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'America's Got Talent' recap: Cheers, jeers, and Sharon whacks Piers

Sep 4, 2008, 02:23 PM | by Jaya Saxena

Categories: 'America's Got Talent', Mini TV Watch, Television

I’m getting too old for this. Every night with the same show. Oy. But how could I resist finding out the "critical results" from the night before? And besides, Sharon had vowed "no more Mrs. Nice Woman," so this had to get good. First off, Bruce Block was out, and didn’t even show up to accept his rejection. But Johnathan Burkin, Sarah Lenore, Joseph Hall, the Taubl family and Sickstep all made it through to the final 20. And with that out of the way, it was time to settle in for another riveting episode of America’s Got Talent.

For the Dallas Desperados Dancers, I’m wondering...who would pay to see a cheerleading act? Apparently, the audience, who unanimously booed when Piers and Sharon gave them harsh critiques. But I stopped believing the audience a long time ago. I’m pretty sure they’re just bored and want to hear the sound of their own jeers. I feel like this episode was a turning point in the season, where Sharon and Piers started making sense. When they told Brian Cheatham he was more cruise ship than Vegas, they were absolutely right. When they called Flambeaux’s tap-dancing-beatboxing-firebreathing-hobo show set to "Gangsta’s Paradise" "whacked," they were right again. Oh, but then again, they did say 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher exhibited professionalism. I mean, she’s cute, but professional? I’m not sure that’s possible. (Judge for yourself in the embedded clip below.)

After the jump: Sharon attacks, and so do the clichés...

Of all the impersonators we’ve had, I think Dorae Saunders has to be the best. She had the Tina belt down last night, even though I’m not sure I would've chosen "Disco Inferno." But the thought of her held me over through Donald Braswell, who sang quite possibly the most clichéd song a talent contest contestant could sing: "The Impossible Dream." Not that he wasn’t good, but we get it, you're reaching for your dream. Get in line, so is everyone else here.

Then Tapping Dads came on to "Puttin’ on the Ritz." Did anyone else but me wish it were Gene Wilder and Frankenstein instead? But if their performance caused Sharon to beat up Piers, I guess I can’t judge too harshly for their lack of a Frankenstein monster.

Here’s the problem with all of the acts. I can’t imagine one I could watch for an hour and a half. Maybe, if the judges let any of the singers perform original material, I could see them as fairly successful pop artists -- but no matter how good all of them are (including Nuttin’ But Strings, who were amazing -- press play below to watch their performance) none of them seem able to match Penn & Teller or Sigfreid & Roy or anyone else I think of when I think of Vegas. But maybe it’s just the lack of ampersands.

So who's in? Who's out? Who's getting tired of four hours of this show a week? And considering the altercation between Sharon and Piers last night, how long before an all-out brawl?

Helen Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

Eli Mattson is the BEST!!!! Awesome voice, awesome piano playing. Hope he wins, if not, we will see him anyway. Someone will sign him quickly...!!!

Big E Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 02:09 AM EST

I love Nuttin but Stringz. I am just wondering why are they on the show. They they have made an album that
debuted at #3 on Japan's billboad charts, performed in front of the President, been on talk shows,their song was a part of the Olympics,been on movies,their music is selling in the US and not to mention they are the only contestant for this season that is on Wikipedia. They are good,they don't need the show.Don't get me wrong, I like them, just give the others a chance. I'm already buying their CD : )

Tonya Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

Eli Mattson is an amazing singer. He is humble, sweet and very nice looking. He has everything it takes to be a star imho. My votes go to him all the way!!!

bjth Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

We've channel surfed by more than watched it at my house but, if I'm clueless about something, please enlighten me. What is the deal with the 4 year old? She's cute. She can sing a little. But I've heard dozens of children sing as well if not better. Did I miss something early in the season? Is she about to rip loose with UN BEL DI VENDREMO from Madame Butterfly in the coming weeks and they're saving it for a surprise? She's obviously someone's loved child. But I'm missing a point, perhaps?

Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

You people actually watch this show? How perfectly American mainstream to look for the next cutting edge act (for Las Vegas, that oh-so-tacky American "show", no less)on a staged "reality" television show.

i suppose i can now join the Special Olympics.

mary Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 09:14 PM EST

eli matson reminds of someone. anyone else think that too?

Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

Fighting online is like winning a gold medal in the Special Olympics... in the end, you're still retarded.

A bit apropos in this situation, no?

to Elissa Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

You are an idiot! So you manage a violinist. You are also a moron (google that please, you pompous fool). You don't get it and I will not respond to you again. My best friend is a violinist. She is in the National Sympohony. Yeah, she is better than Nuttin But Strings, but I still enjoy watching them. And while I think Brit is overrated, I am CERTAIN she has more talent than you. This show is not the place for you, and this board is the wrong audience for you. I guess the people on the classical music boards weren't that impressed with you either. Go to work super manager.

to Elissa Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST

Wow. Suitable for dinner theatre and not much else. O.K. Dr. Elissa. Maybe we should just euthanize him!

Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 10:10 AM EST

to to elissa Mon, Sep 8, 2008

There's a big difference between people who actually have talent and make money doing it, versus those who are completely vapid and devoid of talent and manage to make millions. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are prime examples of talentless people who make millions and Chee-Yun (go ahead, use Google, I'm sure you don't know who that is) is someone who has legit talent and is also worth millions.

As for my being pompous... sure, you could say that. But when the violinist I manage was *hand picked* by Midori (again, Google is your friend), it means he's pretty good at what he does. He also commissioned and recorded a work that was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Doesn't sound like I'm a blowhard when I've got legit facts to back up my case, does it?

You say it takes more than a good audition? Let me introduce you to my friends who have gone there and say that it's nothing more than a joke. You audition well you're in... or not. Simple enough.

elissa Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 10:03 AM EST

to John - One last comment... Braswell went to Julliard before his accident that severed his vocal chords. He may have enunciated well and had good diction then. When you can't speak for 11 years the muscles atrophy and don't ever come back quite as strong. Hence, why his diction is lazy and his enunciation is terrible, leaving him suitable for dinner theatre quality but not much else.

to elissa Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

Boy you are pompous. The guys were not trying out for Julliard or for you they were just trying to be entertaining and they were that. As for a good judge of who makes money, you can only judge how much money some one makes you, not how much someone is worth. There are plenty of folks with talent who make nothing and plenty of folks who get rich with no apparent talent at all (Paris Hilton). I think she could be your BFF you pompous blowhard. By teh way, it takes more than a good audition to get into Julliard, you should know that you phony!

elissa Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

to John - I manage a classical violinist, who is currently the Concertmaster of a large regional orchestra and Assistant Concertmaster of a state orchestra as well as having a full solo calendar with over 40 performances this year. While I know Nuttin' But Stringz was going for a "different appeal" they didn't hit it. Their backing track was impressive but their actual playing was mediocre at best. I'd like to hear them acoustically before writing them off completely.

to Snow - I've never wanted to be a professional musician. The world is far too finicky, I prefer managing others and being able to determine who is good enough to make me money in the long run. So yes, I am a bit of an armchair judge, because that's what my career calls for. If I weren't good at picking people with talent I'd have not succeeded in my career.

And just for clarification, it doesn't take a ton of talent to get into Julliard, all it takes is a great audition...

Zooperstars Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 05:25 AM EST

Zooperstars are the only ones deserving of the million dollar$!!!

Smoochie Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

OOPS. Clearly I meant to say Wouldn't pay!

Smoochie Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Prior to this week I thought Braswell was a plant. From the phony booing switching to a standing O, to be voted back on. After this week's comments from Sharon and Piers, maybe I'm wrong (maybe not). Hasselhoff is a knucklehead so his comments are worthless. I honestly would pay to see any of these floks. I hope the foreign hookers continue. They make me laugh!

To Elissa Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 06:52 PM EST

The string guys were trying to bring something different. They were not trying out for a symphony. I loved them. I think they will inspire some people. Now Braswell is a different story. I don't think he is good. Even if he sang on key, I'm just not that interested.

to Stepanie T from CG Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

Any one of the contestants can be "molded" into something better. Even I can. This is not a makeover show. Sheesh. By the way, I don't lke Braswell either. Yeah, like they said, maybe dinner theater quality.

Snow Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

Elissa's warped opinion is in the extreme minority. Shes prolly some jealous musician who never made it herself so she's coming here to play the pathetic armchair judge

John Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

Elissa- may we ask what exactly do you mean by "managing a violinist"? Because that doesn't make any sense. These boys got their violin training at Julliard- and I expect that with your so called expertise, you've gone to a better school for training(in which case, please name the school). Same with Donald Braswell. In case you've been living in a cave, Julliard is probably one of the best arts schools in the world, not to mention, insanely competitive. People who SUCK do not get into that school The bottom line is, if you're not impressed with those two acts, perhaps you are tone deaf. You really should get that looked into.

Stephanie T. Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

No one can compare to Goulete. The dude WAS Lancelot, but come on. He was much better than that music teacher. The bottom line is that his voice can be molded into something better.

to Stephanie T Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 03:59 PM EST

Sounds like Goulet now. A corpse! He was not good. Even these ridiculous judges thought so.

to Sadie Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

Please lay off the sauce!

Edi Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

I like Kaitlyn. Sure, she won't end up with her own show on Vegas but each week, there are such odd acts, that I enjoy seeing a little geniune sweet little girl sing. I don't think she's holding anyone back by keeping a spot in the show. There are usually 3-4 people that could easily go anyway. She's refreshing and enjoyable to watch.

Stephanie T. Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 02:07 PM EST

What REALLY happened with Bruce Block? My mom suspects that the guy cracked and told the producers where to shove it, thus throwing him out of the contest.

Braswell DOES sound an awful lot like Robert Goulet. So what's wrong with that? Goulet has done Vegas. I can see Braswell having his own show or on Broadway. If he does make it to the next round, I dare him to sing "Bring him home" from Les Mis.

Something is not right with that 4 year old girl, and I can't put my finger on it.

Indiggo is not ABBA, sorry.

sadie Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

I think that Kaitlyn is adorble and she does sing good for a 3 year old I don't know that she show win but, give her a chance if aman can be brittany spears then she can have a chace

elissa Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST

I was mostly appalled by the judges praise the other night. Nuttin' But Stringz were mediocre at best. They claim to have begun playing on subway cars, I'd like to hear them in that setting rather than with a backing track of *strings* that was so predominant you couldn't hear them. They were far too "showy" and didn't seem to be competent violin players. I manage a classical violinist, so I know what it should sound like.
Donald Braswell should have been out of the competition the first time he was cut. He's got a tear-jerker story but his diction is awful and you can hardly understand a word he's singing because he doesn't enunciate. If he were on a legitimate audition for a role he'd never make it past the first round.
Eli Mattinson is the antithesis of the previous acts. He's talented and charismatic. Whether he wins this competition or not, he'll be a bigger name than any of the others in the "Top 40".

Apparently making it to Americas Got Talent doesn't take real talent.

to Becky Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 08:20 AM EST

Sharon knows what the rest of us intelligent, realistic people know. You can hear a Braswell in any dinner theatre or local talent show. Personally, I don't even like his voice. Honestly, my dad sings as well. Not trying to be mean. That is why he is not a star now. To each his own. Most folks are not impressed.

Josie James Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 05:28 AM EST

I think the child star should go back to her Nursery and the Adult Stars need to Step Up to the Game! I wanna see a full-blown Stunning Star break out from all the rest! How have the JUDGES let this mindless CRAP continue? Piers, I can't support, but he DOES speak for me. The Talent is horribly lacking in many of the ACTS. Us, Americans know that the child is wonderful, but needs to go...Other ACTS need refining... but it is too late~~ LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Becky Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 12:59 AM EST

What is with Sharon? Donald Braswell
has the best voice of the contestants,
but she has to add her tid-bits about
his voice style. What does she know
about style, look at who she is married to.

BfromNZ Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST

Can anyone tell me what happened to XL? please.

Smoochie Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

Sorry I don't agree with Eli Matson. I said the same thing about Elton John, except Elton has a better voice and is also a song(music)writer. Eli channelled someone else before (walkin in Memphis). I would not even turn the channel to see him. there is no one I would pay for but I would turn the channel for the strings. Glad Sharon got it right with the sobbing savior Braswell.

gford Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

I love this show I mean the whole season but the cameras are always flipping from one area to another making it hard for the TV fewer to see the intire acts. Darn its hard to get into alot of acts because of the carera flipping all around.

marilyn m marano onea Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

the judges have to remember that these acts are suppose to be going to las vegas for over an hour show..no one that i have seen so far would i pay to go see.. i hope the coming weeks will open up someone outstanding. none of the impersonators do i hope win.

marilyn m marano onea Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

the judges have to remember that these acts are suppose to be going to las vegas for over an hour show..no one that i have seen so far would i pay to go see.. i hope the coming weeks will open up someone outstanding. none of the impersonators do i hope win.

abfab Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

Jaya, you're kidding with "the Tina belt", right? Surely everyone is aware of the fact that she was lip-synching...especially since they actually talked about it. She had the snaps, if not the "chops".

Chris Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:04 PM EST

100% agree with DanOregon's comment below. Also, that little girl should have been voted off the show quite some time ago if it was looking to maintain credibility.

marinak Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

Did anyone else notice how terrified little Kaitlyn looked? The tiny girl looked like she was on the point of breaking out in tears.The producers really should put an age limit in the qualifying rules. Eli Mattson was great but I kept thinking he was channeling Elton John's style and voice from the Tumbleweed Connection album.The ONLY truly unique and sophisticated talent last night was Nuttin But Strings.I would certainly pay and I hope one day I will see them live in a reputable venue.

BinkyM Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

That was to have been "one possible path."

BinkyM Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

We've not got anyone as crazy talented this year as LD Miller from Season 1 nor Terry Fator from Season 2, but Nuttin' but Stringz are so inspiring and magnetic that I hope they win just to show the kids in the audience on possible path they can follow in their lives. Those boys are incendiary!

Kaitlyn Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

I weally want to win the millwion dowwlars. Thank you. My parents have no money since they spent if awl tryin to Jon Benet me. thank you. Why does Neawl keep dwooling when he wooks at me? Hewlp!

Jackie Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

The acts (yet again) sucked. Except for Eli and Nuttin' but Stringz. When Eli started singing, it was a breath of fresh air to an otherwise muggy night. Nothing had excited me on up until that point. Followed by the violin players, who blew the competition away. Hopefully by the end of next week, we will be down to the handful of competitors that actually DESERVE to be there.

DanOregon Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

Liked Eli Mattson and Nuttin But Strings, and I'm thinking Mattson was the person Cowell was talking about finding an absolute star.

Smoochie Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

And Hasselhoff hs got to be the stupidest person on TV. Even dumber than Randy J. Kaitlyn should run for president! She brings the world together! She will stop the war in Iraq! And lower gas prices! And maybe pay his plastic surgeon!

Smoochie Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST

I think Sharon drank a cup of common sense. She has been close to right on for the last 2 shows. Except when it came to Kaitlyn and the dads. Iwouldn't turn the channel to watch any of these folks, let alone pay to see them. Kaitlyn is cute, but so are most 4 year olds. Love the violin guys.

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