I knew even before last night’s episode began that we’d be lucky to see even a few minutes of performance shots interspersed with all the cheering, and the crying, and the sentimental music. And sure enough, I was right. Not that I’m patting myself on the back. America’s Got Talent may be a lot of things, but unpredictable isn’t one of ‘em. Over-the-top emotional, however, is the show’s strong suit, which is probably why the producers focused on individual judging sessions that put the contestants through hell as they waited to find out if they’d cracked the top 40.
This episode took the drama to uncomfortable levels, to the point where I became audibly mad at the Hoff when he played the cat to Queen Emily’s ball of (gloriously talented) yarn. Hasselhoff bemoaned the singer’s overwhelming emotional sensitivity, saying that he “wasn’t voting her through…because of her emotions, but because of her talent.” By the time he got to telling her she was in the final 40, Queen Emily was reduced to a mass of tears and sequins. Not right!
In the end, the Zooperstars, Derek the Britney impersonator, Shequida, and Tapping Dads (among others) made it through, but not so for Dan Meyer, Miss PussyKatt, Junior and Emily, Lil Countrie and Page 1ne. The elimination of the last group, break dancers from New Orleans (embedded below), was particularly tough on thisformer NOLA resident, but all hope is not lost! (Click past the jump to find out why.)
The night contained one one surprising twist: Christine fromThe Russian Bar Trio (one acrobatic act to make the cut) suffered aserious injury, and had to withdraw from the show, so America gets tovote who takes her place. Your choices are DonnyBraswell (the man with the severed vocal chords), Lil Countrie and Page1ne, Dan Meyer, Victora Jacoby (little miss contortionist), MissPussyKatt (chainsaw girl), Kyle Rifkin (soul vocalist), Xclusive (solodancer), or Junior and Emily (ballroom dancing pair)? Choose wisely, oryou may be seeing more of the following act. Eeep!
The judges made a slew of other "tough" "decisions" too, but with the Olympics onthe immediate horizon, it all turned into an undeniable rush job. Ikinda wish they’d have cut this episode altogether, then let us get tothe real competition when the Beijing games are over. Is it just me? And who are you rooting for to win the whole ball of yarn wax?
Well, I tell you what, I am glad for the break. Perhaps while the Olympics are on the show can hire an editor to tighten up the broadcast. Holy monkeys am I tired of Queen Emily’s histrionics. Okay, she’s very emotional. That’s fine. But why must we linger on it for half an hour? And why can’t we see evidence for why certain acts get through? (I’m looking at YOU, questionably-talented but scantily-clad twins.) And even though it was mercifully cut way back, there was still too much “I’m so sorry to tell you that you’re in the semi-finals.” Enough already? Gah, why the hell do I watch this show?!
So will the name be changed to America’s Got Dance Acts?
*wink
I am really looking forward to the opera singers showdown.
Three things: First, I used to think that DH was a decent guy – this show has made me realize that those were characters he was playing. “The Hof,” as he is seen on AGT, is a toolbag.
Second, I completely agree with the idea of wanting to see what it was about some of these acts that resulted in them making it through. Some of these “judgments” are questionable at best.
Finally, I’m kind of up in the air on penalizing performers for not having a crowd to feed off of. That kind of energy can be important to a performer – whose purpose is to perform *for* people. I can’t imagine that this super-mega-contract they keep dangling in front of the contestants is for a private performance for 3 or 4 mega millionaires at a time . . .
This is the worst show on television.
(sorry, just wanted to throw that out there…)
The judges clearly picked up some pointers at Gitmo. Absolutely, and unneccesarily brutal, out of context cuts, and nice job manipulating the autistic kid.
Honestly, does anyone think the soldier would be this far in without the uniform? And really, TWO acts that lipsynch? If “Brittny” was a she instead of he would he/she have made it to Vegas? Kill the producers.
What was interesting to me was when they told some of the folks that were fairly decent at what they did, that they just couldn’t see it being a major vegas act so they had to say ‘no’, and then they passed on through the cute little girl – she’s going to be a major Vegas act??? They were correct in axing out the little boy – the little girl should have gone with. cute but bring back junior talent search for them – they aren’t Vegas acts by a long shot or at least certainly shouldn’t be -
this is not judged well as i see it, the picking of talents going to the semi-finals are based on what would be a sell. How can you pick a 4 year old to do maybe a show in Las Vegas. She is cute and can sing but not for Las Vegas crowd, maybe at children’s parties or as Wedding singer.
A lot of these acts are questionable. A 4 year old should NEVER have been there at all. I’m also not sure about the “there are too many of those” as a reason for cutting someone…yes leaving other “unique”, but bad acts. I’m not sure how they make any of these decisions but the torture before you say yes thing isn’t cool on here, on idol, on anything.
The surprise there is, this show proves that Hasslehophfff is a better actor than anyone ever thought he was since he can act well enough to make people think he was a good guy. He’s mainly a jerk.
how can i get tickets to Americas Got Talent for the LA live now that 40 people are picked
I was so fed up with the “Queen Emily” baiting (what kind of name is that?) that I hoped she DID get voted off. I don’t even know what she sounds like anymore, cuz all I can remember is her sappy sob story. But she’s not the only one.
All I discovered last night is who I am NOT voting for. Can we do that instead? Vote someone off? It would be so much easier!
And hey EW – how about the scoop on the Russian Bar act acrobat? Was she hurt really bad or did the act get a better offer from Cirque de Solei?
One more thing, How the hell did Louis Ramey not win Last Comic Standing? He didn’t even make the final two! I only watched the first episode and the final performances and he was two or three levels above everyone else on that stupid show.
I want to vote for Dan. How do I do that
Wot are the Judges thinking??? Yes to all those boring dancing acts and No to Donald Braswell — the best singer on the show and the most likely to have a monster hit record if given a contract. I hope someone out there recognizes the appeal of this talented man and gives him the break he so richly deserves. I’m mortified by the stupidity and bias of the Judges.