The three Atlanta acts were cut in the quarterfinals of 'America's Got Talent." Yet again, our city is not represented in the final 24. I don't think Atlanta has had anyone make the semifinals in nine seasons of the show - at least I don't recall.
But life goes on without us. The first 12 of those 24 performed Tuesday night. "AGT" backloaded the strongest acts during the second hour.
Flight Crew Jump Rope: Heidi's wild-card pick. They are a fun group, in a Disney theme park sort of way. What they do is clearly difficult and it's entertaining but both Howie and Howard say it's too much of the same, which is why they didn't get the votes during the quarterfinals. Their chances of making it through were not helped by opening the show, which is not helpful for votes. Grade: B
Mara Justine: Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" seems a little too low for her voice. She's only 12 and it's not bad. The judges loved it far more than I did. "You redeemed yourself this week," Howard Stern said. "You are a freak of nature and that's not a bad thing." Grade: B
Bad Boys of Ballet: This is Mel B's wild-card pick. Oddly, this group has a female lead. It's the type of group that would do well as part of a variety act in Vegas. There's attitude, there's skin, there's rock-i-fied ballet moves. It's a cool twist but none of it is so incredible as to garner votes. Howie says they will make great back-up dancers. Grade: B/B-plus
Mike Super: He got rid of his invisible friend and just did a straight act where Howard picks a random sign and Super figures it out in a fairly super way. A solid magic act. Grade: B-plus/A-minus
Paul Ieti: He has a pretty voice but not terribly powerful or bracing, especially covering "I Want It This Way." It felt weak given the fact we're in the semifinals. Mel B said his self doubt was evident. Grade: B-minus
Andrey Moraru: This is a lovely act. He is good at his gymnastic stunts. But this is not a $1 million act. The judges found it more compelling than I did. Grade: B
Miguel Dakota: He brought a powerful vocal and an intensity to the performance that should move him to the top 12. Howard thinks he isn't quite there and didn't feel a connection with the song. I liked it. Grade: A-minus
Sons of Serendip: They were angelic performing "Don't You Worry Child." There is no doubt they'll make it through as well. Grade: A/A-minus
David and Leeman: The magic act are great showmen and are incredibly entertaining as they take five bags, one with a spike and ensure that they slam their hands down on the four that are not spiked. I saw this same act on "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" on the CW just two weeks ago but these guys were more fun. They are certain to go through. Grade: A/A-minus
Dan Naturman: He did a short set that was good but not great. I think he was a bit nervous so his presentation wasn't as clean as it could have been. I'm not sure he gave enough to get the votes. Grade: B/B-plus
Aerial Animation: This was captivating visuals and storytelling, even if the aerial tricks were not that cool. Mel B felt it was disjointed. Heidi felt she took a step back. Howard calls it fantastic. I agree with Howard. Grade: B-plus/A-minus
Emily West: The pimp spot means the producers love this woman, who is in her 30s and has been striving but failing to break through. She has a wonderful voice and closes the show strong with big notes and a sweet vulnerability. She is voting catnip and is guaranteed a top 12 slot. Howard Stern thinks she is a potential $1 million act. "This is a star," he said. Grade: A
The six that will make it through?
Emily West, Aerial Animation, David and Leeman, Sons of Serendip and Miguel Dakota are certain to make it. Who will be No. 6? Tough call. Maybe Naturman or Mike Super. I doubt either of the wild-card picks will get through.
ACTUAL RESULTS: I didn't do too badly. Mara Justine surprisingly made the cut over Aerial Animation. Others who made it: Emily West, David and Leeman, Sons of Serendip, Miguel Dakota and Mike Super.
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