Let’s just come right out and address the one thing we’re all thinking after last night’s second quarterfinal results show: they picked the disc-catching dog over the Stevie Wonder singer? “They” being the judges — more specifically David and Sharon — who shockingly voted pet tricks act Tony Hoard & Rory into the semis. Did that really happen? Piers, with his usual bluster, claimed it would be the “biggest travesty in the history of America’s Got Talent” if competitor Charles DeWayne didn’t advance to the next round. He waited for Sharon to make the right decision…then could only shake his head in befuddlement when she voted the other way. Against the combined strength of Knight Rider and the founder of OzzFest, it was very nearly his only option.
Of course, Tony & Rory’s upset was the only surprising moment in a night filled with more of the same “duh” decisions that overran last week’s results episode. In the first match-up, tap dancing sisters the Fab Five beat out wild-card act Beale Street Flippers. Weren’t we expecting this? Shortly thereafter, Voices of Glory eliminated fellow kid contestant Eleisha Miller and dancing cashier Carol Loo. The sibling singers remain an endearing and impossibly likable trio that will likely make it to the finals on the strength of voter popularity. Here’s hoping Voices’ next performance dials in the harmonies a little stronger.
Paradizo Dance emerged victorious over SQ Entertainment and Alizma, the latter of which never really stood a chance. I thought it was a shame for SQ to be booted off after a promising (if not altogether tight) performance the night before; they looked poised for a breakout routine in the next round. Still, Paradizo Dance was always going to win in that match-up. Finally, the Texas Tenors took down mimic Pete Peterkin. Whether influenced by the judges’ confusion about his act or simply a disconnect with the voting audience, Peterkin’s dismissal seemed all but assured. Goodnight, Mr. President.
So we add to our Top 20 Tony Hoard & Rory, Fab Five, Voices of Glory, Paradizo Dance, and Texas Tenors. Congratulations to those acts pushing on, but still — can’t we surround them with a better show? What’s so consistently frustrating about America’s Got Talent is knowing that given a few tweaks, it could actually be a compelling program on par with American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance. Three suggestions immediately spring to mind:
1) Cut the “professional” special guests. Maybe Penn & Teller’s lengthy Vegas resume gives their appearance last night a certain validity, but the other group to perform – LMFAO? What?!? I’m hardly a sensitive person (you’ve been reading these recaps, right?), but a song with the lyrics “Naked Twister in my hotel,” “I’m in L.A., trick,” and “drink all day!” doesn”t exactly scream family-friendly. It wasn’t any GOOD, anyway, which almost rubs salt in the wound of more talented AGT contestants who have just been (or will soon be) given the boot. Tacky. What’s wrong with a 30 minute-long results show?
2) If producers are committed to filling an hour programming block, why not flesh out the time spent backstage with contestants and allow viewers to get to know their favorite acts a little better? So much of American Idol’s success and popularity comes from the months-long journey we take with its singers, from sharing in the nervousness of a newbie learning the ropes to cheering for a confident, well-rehearsed performance at season’s end. Along the way, we’re treated to backstage interviews, rehearsal footage, and a look at their lives outside the competition. We feel like we know them! So why not close the Orville Redenbacher Lounge, producers, and increase your handheld camera budget. We want that human interest stuff.
3) Limit the Hoff to a maximum two “Hoffisms” each night. Saying something is “Hofftastic” doesn’t give us a clear idea what you’re talking about, David, especially when it’s used to describe several completely different acts. Likewise “weird, wacky, and wonderful” and — I mean, how could we not? — “you are what this show is all about!” We really need to reassess that last one.
Anyway, all easily implemented over the next month! Simply being America’s favorite summer show isn’t enough, AGT; it’s time to demand the same televisual perfection you (sometimes) demand of your performers. We good?
What do you guys think? Are you happy with the diversity of this first half of the Top 20, or is an MIA favorite performer bumming you out? What does your ideal America’s Got Talent format look and feel like? Until next week…
Comments (1-15) of 120 Add your comment
I didn’t like anyone from last night’s show. Well I like the dog, he’s adorable. Thankfully the triplets didn’t advance. They were terrible.
Were we ever told who was 5th and who
was 6th in the voting? If it was a tie for 5th, then I can understand what they did, but if it wasn’t, then I think the one that got 5th should have advanced. The panel shouldn’t make that decision, the people should.
The dog is cute but I don’t want to see him put through this anymore. I hate the triplets. They have a serious attitude problem.
I do not like 90% of the so-called “talents”. This show does not hold a candle to “Britain got talent”.
and two thirds of the judges here are talentless, ridiculous and loud mouths. Only Piers knows what talent is, and speaks about it articularly. very disappointing 2 hours to listen and watch???
What was Sharon thinking!!!!!! A dog act over singer Charles DeWayne????? Come on, it was more than a travesty—Sharon disgraced herself as a judge!
It’s all about ratings – this is going to send them thru the roof – everyone will be tuning in next week to see what happens -
Totally disagree. I have deleted all future episodes from being recorded on my DVR. Last night pushed me over the edge and I WILL NOT watch again. And, I’d encourage others to do the same to FORCE them to make this a viable show (which it truly has potential to be). I try to think of the show as a way of America selecting a viable, sustainable Vegas show. I don’t know that (at least two of) the judges think the same. Seriously, if you feel compelled to continue watching and voting, please, try to at least think of what the show’s purpose is before acting.
Ah, no…people are po’d that they’re being forced to watch such crap and they’ll turn it off – like I did. The only talents I’ve seen are the Acrodunk people and the chicken-chasing Singer. That’s it. And sorry, Hoffmeister, just because you’ve got energy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got talent.
I totally agree on the suggestions, and would add that we REALLY don’t need TWO HOURS for 10 performers. That’s basically an hour and a half of just crap filler and commercials. Next week I’ll just watch it online so I can skip through.
It is sad there is not one act I care about at all.You are correct in that AI made the performers people we could really know and cheer on.When they had a well known personality perform it was often tied in with the coaching they did..Fox did a better show and one I loved.
Mariah , Rappers,Penn and Teller are taking time we could be watching auditions.Who cares about them?
The potentially most interesting people never got out of the airport.That in itself was sleazy
Sharon! What were you thinking? A mildly entertaining dog act over Charles DeWayne who really is talented and very entertaining? At the very least, Charles deserves more exposure. Maybe Charles will go to American Idol. Simon Cowell, where are you when you’re needed?
DeWayne wouldn’t have a prayer on American Idol. He is not that good a singer. He could probably make a living at a hotel piano bar but that’s about it.
I really don’t think that the dog act could sustain a 90-minute Vegas show. Sure, it’s cute and fun, but making the dog perform for an hour and a half every night, doing the same thing over and over, ssounds like a bit much.
I agree with you, Lisa. One dog does not a Vegas show make. A dog or animal act could definitely be a Vegas show, but they’d need a lot more dogs and a more experienced trainer to pull it off.
Agree with you Lisa. I love the dog but please don’t put him through any more of this stage crap.
I can see where Hasselhoff would vote for a dog act. After all this is a man that got drunk and ate food off the floor like a dog. However, Sharon surprised me with her vote. I vowed not to watch the show any more unless they bring Charles back. This young man has real talent!
Due to the decision to let Charles go, I will not ever watch another episode of Americas Got Talent ever again.
OMG- whathappened last night!!!! This show is rigged. Got to NBC and see how many thousands have banned the show and their comments. The dog act was typical and seen dozens of times. they cant win ever. the comment about Hoff was funny from Frank and true. He knows NOTHIN about talent. Piers was right -this is the biggest travesty as if they have not already made huge mistakes this year. Kari, Talan and ciana – where are they? the wild cards were a joke – Simon is a loser on this one for sure. itis rigged so he gets his act through so he can makemoney and be famous that is all this is folks. Never watching again – I cant belive they are paid to make these decisions. be ware you all who audition next year – the acts tonight half were awful and should have never been put through. What they did to elisha was cruel and borders on child abuse to me. what has happend to thisshow????
One of the biggest problems of AGT is the show trying to figure out “what it’s about” (drink!). Is it about someone who can have their own 90 minute Vegas show? Someone who could headline a show with other talent? Someone with a high novelty factor? Unless you have a real focus, then it’s going to come down to some really arbitrary decisions.
It could also be that they’re trying to move the show away from music acts, to avoid overlap with “Idol”. Part of the appeal of the show is seeing acts you wouldn’t see on other shows, and when it comes down to backstory-laden adults and singing kids in the finals (like S1 and S3), it loses some of its uniqueness. Part of the S2 winner’s appeal was that he wasn’t a conventional singer/musician.
The guitar kid, the Hawaiian girl and Charles were all talented, but probably have multiple opportunities to potential success. If you’re a frisbee dog act, where else are you going to get a shot?
Did anyone see the look on the dogs face on Tuesday or during the repeat performance on the recap show? Rory was scared! He did not want to be up there. I am not sure why Sharon and Hoff voted the act in?
The dog is slightly cross-eyed. He didn’t look scared to me.
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one surprised at LMFAO performing. Nothing against them (I think their style’s catchy, and I use the song “Shooting Star” in my kickboxing class), but I also thought it was a little racy for a “family” show. I guess they figured eliminating the last verse of the song was enough. haha.
The dog vs. Charles DeWayne: I think Charles 2nd performance wasn’t as good as his first, but it’s undeniable that he’s got charisma and stage presence potential. The way I see it between the 2 acts, I could care less if I see the dog act again, and am disappointed to not see Charles try to recapture what he had during his first performance. Pitty.
Why would you send a dog thru when knowing they don’t have a chance in —- to win the grand prize? PM was so right wth his comment. It’s a shame to knock out someone with the chance of going all the way to the top for a dog trick. I would like to know what the —- SO and DH was thinking, do they not realize they are playing with peoples lives. The dog trick knew he shoudn’t have went on. I think it’s time for Simon C. to step in and let SO and DH to start acting like they really care about people that has talent. Simon, you need to give DeWayne another chance, people are getting to the point where they really don’t want to watch AGT because of the dumb stuff that goes on.
I’m officially done with this show. It’s a freaking joke that Rory the dog went on and Charles didn’t. The entire show is a joke. It was nice knowing you Piers, Sharon and the Hoff.
AGT goes to the dogs and David and Sharon should be buzzed out as judges! It is unimaginable that they put a dog through over Charles Dewayne! How must this multi-talented young man feel this morning having lost to a dog! At least Piers got it right.
We may see 2 dogs in the final. Gotta go now as my cat’s in training for next year’s auditions.
SM – you said everthing I wanted to say, and funny, funny parting words about your cat in training. YES, this show has become a big fat joke – and they sealed it with the choice of the dog (and I love animals) over the young man with TALENT. The Hoff is drunk, sharon is loopy, and Piers trys but doesn’t stand a chance with his two idiot partners.
He didn’t lose to a dog. He lost to the other 4 acts in front of him. He was not voted in the top 4. Nancy, you genius, it’s “tries”.
This is a blog. Don’t criticize over spelling. This is a forum for expressing thoughts. This is not a spelling bee. I agree w/Nancy. Charles should have gone on.