"America's Got Talent" has pulled together some great acts in the top 24. This was another solid night with only two of the 12 semifinal acts really disappointing. While three of the acts appear to be locks (Mat Franco, Quintavious Johnson, Emil & Dariel), at least five acts will be battling for the final three slots (Acro Army, Blue Journey, Smoothini, Jaycob Curlee and Wendy Liebman).
UPDATE 9/3/14 10:30 p.m.: I did call the three gimmes correctly in Mat Franco, Quintavious Johnson and Emil & Dariel. I'm glad to see Acro Army and Blue Journey (via the voters' live Snapple save) made it through as well. I'm surprised Jaycob Curlee didn't make the cut. I'm not as surprised about Liebman, who wasn't even in the top 7 though I was hoping to see her make it. I didn't think the judges would seriously consider Christian Stoinev given how one note he's become, but they ended up picking him over a very solid Smoothini. My guess is they have enough magicians already: three out of the final 12.
Jonah Smith (band) - The group isn't half bad. The lead singer provides some bluesy smoke to a OneRepublic song but overall, I think it's just okay. As Howard Stern said, it was not a concert closer-level performance. Grade: B
Baila Conmigo (Latin dance troupe) - They just barely made it into the top 12 and the producers have given them one of the early hour death slots. Those little kids are what make the group delightful. This is never the type of group that ever wins $1 million but they still put a grin on my face. Grade: B-plus
Jaycob Curlee (singer) - He brings tenderness and an interesting vocal style to an Elton John classic "Your Song." He really rose to the occasion and brought the feeling to the stage, as Howard said. Heidi feel she lacks stage presence, which is a fair critique. Grade: B-plus
Mat Franco (magician) - He takes three cards, has Mel B take a picture of it, drops her phone in some water, makes it disappear, than has it appear in seat 642 in the audience. Brilliant! That was utterly entertaining. He should go through. "You know how to work the camera," Howard said. Grade: A
Acro Army (acrobatics) - They are a stunningly quality acrobatics act, a perfect group for a Vegas-type variety show. "You had me on the edge of my seat," Mel B said. "Off the chain!" Depending on how the rest of the night goes, they certainly have a good shot at making it through. Grade: A-minus
Kelli Glover (singer) - She has been rejected twice before by two major reality shows. First, "American Idol" a decade ago (never mentioned, of course), then "AGT" in 2009. That has clearly damaged her psyche. The energy level starts very low with Beyonce's 'Love on Top" and while her vocals aren't bad, this just feels like a very good karaoke performance. She lacks a certain star quality and her confidence issues probably undermine her. "The performance went flat," Howard said. I can't see her moving forward. Grade: B
Wendy Liebman (stand-up comic) - She brought some funny relationship jokes, nothing too edgy but very relatable. "My grandmother says don't go to sleep angry. She's been awake since 1946," she said. Howard, who brought her back, said she brought her A game. I enjoyed her. The fact she didn't get through via votes last time makes me doubt she'll be able to pull it off this time. Grade: B-plus
Blue Journey (contemporary dance duo) - Although the entire dance is melancholy, it's mesmerizing at the same time. The beauty of the background visuals and the fluidity of the dance made this a top-notch performance. Heidi Klum said it was one of her favorites of the night. Mel B called it "captivating... so unique." Howard Stern wonders if it was too slow. Grade: A-minus
Emil and Dariel (cello duo) - AGT has had aggressive violinists in the past. Now they've got crazy teen rock cellists. They pick a great operatic rock song "Live and Let Die" and bring plenty of panache to it. Howard Stern suggests they try a vocalist. Heidi thinks their grandfather would be cool to join them but he can't play. Grade: B-plus
Smoothini (magician) - He takes Nick's shoelace and places Howie's ring on it. He shows it coming on and off the lace. He then moves the ring to a pen held by the ladies. He then moves the ring from his hand to his own shoelace. This close-up magic amazes the judges. It's not as good as Mat Franco but still great fun. It's going to be tough for two magicians to make it through. Howard Stern still thinks the act is still too small. Grade: A-minus
Christian Stoinev (Acrobat plus dog) - The act was cute but given his balancing act, it's a bit too limiting. His dog Scooby got so much love last time, he upped Scooby even more this time but it felt like too much time filler for 90 seconds. I think he and Scooby are finished. Grade: B/B-minus
Quintavious Johnson (singer) - Pimp spot! It's where producers usually place their best singer of the night. This 12 year old from Franklin, Tenn. clearly got his skills from his grandma. He picks a grandma-type of song by Etta James "I'd Rather Go Blind." He packs a lot in a short period of time. "You just got it!" Mel B said. "Only 12 years old and you taught everyone how to sell a song," Howard said. Grade: A/A-minus
Who will go through?
Quintavious Johnson is a gimme. Emil and Dariel are likely to make it through. Mat Franco, I believe, will get more votes than Smoothini. I liked Jaycob Curlee. I think he'll make the cut. Blue Journey took a risk but I think it paid off.
Then it gets tough. I'd like to see Wendy Liebman get the sixth spot but I suspect Acro Army's lovely performance will help them sneak through. If Wendy does make it before the judges, you know Howard and Howie will give her votes but will that be enough?
Both Kelli Glover and Christian Stoinev have zero chance. Jonah Smith and Baila Commigo were both good but not good enough and were stuck early in the show. Smoothini, if Mat Franco hadn't come along, would have made it.
About the Author
