'America's Got Talent' recap: The top 40 revealed!

Mary Joe Smith Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 01:37 PM EST

I think this show is getting ridiculous keeping a 4 yr old so called singer. Would you spend $125 & Up to watch her for 1 1/2 hrs on the Vegas Stage? Get real and get adult talent.

smartalec44 Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

THE BRITISH ARE COMING! One if by land,and two if by sea.

Why are they taking over our prime time tv shows.

If Americans tried to pull this on British TV, they'd be sent a packing.

In the words of the American icon Jerry Lee Lewis, KISS MY GRITS, YOU BRITS

kelly Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 08:14 AM EST

What an atrocious waste of time! Schmaltz, Jerry Springer and over the top forced emotions and America wishes to watch this? Come on, obviously some contestants are talented and some are not. But being judged by jurors who have no credentials to be jurors; a less than mediocre actor; the wife of a man who ate excrement and live bats heads on stage whose brain is so fried by drugs (nice role model) that he is no longer seen in public. And a British what? Anyway, America may have talent but the viewers are really lacking something.

Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

Honestly, I was a huge fan of Lil' Countrie and Page 1ne. I had seen them perform in New Orleans back in May and was absolutely amazed. Seeing them on the show was fantastic. I wish they had made it through...after seeing and hearing all they have been through, and helping to rebuild what they went through, really helped me to understand them better.

Karen Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM EST

The most entertaing group of dancers who belong in Vegas are the Slippery Kittens! These gals have what it takes to work on the Strip! (no pun intended)

Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

go cloggers

veeda posey Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

Where are the judges head. Letting a four year old because she is adorable is ridiculus. Either put Donald Braswell back on the show or you have lost 12 of us who watch this show together evey week. Get real!!!

veeda
Henderson, Nv.

Patricia Hood Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 08:06 PM EST

I must say the judges have had a hard road this season, there is much talent in the house.I do not agree with many of their choices so far but I'm not in their shoes, just a veiwer. Bring back Xclusive (solo dancer)he has got an original talent.

Ig Nor Amus Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 07:19 PM EST

Clearly Donnie Braswell's fans are morons if they think this is where they vote, in addition to thinking the guy can sing well. I hope the acrobat falls from the sky and breaks his vocal cords when they bring him back, and bring him back they will. They didn't air his sob story for nothing.

Elle jordan Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

If this is the place to vote for the vacant spot available because the the girl's injury, I cast my vote for Donald Braswell who overcame so many obstacles and developed such a beautiful voice I was stunned at his elimination since I was much less impressed with the ones that were chosen. I wish the girl who was injured a speedy and complete recover. I hope you will consider Donald Braswell. Thank you.

Admiral Slippyfist Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 07:50 PM EST

Braswell eats it. If I wanted to hear someone with messed up vocal cords sing really poorly I would go to Steven Hawking's variety show at the Indian Casino by my house. You haven't lived until you've heard "Dude Looks Like a Lady" through an artificial voice synthesizer.

Wow Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

I agree with Tubby o lard

Andr913 Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

There is one act in the Top 40 whose name isn't even known, it consists of three little kids/siblings who play the mandolin, uptight bass, and guitar. And another who wasn't mentioned at all. And the Wild Card act, so we only know about 37 acts...

Arlene Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 09:10 PM EST

I wished Donald Braswell was not voted out. Although not perfect, his singing is inspirational.

Neal Boyd and the other opera singers: Neal has too much vibralto and sometimes sings off key. And he is a pro. The other guy's name escapes me.

I never say hurtful things, however does anyone in their right mind think that audiences would clamor to Vegas to listen to either of the Goodyear Blimps?

God forgive me.

Arlene Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

I wished Donald Braswell was not voted out. Although not perfect, his singing is inspirational.

Neal Boyd and the other opera singers: Neal has too much vibralto and sometimes sings off key. And he is a pro. The other guy's name escapes me.

I never say hurtful things, however does anyone in their right mind think that audiences would clamor to Vegas to listen to either of the Goodyear Blimps?

God forgive me.

Arlene Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

I wished Donald Braswell was not voted out. Although not perfect, his singing is inspirational.

Neal Boyd and the other opera singers: Neal has too much vibralto and sometimes sings off key. And he is a pro. The other guy's name escapes me.

I never say hurtful things, however does anyone in their right mind think that audiences would clamor to Vegas to listen to either of the Goodyear Blimps?

God forgive me.

Star Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

I think Donnie's sob story is greater than his singing ability. I liked Boy Shakira. And did I miss Leonid the Magnificent this year. I wouldn't pay to see any of these folks and if any were worth paying for, they would be making $ already. And I think this show should be the END of the Hoff's "career".

Teachernojob Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

I think they need to bring in more bad acts than good ones, we have to have someone to vote off...too bad "The Hoff" (the pervo he is) can't be voted off. I don't know about anyone else, but have you seen the cr** shows in Vegas? Please, I could get a show in Vegas. Since when is it talent to go on tv half naked and pretend to know how to dance? Cheerleading in not a talent

Judy Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

All those dance acts, give me a break
then you cut Donald. oh well without him in the competion I am done with the show.

Sandra Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 11:42 PM EST

I think the judges made some really bad decisions here. Donnie is an excellent singer , the guys from New Orleans were amazing and unique and the contortionist girl was good enough to be a part of Cirque du Soleil. But apparently having plastic surgery to look like Britney and not actually managing to lipsync(not even really singing)correctly is a bigger talent in the eyes of the judges. It is a boy Shakira farce all over again!!!!

Alex Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 11:10 PM EST

Simon told Jerry Springer to bring along the Springer audience to boo Donnie Braswell's rendition of the Josh Grobin song.

It seems that this audience is being orchestrated,coached or rehearsed by the producers to evoke maximum emotional discourse.

Is it not bad enough that the cry baby brit from celebrity apprentice XXX's out the Von Tramp family before it has a chance to perform.

The American Idol writers are writing scripts for the judges to use to evoke maximum tears from the contestants. Shame! Shame! Shame!

Rossco Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 09:19 PM EST

Like I said before, Donnie Braswell is NOT THAT GOOD. The fact that he severed his vocal chords should not even come into consideration. I'm not saying he's bad; heck, he can sing a lot better than I can, but he cannot compete with the likes of all the other singers on this show. Now remember, this is just my opinion, so don't take it as a personal insult.

Thanks for reading,
Rossco A. Jenkins

To the Church Lady Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 08:39 PM EST

Stop using fake names and begging us to vote for your boy. Is it Donald or David. Either way, he is not so hot. Maybe if he wore a uniform or let his kid kick him in the giblets it would have more impact than the cut vocal cord sob story.

Mandy More Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 08:37 PM EST

What in the world is wrong with all of you. First of all, the guy's name is Donnie not David. Are you all tards? Second, he does not sing well. Clearly you are dumb but are you deaf too!! I guess it's all you dumb folks who can't afford a ticket to see real entertainers who are impressed with this second rate singer. Even 2 of 3 stupid judges thought male Britney was better!

Mary Hicks Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

Judges - cut the phony dramatics. They are a real turn-off! Reinstate Donald Braswell. He has a wonderful voice and potential. Picking a 4-year old to go through is ridiculous. You put through way too many dance groups while eliminating some really wonderful singers. To be fair, the very best talent should go through and not one from Column A and another from Column B!

Ann Tavenner Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 07:29 PM EST

I can't imagine what the judges were thinking when they did not take David on to Los Angeles. Please reinstate him. He has a wonderful voice. He has worked so hard to regain his voice and he would be a perfect example, around the world, of America's talent.

Carilyn Glass Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST

I want to vote for David, the gentleman who had severed vocal chords. I want him to be back in and win. He is a wonderful example for America!!

Mary Holem Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

I just received Donald Braswell's CD "New Chapter. It is absolutely marvelous. It can be purchased on his web site. I can believe that one judge would be stupid enough to vote him off, but not two. PLEASE EVERYBODY VOTE FOR HIM.

Rossco Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 04:50 PM EST

It all comes down to whats most marketable for an act in vegas. For a dance group to actually win it all, they would have to be extremely versatile, which i don't think any of them are even close. I have to say I like the singing talent this year, especially Eli Mattson and Emily David because they have very unique voices. The judges made the right choice to leave Donny Braswell behind. He is simply not that good. Pick to win: Emily David

to Mark Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

Not saying the pole dancing hooker twins deserved a spot, but what does their accents have to do with anything? What about the 4 year olds "accent" Also, they are better to look at than the two fatties who are unhealthy and may die before the competition is over.

mark Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

Are you Kidding?
Letting two no talent twins who can't sing or dance or even speak proper english stay, a guy who dances like a complete spas and looks like he lost his marbles in his pants.. Come on .. Lil Country the two dancers from New Orleans should have stayed.. They were entertaining and an inspiration to watch. Braswell Was okay enough to stay as well. How long can a person actually sit and watch a big guy laying on a bed of nails for?? Gimme a break...

tin man Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

I really think that the Wizard of Oz could not dehumanize a contestent any more than they dehumanized Donn Braz. He's a real man with a surreal talent and voice! It's hard to believe a cross dresser imitating a fallen, white-trash, pop star would be asked back again!

danielle Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I don't understand what criteria the "judges" were using. I don't understand how they could put through a 4 year old who is cute but not a terrific singer, when there is no way the kid could perform her own show in Vegas. It isn't fair to the acts who could but were eliminated. It was purely about ratings. Then to put through a bunch of lip-synching mediocre impersonators is a joke. They say "we only have room for so many impersonators and dance acts" and then they put them all through. Oh, except for the one dance group that wasn't a bunch of cheerleaders and actually did something different. If Donny Braswell doesn't get the wild card, I'm not watching anymore. (And I'm not related to the guy, I just liked his story and thought he was as good as the fat guys).

Groban Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Are you kidding. Braswell? He makes my ears bleed. I'm not sure he quite hit one note correctly. Well at least he isn't an obese blubbering rotund mound of lard.

Jinny Self Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 09:34 AM EST

Please let Donald Braswell remain in your Top 40 List. With his talent, personality and good looks, he should be a shoe-in for your contest. I would hope that he would be your big winner.

Jinny Self Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 09:34 AM EST

Please let Donald Braswell remain in your Top 40 List. With his talent, personality and good looks, he should be a shoe-in for your contest. I would hope that he would be your big winner.

Myra Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 02:19 AM EST

pLEASE ChK oUT NEW SINGLE JUST RELEASED!!!

"F**K AMERICAN IDOL"

http://www.amazon.com/F-k-American-Idol-Explicit/dp/B001C1OT6C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1218266258&sr=8-2

Blackwolfspirit Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 12:34 AM EST

Unbelievable. Donald Braswell was the clear choice here to win the competition. He has the voice of an angel, stage presence, great looks, and humility. Exactly what has been missing in Vegas since Sinatra, Martin,etc. died. We need a strong male singer who can sing everything. The other opera singer is good but his place would be better suited on the opera stage. As for the third opera he/she...well flash in the pan, freak show seems to fit. Obviously American does have talent. It just isn't with the judges.

The ony American Left Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 12:05 AM EST

This show is what America has turnd into. A pathetic "Politically Correct" country where true talent loses to freaks. Unbelievable!!!!!!!!

The needs of the few outway the needs of the many. What a pathetic show and a pathetic direction our country is moving to.

WOW!!!!!!!

SAM Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 09:28 PM EST

Donald Braswell ousted! They have to be kidding! And the way they tortured the winners before telling them was stupid and cruel!

Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 09:26 PM EST

ousting Donald Braswell?? You've got to be kidding! Bring him back. The way they announced winners was very stupid and torturous and cruel!

goddesssuekat Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 08:22 PM EST

I want to vote for Donald Braswell. I can't believe that the judge are so stupid to let im go!!!!! But theet a little four year old no real talent just cute though! What morons!

smartalec44 Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 08:20 PM EST

This show is starting to make me sick.
First of all we have to endure 2 brits and one German judging our American talent.
Second Simon Cowell already makes 40 million per year doing American Idol.
Can you imagine how much more he'll make producing this No. 1 rated show.
Third,we have to watch truly talented people eliminated to make room for cross dressing no talent circus and dancing acts.
Fourth, we have to endure this phony slight of mouth discourse from these judges who are trying to stomp on the emotions of these hopefuls.
Fifth, if the talented do make it through to the semi-finals where the people are supposed to vote for their favorites. We have to contend with or should I say tolerate the way the judges arrange or group the batches of ten we vote on.Depending how they are grouped,one group could contain 8
truly talented people with only two going through. Another 10 could consist of 10 no talent demented circus monkeys with 2 acts going on.

Nair Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 08:10 PM EST

I'm glad the little girl didn't have that black Merkin this week.

Tubby O'Lard Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:34 PM EST

Here's me tale: I was sitting in me living room waxing me shaleleigh with me gay chums, Michael Fitzpatrick and Patrick Fitzmichael, and me mate Patty O'Furniture, and they suggested I try out. So, I got on a boat, and set out to beat the competition, instead of me wife for a change. When I got there, however, I saw two whoppers who must have eaten the pot'o'gold and caused the potato famine singlehandedly. Me rendition of Danny Boy was not enough to bounce these fellas, but it was enough to bounce their full bosoms. Anyway I am a wee bit bitter.

To Julia Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:33 PM EST

I guess your last name must be Braswell. I didn't like him even when he was being drowned out by the fake booing/standing O. The judges got to hear him for real and they put a stinking 4 year old ahead of him. He must really be bad.

Julia Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:21 PM EST

Please cast your vote for Donald Braswell, you need to go to: www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/

Then click on the Vote button on the right hand side and take it from there. You can vote 10 times from the same email address. Give this wonderful singer the break he deserves, it only takes a minute, GO!!!!

Barb Maier Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 06:42 PM EST

I want to vote for Don Braswell. He has a beautiful voice. He should have been moved into the semi finals to begin with. Ths is not a contest for a 4 year old.

Ann Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 06:18 PM EST

"Exclusive" was amazing and I was stunned that he did not move on, yet all the dancing teams, most of who had "NO" talent did. Where can I go to vote for "Exclusive" His act was one of kind.

Give me a scalpel,Ill cut them again Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

You have got to be deaf. Braswell is high on almost every note. I keep waiting for the prepubescent crack. Why did I waste even one night of my life watching. And Hoff is just a stupid tool. Not a good actor. He can't even convince us he's smarter than Randy Jackson.

Col Sanders Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

So the fatties made it. Well at least it is safe to go into Mc Donalds for the next few weeks.

Smoochie Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:19 PM EST

The show got preempted by the Ravens and the pitiful Flacco, but what I saw at 2 a.m. was awful. No more performances? Anyway, I love the little chinese girl. I take talent over a sob story anyday. Can I vote off the Hoff. Really, I don't think I can watch this crap again!

Stephanie T. Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

Well the prize is a gig in vegas, so probably Bruce Block, that is if he does the talking rabbit bit. However, if anyone has seen his stuff on YouTube his jokes are a lot funnier that what was shown last year. Who really should get it? Neal E. Boyd.

As for wildcard, Donald.

Carolyn Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

To the judges quit dragging it out when telling them they are in or out..we're sick of this. Quit making them cry (that is torture). David Militello should have gone on. You really made a poor decision there. Don't care about watching the show anymore after that wrongful decision.

Phalba Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

I also want to vote for Donny, I loved his voice. He should win this thing, he has a God given talent that even a knife could take a way.

Gail Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

Why do they drag it out and drag it out. Just get to the chase!

flinn Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

To vote for Donald Braswell: Go to NBC.com, then click onto "Shows", then onto America's Got Talent. After that you'll see where to vote.

flinn Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

I've already put in my vote(s) for the reinstatement of Donald Braswell. My mouth literally flew open when they cut him, and yet left the twins in (among others). And I agree: enough already with the neverending sob saga of Queen Emily!

Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

I want to vote for Donald. The singer who had severed vocal cords. But I can not find the site to cast my vote. I went to nbc.com there is nothing to guide me for voting. I will pray he gets back in. I tried.

roxiesmom Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

Go to nbc.com to vote for Donald Braswell.

roxiesmom Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:07 PM EST

I think they just milked it for all it was worth as far as the announcements. Too dramatic and yet sappy at times. Some acts I agree with and some that they say were unanimous I can't believe Piers really agreed with them.I can't believe they were so impressed with "Queen Emily",enough already, and yet didn't vote through Donald Braswell.The man with the severed vocal cords who sounded that great, when he hadn't sang for 11 years. Come on. I'm not sure I'm going to watch anymore this year or any other for that matter.Unlike the judges, do the right thing and vote for Donald Braswell as the replacemnet.

azbobdog Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:05 PM EST

Cut to the chase: Give the title to the opera singing dude from St. Louis who loves him mom. Second goes to BatonBoy. Don't care about anyone else -- it's all a smear of sequins, tears and "Gong Show"-level self-indulgence. And the kid acts are cruelty beyond belief. The judges should be fed live rats for the emotional torture they dished out. Idea for new show: "America gets to bludgeon Piers Morgan."

Julia Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

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.

billie Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:28 PM EST

I want to vote for Dan. How do I do that

DanOregon Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

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.

DanOregon Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:57 PM EST

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?

Jackie Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

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!

Sandy Neer Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

how can i get tickets to Americas Got Talent for the LA live now that 40 people are picked

To Nonnie Mus: Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

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.

JRS Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

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.

Japhichi Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

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.

wgm Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

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 -

DanOregon Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

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.

Preston Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

This is the worst show on television.

(sorry, just wanted to throw that out there...)

Nonnie Mus Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM EST

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 . . .

cajunsblues Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:29 AM EST

So will the name be changed to America's Got Dance Acts?

*wink
I am really looking forward to the opera singers showdown.

Babs Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

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?!