We started this competition in the salad days of summer, sipping mojitos as we jauntily made our way through waves of talent that seemed to ebb and flow like the tide. A lazy, pressure-free ride, the stakes were as low as Kmart’s low, low prices.
THAT WAS THEN. We’re in the finals now, baby, and the stakes are anything but low for the 10 remaining contestants. On the line? One million dollars (which actually isn’t that much money these days, all things consi…) and a headlining show in Vegas. Will it be Barbara Padilla? Recycled Percussion? Hairo Torres? Our contestants performed for the final time last night, some rising to the occasion…and some treading water. We’ll find out tonight exactly how it all shakes out, but first — as is my job — we need to recap how we got there. Join me, won’t you?
Decked out in the sharpest outfits of the night, Voices of Glory took the stage first to sing Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.” It’s not the best song ever (…somewhat cannily timed to Whitney Houston’s Oprah special) and Nadia’s start was a little shaky, but the trio’s harmonies were strong as always. A rousing finish and an enduring reminder of their back story could see them contending for the win.
I’m going to be real for a second and say that in my perfect vision of Wednesday’s finale, Hairo Torres wins it all. Of anyone left in the competition, he’s easily the most original and exciting performer– his moves continue to impress as he tweaks and changes aspects of the routine — and one you could honestly feel growing as the show wore on. It wouldn’t be a “Most Improved” trophy, either — he’s simply very good, and has been from the beginning. Hairo took a chance last night by going solo (his last two routines involved background dancers), but the all-eyes-on-me approach could pay off.
The judges have been making the comparison for months now, and last night Lawrence Beamen finally gave in and sang Barry White. The song, “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything,” was a natural fit for Lawrence, who seemed more at ease on stage (and off, crooning to the front row) than he did the previous week. He’s been up and down for me this whole competition, but this very solid performance proved he’s a real contender for the win.
Barbara Padilla was fantastic, belting out Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” with the same skill and confidence we saw in her first audition and, well, ever since. On a pure talent level…she’s the best this show has to offer. But do I see her act in Vegas? It’s the elephant in the room for so many contestants, and a question that even now the judges have barely bothered to answer. What defines a Vegas routine? What are we looking for? It’s very likely that Barbara will win the competition, and while far from undeserved, I still wonder if that’s the right decision. Your thoughts?
As they’ve proven time and again throughout this season, Fab Five have a pretty remarkable ability to move as one body, all the while making it look absolutely effortless (and fun). It’s no small feat — and a major testament to their talent — but it may not be enough to see them through to the end. Ditto the Texas Tenors, whose voices and harmony are strong…but not quite up to victory standards.
Drew Stevyns may be the most earnest performer in the Top 10. When he sings, you can tell he does so with everything he’s got physically and emotionally. (The man’s face is bright red!) When he connects with the audience, as he did last night…you have to wonder if he can’t take down someone like Kevin Skinner. Absolutely the dark horse of this competition.
“If [Grandma Lee] wants to win this competition,” said Sharon, “she needs to move on from the Piers jokes.” Oops! Grandma Lee, failing once again to take her own advice and “cut the crap,” launched one last time into her stale routine of sex jokes and Piers Morgan come-ons. A funny lady in the right context, but not for an hour+ Vegas show.
Whoever picked Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for Kevin Skinner made a huge mistake. The man’s strength has been in slow, soulful songs; not power ballads, which with the wrong pipes — and Kevin’s were definitely wrong — almost always feel karaoke-ish. Voters will likely look to his previous performances (most especially his audition) as proof of his talent, but I don’t see him winning at this point.
Finally, Recycled Percussion rocked out to “Wipeout.” Big, loud, and with “Vegas” screaming out from every drum, these guys stand a very good chance to win AGT. It wouldn’t be undeserved.
So there you have it, guys — the last performances from season 4. Tomorrow night we’ll see just how America felt about them, but now the mic turns to you and your thoughts. Any acts you couldn’t bear to see lose? Any acts that surprised you? Let us know how you feel in the comments below.
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My vote is for Recycled Percussion or Hairo Torres … original , talented , entertaining and I really want someone other then a singer to win this year .
they worked very hard and showed tremendous creativity – unlike the lazy opera singer
I’d go for Recycled Percussion, but Hairo Torres is not all that. Although he has a few unique moves, I’ve seen his break dance moves done a thousand times and much, much better than he can execute them.
I’m sure you have seen better. Technique isn’t everything. You have to communicate too and I was impressed by his courage and the emotion he was able to convey. That’s all.
H. Fog wrote, “Our contestants performed for the final time last night…” So none of them are returning?
I HAVE HEARD AND SEEN TERRY FATER THIS YEAR ON THE SHOW I HAVE HEARD NOTHING MENTIONED ABOUT LAST YEARS WINNER EARL BOYD WHAT IS UP WITH HIM
I don’t even remember Earl Boyd
I am sorry I mean’t Neal E. Boyd 2008 winner
opera tenor vs. a one-of-a-kind singing ventrolquist that does impressions….
that’s “ventriloquist” – I can’t take you seriously if you can’t spell
Recycled Percussion is really the only act I can see doing a full show in Vegas.
The key is Vegas-style act. Who could carry a Vegas show with those prices in this economy? Who would you want to pay over $60+ to see in concert and/or performance?
I’m not a fan of opera– but Barbara Padilla has the most awe-inspiring talent. Good for a Vegas show? Uncertain. Maybe for the Met.
The solo singers are a mixed bag. Calling the Armageddon song a power ballad belies the fact that it was also covered by a country singer.
I’m not sure three singers should be singing “My Way”. (Wouldn’t that be Our Way?)
Recycled Percussion is a possibility, but Blue Man Group is already established in Vegas.
I’m already tired of Grandma Lee.
Which leads us to a Vegas style act: the Fab Five.
Fab Five you say? Maybe they could make the grade with less clothes. What was up with those outfits anyways? Bizarro.
BPad has “awe-inspiring talent?” Blork. Maybe she should work on expanding her repertoire from 2 to 3 songs??! She’ll need at least 3 for her Met audition. Newsfreakinbulletin – that ain’t gonna happen. Maybe some company will hire her for the novelty sake.
Barbara has a masters degree. In order to get a masters in music you have to do a full hour long recital so I have no doubt Barbara has a large repertoire. The producers do have a way of limiting options for repertoire. Or it could be a simple matter of not having access to a backing track or the man power for a live performance of the orchestral score.
No access to backing track or enough bodies for an orchestra? That’s a pretty lame excuse. Piers said this was ‘the greatest talent show in the world.’ Give me a break. If you don’t have access to those resources, why are you including opera singers in the competition. I don’t buy it.
Ben has a point – I am sure she knows a lot of arias and art songs. I don’t think the track is a problem as much as producers: why could have performed with a piano and a good opera accompanist? Most opera singers’ solo recitals are with a piano. While at that, she could’ve lost the mike: I read somewhere that they perform in what used to be an opera house, so the acoustics must be good.
She is not good enough for the Met though. Compare her “O mio babbino caro” with that of opera singers in this post: http://www.rickey.org/?tag=barbara-padilla
Yea, but who wants another Vegas dance act?
Padilla has most talent,but she is more “Broadway”. “Voices of Glory” could tour the country with their own show, but those angelic kids in Vegas? “Not so much”…I love Kevin Skinner, if you fail to win, there’s Nashville. I’ll buy your record any day! Garndma lee, love you, but Vegas? hmmmmm.. more like tours all across the nation enchanting jolly seniors? All I did not mention, could have shows in Vegas and I’ll attend. Mt favorit? Its Kevin Skinner!! (forget last night’s song..it was so so)
Padilla has also had the most education and training on her skill.
so what?
yes, I understand your point now
to Pree – Your credibility is nil with your comment about loving the Grandma. She’s not in the slightest way funny unless you love trailer humour. BPad has the most talent but is more Broadway? Have you ever seen in Broadway show? I’m guessing NO.
The “so what” is with all her training, why AGT? Why doesn’t she already perform. Further “so what” is that some of the other contestants would be better in their area than she is in hers if they had comparable training. But I don’t care for her so am biased so let’s just agree to disagree as that’s the purpose of a contest.
the 2nd song she sang was from a broadway show “aspects of love” I think…but the show also reminded me of an operaretta (?) rather than a standard musical…
The 2nd song was Time to Say Goodbye – made famous by Bocelli & Brightman. Again, it’s spelled “operetta” not operaretta…sheesh.
I wish that he would have sung George Jones’ hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” – it would have been perfect for his voice, and his type of songs. I will vote for him anyway and if he does’t win – I know he will have his success somewhere else.
I thought I was in reply to the statement about Kevin Skinner. My comment got misplaced. Love Kevin Skinner and wish his the best.
That is a good suggestion for him.
Well, here we are the day after the ‘world’s greatest talent show.’ OK, Piers – I guess you’re getting paid a lot to say crap like that. If BPadilla wins, it will be a TRAVESTY. She sang an aria she already sang on the show —everybody else had only a few days to come up with totally new acts, new material, constantly trying to prove themselves – picking new music, rehearsing several hours a day, working in new moves, etc. – and she can’t even learn a new bloody aria in a few days?? What’s she going to do, sing O Mio Babbino 30 times a show in Las Vegas? What a put-off. Lazy.
I made the same comment to my son. If a magician or dance act came out and did the same routine, they would be booed off the stage.
I TOTALLY AGREE
I know she has been through some hard times in life and I am glad she is such a survivor; however, I don’t care for her. That silly smile when she receives her feedback just doesn’t seem appreciative to me. Funny how the show wants to portray every contestant as someone down and out, on their way back. They even found something for Drew, a breakup with a girlfriend. Boy, that’s something unusual and no on else experiences, isn’t it.
I’m Canadian so can’t vote. I have faith that my American neighbours will vote for originality and entertainment value, an act that will hold up on a stage in Vegas, not for the most heartwarming or tear-jerking story.
re. “she’s been through some hard times” – well, that’s what we’ve been told and Boo Hoo, Drew had a break up. And he’s integrating that experience into his music. How novel.
Voices of glory were the worst of the night. Those kids can’t sing. Hairo choked & now has no chance to win. Too bad since I pulled for him. Grandma Lee was hilarious, but she isn’t worth a mil. I loved her Piers jokes. Man I almost died laughing at Simon poster. Drew was adorable.
I voted for Drew, Kevin, Lee & Hairo.
Is it just me or is Sharon a total perv? She is worse than Nigel from So You Think You Can Dance. She was checking out Drew’s privates for goodness sake.
I think phoney Barb will win it all.
Please no Barb. Sharon apparently needs something more than Ozzie. She maybe goes a little too far sometimes. Drew, blonde guy in Texas Tenor.
Sorry JB – Sharon the Cougar is also not very bright.
While I thought that Kevin Skinner blew it last night with his song choice, he is still my favorite contestant. There is something disconnected about Barbara Padilla – I can’t put my finger on it, but she comes across as very disingenuous on stage.
Is it the way her eyes sometimes dart from side to side when the camera’s on her?
I agree totally. It’s that strange smile and the eyes. It doesn’t seem sincere.
OMG! I thought I was the only person that felt this way…there is something just not right with her. I get a bad vibe from her.
I feel that way too! She seems like the most disingenuous and insincere person on stage. I hope she won’t get voted to win just because of the cancer story. Her voice is not suitable for Vegas and not nearly good enough for Opera.
??”sipping mojitos as we jauntily made our way through waves of talent that seemed to ebb and flow like the tide” — Oh brother, skip the effort to sound faux-poetic…it doesn’t really go with the subject of what you’re reporting – “ebb & flow like the tide??”…puhleeze…DO YOU GET PAID BY THE WORD?
How rude! I find it refreshing to read a column by someone who actually writes well.
“Writes well?” It’s corny.
Marge – you must have also liked Fog’s comment about kids returning to school and getting swine flu. That was also real good writing.
Marge, as I jauntily type words which ebb & flow from my mind like waves crashing along the shore, I suddenly realize that I am actually writing a review about a talent show featuring a country-singing chicken catcher. I need a triple mojito.
I hope you don’t get paid by the word, not to mention the “??’s” the “”"” and “puhleeze.”
Unfortunately, I don’t get paid and I’m bitter and jeolous — if I were paid, I could wax poetic too! Really!!
p.s. note to Fog: Actually the Aerosmith song was a good choice. And was well arranged to make it sound very country.
LBeamen was fabulous in his first appearance with Ol’ Man River — he’s never come close to that intensity or vocal prowess since. Why? BECAUSE HE’S SINGING CRAP AND TRYING TO MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY. BARRY WHITE??? Are you kidding me? His voice and temperament are better suited to a more operatic and classical style. Listening to Piers and the other idiots (especially Sharon) will sink him.
Right on! WITW is up with that!
Sharon may be a nice woman but she’s one notch above illiterate.
Sharon, “choreographered” is NOT A WORD in the English language.
Actually, she is quite bright and comes from a very strong musical background. She perhaps misspoke on one word. Don’t underestimate her; she knows more about music than the other two judges.
How bright can she be, being married to that piece of work? Well, I have to give her credit for achieving fame and notoriety based on NO SKILL or TALENT in particular.
Beeman is the one to watch..he is strong and charming
and should win
he could have been…but he’s blown it, trying to make the judges happy
totally agree, his early stuff was great and now to make the judges happy he has disappointed the rest of us
Same thing happened to Kevin Skinner.
Lawrence has been my favorite from the start. But I must agree with some who said that he has blown it by capitulating to Piers and his stupid idea that he is the next Barry White! I mean, come on! This guy has a bass baritone voice that is unlike anything I have heard in ages. The guy is an extraordinary talent. He could sing opera and do it better than Padillo even without the training. If you listen to his performance of Ole Man River, then you will realize the power and magnificence of his voice. Yet now they have him singing garbage. I sincerely hope he gets something out of this show. But please someone get a hold of this guy and make him sing power ballads that will shake the rafters. He is too good to be wasted.
Is kevin Skinner using some kind of hypnosis that only works in person and doesn’t work over television? Because the judges’ praises for his singing were so far off the mark as to be laughable.
His entire performance was off-key. He sang “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”, but it should have been called “I Don’t Want To Hit A Note”.
And praising the country arrangement? C’mon! The song was a country hit for Mark Chesnutt about a year after Aerosmith released it.
Skinner’s performance was karaoke. Bad karaoke.
Sorry Rock, we’re not all country music afficianados like you — so if an arrangement was already out there, why re-invent the wheel?
I am guessing you know nothing about country music.
Sorry, Brie. My comment was intended for Rock Gold; not you.
I know a lot about country music and Kevin Skinner has been off key on every performance. His best one was his first audition which wasn’t all that. He couldn’t get a job singing on the street corner in Nashville