This was posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
For the first time in the history of "America's Got Talent," a metro Atlanta act made the quarterfinals: nine-year-old singing phenom Angelica Hale from Johns Creek.
"AGT" paired her up with likely winner Darci Lynne Farmer, a precocious singing ventriloquist, who is 12. The producers gave the impression only one would make it through. But surprise! Both did! They spent a long time crying and hugging each other.
Unfortunately, sad sack clown act Atlanta-based Puddles Pity Party (real name: Mike Geier) will only have pity for himself tonight. His quixotic song choice "Royals" didn't lead to a royal spot in the semifinals. He was eliminated.
In the Stairwell, the sexy military singer/dancers, were the first announced as safe. No surprise there. Simon Cowell called them most improved. Preacher Lawson, the stand-up comic I didn't particularly like, also survived. The producers pushed the daredevil roller-bladers Billy and Emily England hard and they made it through.
The two cute little young dancers Artyon and Paige didn't make the cut. They were adorable but not quite there on the talent level. The Singing Trump was out as well. He definitely wasn't going to get the votes but at least the actor didn't call it "fake news."
I was completely wrong yesterday picking the three acts that are borderline acts, who ranked sixth through eighth. There was a live vote to see which ones would survive. Two underdog singers I thought were safe Christian Guardina and Yoli Mayor were positioned to go home, as well as the dance troupe Just Jerk, which i didn't think would make the top 8.
Two of the three are to make the quarterfinals. Christian was given the first save by the public.
The judges had to choose between Just Jerk and Yoli Mayor. This was an easy choice but it was split. Heidi and Simon chose Yoli. Mel B and Howie chose Just Jerk. The tie breaker was actual votes from last night. The winner? Yoli.
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