Another factor that makes “America’s Got Talent” singular among talent competition shows is that just when all seems said and done for some talented acts who just miss the cut by the vote, they may live on to shine in the semifinals by virtue of the judges’ good graces to call them back to the stage for Wildcard night. You never know who will rise and shine most brightly, or who will find confidence never revealed. In this week’s wildcard performances, acts surprised everyone, and made a place for themselves as talents to remember!
It was most fitting that Tim Ford, the Kinetic King, who had the most memorable malfunction in the show’s history in his attempted performance in round 4 of the quarterfinals, open the night at the bequest of Piers Morgan, who seems touched by this man’s simple dreams and use of simple props to create the wondrous, and this time, from countdown to finish, every stick, cup, and can of all sizes, fell and clicked just right in dazzling synchronicity, allowing the King to reclaim his crown, and unanimous approval! Piers remarked, “Hail to the King,” while Howie Mandel praised that only one man America could create something this spectacular from Popsicle sticks! Howie Mandel could not resist provoking palemy Piers yet again by bringing on Those Funny Little People, and they were consistently perturbing with their “Istanbul-Constantinople” ditty, complete with camel. Nick Cannon did manage to tease that Piers and the People had similar head sizes, but hopefully, this performance made the last on the AGT stage by this assemblage that bobbles, but is neither funny, little, or people. Avery and the Calico Hearts came all the way from Lubbock, TX to bring “Dynamite” to the stage in 10-year-old fashion! In their pink and neon green, I hope they got some producer’s attention, because they belong on kid TV, and maybe in a few years, back to take a title on “America’s Got Talent.” Seth Grabel was heartbroken when his Houdini homage was not enough to earn him a semifinal spot, so he went for spectacle tonight, with a spinning ring spinning out an illusion with a “Back to the Future” car complete with child versions of the judges! The show of it sacrificed his purer talent, but the votes must make the call now. Singer Shevonne was cut in Vegas, never having the glory of performing live onstage until tonight, and her powerful tribute sung to her mom and the audience, “Nobody’s Perfect,” was pretty darn near perfect in its power and her presence. Her return was Sharon’s choice, but Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan came to agree that it was a mistake that she was cut so soon, so hopefully the votes will send her singing to the semifinals! The spooky West Springfield Dance Team, got their reprieve just last week from Mrs. Osbourne, and this time, did their demonic step in time to Marilyn Manson’s “Beautiful People.” They are talented, but not everyone’s cup of tea, and their showmanship slipped this week.
J Chris Newberg decided that if he couldn’t win Piers Morgan, he would roast him, and even Piers deemed his offering “funny” in spite of himself. We’ll see if America concurs, as he didn’t cut much quarter for Mr. Morgan, and of course, delighted Howie, his host! The Yellow Designs Stunt Team set the bar so high in their initial performance ala Alice in Wonderland for the semifinals that this pirate play seemed to lack a little luster, but this team is so good, it’s easy to forget that BMX bikes don’t always fly, and this act could fly right back into contention! Piers Morgan picked Charles Peachock to make a return showing, and he certainly showed off the danger of his juggling spectacle, but had a drop and a dud moment, too, that likely cost him any chance of going on. The bluegrass fusion band, The Fiddleheads, did “Grenade” and got great fan response, but not so much from the judges, other than Howie, Piers singling out their lead singer as a talent in need of a band, as he often remarks. Much to his credit, that lead singer, Adam, extolled the talents of the band above his own. The Summerwind Skippers not only kept their reputation for making “skipping sexy,” the flaming ropes combined with their flashy footwork, closing in an X formation that meant anything but out, created a rich spectacle of a stage performance. Crediting Piers, Howie told the toe-tappers he had changed his mind about the power of skipping! Landon Swank, Piers Morgan’s final pick, closed the evening with a teasingly terrible illusion, chaining himself to the bottom of a sealed and strapped water tank, with only a moment to free himself. As the minute limit sounded, Swank appeared atop the tank, with his lady now submerged within! It was a remarkable display that will get people talking, keep votes coming, and keep Piers and Howie sparring into next season! How deep can a magician go?
Tune in to see the four wildcard choices who earn semifinal promotion tomorrow at 9 PM ET on NBC.
Source:
“America’s Got Talent” telecast, August 16, 2011 NBC TV.