Ranking ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinalists
Jackie Evancho, opera phenom. NBC
I’ve been watching the seemingly endless “America’s Got Talent” with semi-regularity this summer. New judge Howie Mandel has been a significant upgrade over David Hasselhoff’s often empty “Hoff”-errific commentary. Howie has quirky tastes, preferring weird over technical prowess to the point that Piers Morgan called him a “cultural ignoramus” last night. But he almost always says something smart.
Last week’s semifinals were underwhelming and the final five were sadly unimpressive. Almost out of default, Prince Poppycock was the most memorable of the crop.
Loading ...The AGT producers back loaded the show with much better talent last night. Morgan said this was the best semifinals ever over five years. I would agree. Here’s my ranking of the 12 acts. (Only five make it through tonight although seven or eight clearly deserve to make it).
1. Jackie Evancho – “America’s Got Talent” voters love cute kids. “America’s Got Talent” voters love opera singers. This year, they have both in one small package. She’s the real deal with vocals that truly makes your spine tingle. (Skeptics on the Web are speculating that she’s a faker but that would be some scandal, eh?) She’s also cute in a nice way, not an annoying way. She’s a shoo-in for the finals. “We have got in you a superstar,” Piers said.
2. Fighting Gravity -Blue Man Group, eat your bloody blue hearts out. These guys have a Vegas-ready act now. Another bravura performance. Another gimme into the finals.
3. Michael Grasso -This was clearly style over substance. He not only made a woman in a cage disappear but also transformed himself into that woman. It was all flash and distraction. But it worked from a visual standpoint.
4. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven – This buddy of second season winner Terry Fator knows his way around a bike. During rehearsals, he messed up his hip, elbow and forehead in a nasty tumble but got out of the hospital to perform a nearly flawless routine. He even repeated the trick that messed him up in rehearsal and pulled it off. It’s not so much entertaining to watch as it is fascinating to see if he messes up.
5. Studio One Young Beast Society - Their enthusiasm and clean choreography made up for a lack of “wow” moves a la “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Those two factors alone could carry them into the finals.
6. Maestro Alexander Bui - This teenager is the only instrumentalist left in the competition blew through “Flight of the Bumblebee.” Technically amazing. He’s likable, too, which helps. But I don’t think he’ll make it through. Voters prefer singers on the most part. Just the fact he made it this far is impressive enough.
7. Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon – Last time around, this acrobatic couple went for the shock factor by having Michael “drop” Ashleigh. It worked. This time, they go for heart. It wasn’t quite standing-ovation worthy but the song choice (Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love”) and choreography were effective.
8. Alice Tan Ridley – Gabourney Sibidie’s 57-year-old mom started a little slow but eventually picked up steam. As an “Idol” watcher, I found the use of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing” a bit tired and predictable.
9. Haspop – This French dude knows how to pop and lock. But he didn’t always sync with the music. He was also hampered by moments of dullness over the 90 seconds. I found the dude on the big screen very European surrealist.
10. Murray - He paid homage to David Copperfield and his dad by taking a 24-foot train on stage and making it disappear. It’s very predictable and he was a bit too gabby during the set up, sucking some of the drama out of it.
11. Debra Romer – She’s pretty, with an interesting, sultry, whispery voice. She chose a pretty song in Bob Dylan’s “To Make Me Feel Your Love” but didn’t quite give it that extra heartfelt edge to push her to the next level. She seemed just a wee bit too timid. The judges suggested she should have picked a tougher song but I’m not sure she would have been able to really pull that off.
12. Nathaniel Kenyon – We’ve seen enough singer songwriter types on this show (as well as on “Idol”) and the Baxley, Ga. singer is simply mediocre in a Tim Urban sort of way. And picking a boring song like Lifehouse’s “You and Me” didn’t help matters. He has zero chance of going further.
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32 comments Add your comment
Katharine McPhee gets another film role, Carrie Underwood grabs two CMA noms | American Idol
September 1st, 2010
9:12 am
[...] – If you want to see my take on “America’s Got Talent,”it’s over on my AJC Radio and TV Talk blog. [...]
Harriett
September 1st, 2010
9:23 am
I love Fighting Gravity over the little girl, although I know she is a huge hit, and deservedly so. I also love Alice Tan Ridley, too. I think Grasso is the best outright magician, too.
Rickster
September 1st, 2010
9:29 am
On AGT last night, I voted for: Alice Tan Ridley, the aerial act, Michael Grasso, Jackie Evancho & Fighting Gravity. I still think they overloaded this week’s show with way too much talent & not enough last week. Some acts from last night that won’t get through would have if they had been on last week.
I agree with Maestro Alexander Bui. Great technical skills, but after about 10 seconds… it just started to really grind on it. Could a piano player headline a Vegas act? Yes. Liberace did for years. But Alexander Bui is no Liberace.
jg
September 1st, 2010
10:41 am
I see Fighting Gravity winning this from the beginning. I agree with Rickster as last week was blah. Michael Grasso is terrifica and I am surprised that I really did like the aerial act – Jackie Evancho wonderful – but not for a Vegas show. Out of all the acts (we’ve been watching since the beginning) – I do believe in Fighting Gravity.
They really need to do something with the cameras though – too much movement!!! Seems like AGT has been dragging on ALL SUMMER LONG………Show is too long (or on too late for me!! haha)
Mr G
September 1st, 2010
10:43 am
I agree with you Rodney, last night’s talent was far better than last week’s show. I am a huge fan of Fighting Gravity, Maestro Alexander Bui and Michael Grasso. I voted for all three and really hope they make it to the final. Jackie Evancho is a remarkable singer and has a great future ahead for her as she gets older, but I hardly think sin city is ready for such a young girl to take center stage at Cesar’s Palace…
Carl B
September 1st, 2010
11:20 am
Fighting Gravity is neat eye candy but can you imagine trying to sit through a 90 minute show? Same goes for the aerialists. And how much bike bouncing can you watch? All of these are fun to watch for 90 seconds or even 5 minutes but not for a full show/set. Of course Jackie Evancho’s style might not seem to fit in Vegas but I have seen clips of her doing other styles of music. She’s the real deal. I also would have chosen Alice Tan Ridley, Michael Grasso, Debra Romer (who has evolved greatly and is just a little shy of being Vegas material. The same goes for Nate Kenyon. Those are the 5 who should make it through from last night.
Larry G. Stewart
September 1st, 2010
11:37 am
I agree with Howie regarding Alexander Bui (and naturally disagree with Piers) His playing is just not that entertaining. Its more like listening to a machine playing. I don’t think that he is really connecting with the audience. He is certainly no Liberace. He seems very proud of his flying fingers but I don’t think they are producing the right result. Interested in hearing what others think about this.
Carl B
September 1st, 2010
11:44 am
I do agree with you Larry. While he is technically very good er… brilliant, he certainly lacks the showmanship needed to move forward. And by the way, What was up with the judges telling the people at home who to vote for. If they’re going to be doing that I think that they should do away with the judges once we get to the semifinals.
Larry G. Stewart
September 1st, 2010
11:53 am
How can a musician be brilliant if you don’t enjoy listening to him perform?
Atticus Joad
September 1st, 2010
12:04 pm
Nathaniel is from BAXLEY Georgia, not Baxter.
Carl B
September 1st, 2010
12:37 pm
A musician can be technically brilliant because he hits every note that the composer wrote and at the time that the composer wantes it to be hit. You did not enjoy him, nor did I for that matter, because “The Bumble Boogie” was shortened to fit into the 90 second time slot given each contestant and quite frankly is a boring piece of music. Bui lacks the showmanship to become a great star outside of the classical concert hall. As others have said above me, he certainly is no Liberace. But then again who else could make “Cement Mixer Putty-Putty” into a hit?
Sally
September 1st, 2010
12:53 pm
Did anyone else have a problem getting through to vote for Fighting Gravity last night? I tried for about 10 minutes, but kept getting a recording saying that the number was not a working number. This seems like it will keep their votes down.
Larry G. Stewart
September 1st, 2010
1:10 pm
I feel that someone else could have played the same piece of music and the result would have been much better. He was hitting the notes but something in his technique was lacking. Piers must have tin ears.
Larry G. Stewart
September 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Carl B
Please check out: “Maksim plays Original of Flight of the Bumble Bee” on YouTube this is much better. What do you think?
Peg
September 1st, 2010
2:13 pm
Sally, since we had 2 hours to vote, I waited 45 minutes before trying to vote for Fighting Gravity. My calls went through then. Hopefully, anyone else who had initial trouble tried later also.
Carl B, I could easily watch Fighting Gravity for a 90 minute show. If Blue Man Group and Cirque de Soleil can keep crowds entertained that long, so can Fight Gravity!!
Carl B
September 1st, 2010
2:28 pm
Larry G.
Flight of the Bumble Bee is quite a bit different from Bumble Boogie even though they are based on the same theme. Also, Cutting it back to 90 seconds causes problems. This You-tube is very much easier listening and fun listening because Maksim is a far better showman than Bui. I guess that’s what I meant when I said that Bui is technically outstanding but lacking in showmanship.
Peg, Cirque de Soliel has a much larger cast and each show contains a much larger variety of perormance styles to keep one’s interest over a longer period of time. Even a singer – say Celine Dion – with a great back-up band would be boring if they all performed similar music, in the same key, in a similar slow tempo for 90 minutes. In my own personal opinion I rate Fighting Gravity slightly ahead of that group from last week that made music through electrical discharges.
I think it’s wonderful that we all have different opinions. How boring would life be if we all agreed on everything?
stonehurst1
September 1st, 2010
2:31 pm
I voted for Jeremy (5X) and the Studio One…(5X). Maybe I’m biased as I ride a bike and ‘try’ to dance every now and then. Fighting Gravity and Jackie are no brainers. That would leave Grasso, Alice, and the aerial couple to fight for the last spot. They should send through 7 from this show and remove the two girls and the ballroom dancers from last week.
Chris
September 1st, 2010
2:51 pm
I think Jackie Evancho is awesome. If people think that she’s not Vegas material, then why even admit young kids into America’s Got Talent?
I agree that Alexander Bui is definitely talented but he’s definitely short of being spectacular.
Fighting Gravity – Yawn! Same old routine…3 guys moving, bouncing balls, yawn!
Michael Grasso – I wasnt impressed. I saw him hide behind the curtain while pulling the rope and the person that came out moved like a girl. And guess what? It was his female sidekick.
Debrah Romer – Definitely has talent just need to be more confident in herself.
My top 5 would be:
Jackie Evancho
Jeremy Vanschoonhoen
Studio One Young Beast Society
Debra Romer
I guess only four made my list so I don’t care who the other one is. I guess either Alice Tan Ridley or the aerial duo.
kreedham
September 1st, 2010
3:49 pm
I thought it looked like the little girl was lip-syncing last night.
Got to to with Fighting Gravity for #1, Grasso #2
JT
September 1st, 2010
4:20 pm
I love Fighting Gravity! Just like everyone else – they use the same concept week after week, but they change it up!
I had a little trouble voting for them, but I kept trying and was able to get through. Of all the acts, I think they have the best chance of a successful show in Vegas.
Larry G. Stewart
September 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
If we were listening to this piece over the radio, Liberace and Maksim would sound a lot better than Alexander Bui. (I just didn’t care for the music he produced)
Showmanship wasn’t so great either.
Gerry
September 1st, 2010
6:52 pm
IMHO If fighting gravity doesn’t take it all then something is definitely wrong — They are innovative, unassuming, energetic and creative beyond belief…….You neve cease to be entertained or catch yourself thinking my how novel as in the case of the 10 year old pseudo opera star. My other odds on favorite would be ridley but she has played it safe up until now — would like to see her go all out. Something tells me she has much more to give.
walt kovacs
September 1st, 2010
8:38 pm
i dont like illusionists,and both grasso and murray proved why….if nbc doesnt help grasso by focusing on the cage, you will see him slip behind the curtain to make the switch with his assistant (who was wheeled out in the box)…and that train bit was no copperfield
it is too bad that because of copyright issues, agt cannot allow performers to do original stuff…i suggest checking out debra romer’s originals, which can be found on youtube…she has a haunting voice…and if i was in the industry, i would sign her yesterday
alexander bui is a good technical pianist…but that is it…he has no flair and is boring to watch
jackie evancho is amazing and has a great career ahead of her…she honestly doesnt need agt
the aerialists are amazing in both strength and beauty
since arcattack was voted off (still cant figure that out) fighting gravity is my current fav
eff the faux prince and his faux operatic style….i think the final two will be fighting gravity and jackie evancho….and i hope that fighting gravity wins
Peggy Ferguson
September 2nd, 2010
2:15 am
What were you guys thinking Alice should have been voted through. Sharon Im ashamed of you..; I dont think I will watch the show anymore. I cannot belive you did this!!
TJ
September 2nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Everyone has their own individual preferences, likes and dislikes. we all have our own individual opinions on who deserves or doesn’t deserve a spot in the finals. These are not professionals performing to a specific standard requiring some great knowledgable critic to tell us about their abilities or how they should be judged.
Liebe
September 3rd, 2010
9:25 pm
Hands down, I think Alice should not have been voted off last night. I do wonder how America has voted for the contestants that the judges had the final vote. I guess we will never know. I get the feeling that the outcome is manipulated when they use the Judges decision instead of the actual viewer votes.
Peggy
September 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
What happened to Debra Romer and Nathaniel Kenyon ? They weren’t even seen of the results show ??
Linda
September 6th, 2010
11:21 pm
Alice should have been in the top 10! I cannot believe she was voted out by the judges. I think she beats all the singers left in the competition. I would have to go with Fighting Gravity or Michael Grasso now.
Yolanda C Arteaga
September 8th, 2010
10:23 am
Desde luego,Jackie es otra reincarnada,esta vez de una cantante adulta.No existe otra explicacion…………….A
steve-o-
September 9th, 2010
3:28 pm
check out this link and see if looks familiar …….
Crazy Ping Pong
steve-o-
September 9th, 2010
3:30 pm
they are awesome, but not original… check out previous post.. like the new spin though….
Rachel Hunter
September 10th, 2010
9:59 am
Jackie Evancho can sing!! SO can alot of people and I think Alice can sing alot better. I’m beginning to think that cute is more important than talent on this show and if that is the case then Future Funk should win…