Indeed, her version of "And I Am Telling YouI’m Not Going" probably isn’t enough to keep Jennifer Hudson awakenights, but it was pretty frickin’ impressive, even to an avowed hataof child vocal acts like myself. That said, any more quotes like "Mydream is to be a famous singer and hopefully have my own TV show andnot just, like, 15 minutes of fame," and I will officially ban her namefrom PopWatch.
The kid could probably pick up some soundbite pointers from Leonidthe Magnificent (pictured, with host Regis Philbin), that pink-winged, bejeweled, shirtless giant whoresembled an archangel as styled by Patricia Fields. After botching hisattempt to balance a sword on the tip of a knife that he was clenchingbetween his teeth, Leonid returned to the stage (at Brandy’s request)and made a tearful plea for a second chance. "To you I am a Christmastree, to someone else I could be god," he sobbed, and the audiencesobbed with him. And, then like a couple of Grinches standing beforeCindy Lou Who, Hasselhoff and the British guy changed their minds, andgave Leonid the greatest present of all — another 5 minutes of fame.No doubt, that is some good TV, don’tcha think?
Though I can’t say I disagree with either sentiment, two of your lines are a bit contradictory: “Why allow so much cannon fodder to advance to the next round?” and then regarding somebody making it to the next round after he had been dismissed: “that is some good TV, don’tcha think?”. Like I said, I don’t disagree with either… but it sure makes it hard to decide whether to hate the show for being too easy or to love it for being the anti-Cowell. (on looks alone, Cowell would have torn up the angel guy).
Seriously, I thought I would like this show, but like 20 minutes into it, I was like, this is the worst show I’ve ever seen.
There are some pretty stupid things on this show, but also good stuff. they don’t show very many good ones except at the end when they say these went through. Those I’d like to see.
The show (like this article) is a paradox… on the one hand it’s sooo unoriginal, campy and downright stupid (and I’m not just talking about the judges). On the other hand, I had a biological fight with my estrogen in an attempt not to burst into tears over the transgender Russian angel… I tried so hard not to cry but inevitably if you’ve ever felt passionate about anything you had to feel his/her pain.
A complete farce and a set up. Poorly produced and contrived. I cannot stomach most of the acts and as far as the 11 year old, her screaming version of Jennifer Hudson’s song failed to impress me. The PBM band was LAME! And don’t even get me started on the stripper. Regis looks like a carney asking you to come and play his rigged game and the judges (Davis Hasselhoff? Simon part 2? Brandy?) Have the eyes and ears for talent? America’s got talent? America got duped.
Am I alone in thinking that Chuck Barriss should sue someone’s butt for ripping off The Gong Show? Or am I older than most EW readers (please don’t answer that). The C list host and the D list panel of judges; the cringe-worthy acts and the very occasional flash of real talent; the buzzers replacing the gong–it’s The Gong Show, but not as funny or as genuine. And could Regis Philbin please retire? I actually do like him, but I’m sick of seeing him everywhere.
The best part of this episode has to be the trailers for Heroes. Seriously, that show looks so cool!
Jennifer Hudson’s song? When did “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” become Jennifer Hudson’s song?
Look everyone, Sean Hayes’es Russian cousin! lol. And “I am telling you” is a Jennifer Holiday song.
I don’t know if I’m gonna watch this show again, Michael. TOo derivative of both the Gong show(I’m with ya Nancy) and AI. And I’ve NEVER been a Regis fan
Michael said Jennifer Hudson because she is portraying Effie, the character who sings “And I Am Telling You,” in the “Dreamgirls” movie due out later this year.
THE 11 YEAR OLD GIRL WHO SANG “AND I AM TELLING YOU” FAILED TO IMPRESS ME ALSO .I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS HORRIBLE .JENNIFER HOLIDAY MADE THAT SONG. IT IS HER SIGNATURE SONG .FEW PEOPLE CAN SING IT LIKE SHE DOES, ESPECIALLY A CHILD.
‘America’s Got Talent’: Putting the irony in TV-show titles
For those who want more from their summer evenings than another American Idol rip-off, Entertainment Weekly’s Popwatch has a funny summary about ABC’s latest contribution to the reality show craze. Although, come to think of it, if the ratings for…
I think it is ridiculous that a judge would tell the 12-year-old singer to lose her look. Hello- she is 12 years old. Her role models are probably Houston and Franklin, not Spears. What were they expecting? With a voice that big, who cares about what you are wearing. I mean, didn’t the pink, angel-boy make it? What is America coming to? Go back to the closet.
Watched tonights boring, unbelievably sorrowful show tonight (7/12)only because I was hoping to see the Magician from the 7/5th show again. What happened? There was no voting last week, yet he was given good marks by the judges. Tonights performers were a sad commentary as to American Talent. Come on Judges, are you paying attention? “All That” was good choreography, but their appearance was “gang-like”, not a good image for America. “Alexis Jordan”, American Idol drop out. “Vladik”, circus act.
“JR Johns & friends” more circus stuff. “Hoopalicious” exercise video material.
“Corinna Bouder” didn’t have to jazz up the harp, a very delicate and beautiful sound.
“Miller’s”, talented, but then again the stomping and gyrating were not necessary. Music for Hee Haw. “Shawn Ryan” good material for Broadway. He was a bit rough around the edges.
Talent means, ability to be different…AND…entertaining. Last week the magician was superb! I was on the edge of my chair. Why wasn’t his talent recognized this week? It certainly wasn’t boring.
This week the show gave me flashbacks of the Gong Show. The judges were tooooo kind.
CS, Sun City, AZ.