After watching Tuesday night's episode of America's Got Talent, I didn't have many strong feelings about which acts deserved to make it through to the next round. I really liked Haspop and the Studio One Young Beast Society, but I wasn't sure about the other two spots. There were several mediocre acts that could deserve a second chance.The South Philly Vikings, CJ Dippa and Haspop made up the first group and, predictably, Haspop made it through. His was one of the strongest performances the previous night. The next group included Chipps Cooney, Polina Volchek and Studio One Young Beast Society. Again, this was an easy one. Yes, we have a dance crew in the next round! A dance crew with a really inconvenient name.
The third group was a tougher call. It included Debra Romer, Luigi and The Strange Familiar. I liked all three acts, but I didn't think any of them performed at their best. Debra Romer made it through, and of the three acts I thought she deserved it the least. But, America's Got Talent voters love a sappy story. Debra wasn't my favorite but I do think she could be a viable recording artist. She has a very radio-friendly voice.
The final group included Harmonica Pierre, Kaya & Sadie, and Jeremy. Again, I wasn't sure who the judges would select, but I was leaning toward the belly dancers. I was wrong - daredevil Jeremy made it through.
What did you think of the results? Did we see a winner make it through, or are these four acts just fat waiting to be trimmed?
I think Haspop has a chance to go a bit further. His talent is pretty unique when you look at the other semi-finalists, and the crowd (and I) love him.
ReplyDeleteI think Jeremy is also fantastic. I've felt exactly the opposite of how Piers had felt before last night's episode- I love bicycle tricks. Can't get enough of them. I could watch Jeremy's act all day long.
Amen on a distaste for child rappers. Whenever I watched CJ Dippa, I kept thinking "What kind of parents raise an abomination like that?"
Still, I don't think any of the acts put through last night comes near Fighting Gravity. That's still the act to beat in my mind.
I had this thought last night: on AGT and American Idol, Piers and Simon clearly dominate the judging. Their opinions are the most honest, and I think both the performers and the audience sense it. Their feedback to performers has become the fairest bellwether for an act's worthiness. The other judges on both shows have been neutered pretty well. I don't wait to hear what Sharon and Howie think (or Randy, Ellen, and that other female AI judge, for that matter). Their responses are too sugary, too biased, too muddled. They've neutered themselves (or, perhaps, the producers of the show have created neutered characters on purpose to stand opposite the "real" judges like Piers/Simon).
Do you get that same feeling from AGT... that you're really only looking forward to hear what Piers has to say?
Fighting Gravity is definitely a clear frontrunner, but I'm also liking the dance/rock climbing people. I think there's a lot of room for growth with both of those acts.
ReplyDeleteThe harsher judges certainly dominate the judging, but sometimes I feel that they're being overly critical just for the sake of reputation. I think there's a place on the panel for less critical judges, but if an act is truly atrocious they shouldn't sugarcoat things.
I forgot about the rock climbers! They're also great. And I think their act is getting better and better.
ReplyDelete"Less critical judges" sounds funny to me. It'd be like saying "less judgmental judges". I definitely favor the straighter shooting, Piers/Simon style. I think a lot of their brusqueness is a reaction to what they think is the needless glossing-over-the-details of the other judges.
The quality of his judgments aside, I actually think Howie has been a nice addition to the show. He comes off as genuine and encouraging. He'd be a great host. Now, if only he had some hosting experience....
That's not really what I mean, though. What I mean is that if you liked an act, you should just say that you liked them. Sometimes I feel like Piers and Simon nitpick because they want to find something to criticize in order to keep up their tough-judge persona. I respect a judge who praises what they like and criticizes what they don't. After all, it's ridiculous for a judge to criticize every act since they selected them.
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