Attack Dance Crew, drilling dance: These eight male dancers offered us another energetic performance with some cool moves that were highlighted by their glow-in-the-dark clothes. However, the addition of an impressive backflip over other dancers failed to take the act to the next level as this move seemed out of place amidst the “drilling” moves. Piers told them that the choreography was not tight enough and that they shouldn’t focus on the jumps. Sharon said it was not spectacular. Howie’s opinion didn’t change from what he said in previous rounds: this looks like a cheerleading act.
Dani Shay, singer: The stage setting was inviting and soothing but we could barely see Dani due to the lighting effects. She sang a not-so-well-known song — at least I didn’t recognize it — so it might cost her some votes as viewers would have surely connected more to her if the song was easily recognizable. As Sharon pointed it out, Dani sang with passion and heart. Personally, I thought that her act was good until she ditched the guitar and got up. At that point, her voice was shaky as if she was trembling a bit. Could leaving the guitar behind made her feel a bit more vulnerable since she had nothing to hide behind? Piers said that the performance was not perfect.
Geechy Guy, comedian: What was up with the ladies dressed as whoopee cushions? Their little walk on the stage with Geechy Guy was useless and cost the comedian a few seconds during which he could have said at least two more jokes. Again this week, Geechy Guy failed to impress me with his quick and not always funny jokes. The crowd seemed to enjoy it. However, as expected, Piers did not and pushed his X button quite early in the performance. Howie reminded everyone that comedy is subjective but also mentioned that what Geechy Guy offered may not be enough to win. Piers said that listening to Geechy Guy was like getting smashed over the head with a large hammer every few seconds and that you hope it’ll end but it doesn’t. I wouldn’t go as far as Piers went but I couldn’t wait for Geechy Guy’s performance to be over because I was bored. Don’t know about you, but I couldn’t survive thirty minutes of Geechy Guy’s jokes as my brain would surely go in overdrive trying to understand each joke quickly and keep up with the pace.
Daniel Joseph Baker, singer: The stage setting was extravagant, which went well with Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” as performed by Daniel. He isn’t as extravagant as Lady Gaga but, as mentioned many times during the judges comments, he is probably as fierce! The start of the performance was very good but when the song picked up, we sort of lost Daniel’s voice amidst the soundtrack. His vocal performance was not as powerful and assured as in the first part of the performance. Piers mentioned that the singing wasn’t perfect but that Daniel is an infectious and entertaining performer; he is the next “Lady Guy Guy” as Howie claimed.
The Rhinestone Ropers, daring act: Bad decision of act to perform tonight as the Rhinestone Ropers went from a fantastic daring act to a boring act this week. They decided to perform some tricks with a horse. This could have been impressive but the tricks were way too basic and there were a lot of pauses. It failed to impress the judges. Piers, who Xed this act, said that they were more a $5 act than a million dollar one! This got the man part of the Ropers to argue with Piers. The man said that it is a challenge to perform with a horse on a stage. Piers said that it was not a good excuse as they could have done something else than this act. (Note that we did see horse tricks in past seasons on a stage and they were far more impressive than what we’ve seen tonight, so it’s not the stage, it’s the performers that were at fault here tonight.) The man tried to explain that they had to change their performance three times today because of the horse not cooperating. If you know that your horse may not perform properly during your live performance on ‘AGT’ than why do you go ahead and do your horse tricks anyway?!?! I don’t buy any of the excuses the man said as this is a huge competition and they should have selected an act that would be spectacular and spot on. They failed to do so which will cost them a spot in the next round.
Dylan Andre, singer: Thanks to his good looks, Dylan will surely get a few votes as his song choice probably did not resonate enough with the viewers — I didn’t recognize it but Sharon did — and his voice was rather weak, especially in the chorus. It was an okay performance, not a stellar one. Dylan listened to the judges’ comments carefully as this was the first time he ever got criticism and welcomes it so he can grow as a performer.
Landon Swank, magician: The presentation of his trick was not that entertaining but the “magic” of the act was just wow! Landon went through a double-sided mirror! What was most impressive about the act is when Piers asked Landon to move the mirror around so we could see the back again after the act. It was intact and Nick’s signature was still there! WOW! How did he do it? Sharon was confused by the trick. Howie said the magic was great but not the presentation. What do you think? See the clip below.
Smage Bros. Riding Shows, motorcycle acrobatic act: Their performance was once again amazing and daring. However, there were some rather long moments that broke the momentum a bit here and there, especially on the platforms. The guy wearing white touched the head of the assistant with the front wheel of his motorcycle; proving that this is a dangerous act. Piers pointed out that the Smage Bros. proved the Rhinestone Riders wrong and that acts that are usually done in wide-opened spaces can be exciting on stage too.
Thomas John, juggler: What a trainwreck this performance was! Piers and Sharon rightfully Xed Thomas as his juggling was not impressive, he dropped his equipment twice, and he didn’t really juggle once up on the platform. Thomas admitted that he was a bit off but quickly added that “it’s okay.” It is NOT okay to offer such a lousy performance when you are in the Top 48 of the biggest talent search in the world! See for yourself in the clip below.
Steven Retchless, male pole dancer: Once again this week, Steven offered a gracious and spectacular performance. I don’t think I would pay to watch an entire show of pole dancing — be it performed by males and/or females — but I have to admit that what Steven does is quite impressive! He has incredible strength and his body almost looks like a cooked spaghetti because he is probably one of the most flexible men in the US! As expected, Piers Xed Steven and said that once again he didn’t get it. But Sharon and Howie loved it. Click HERE to watch his performance.
Mona Lisa, singers: The twin sisters offered a nice but safe performance with good harmonies. Sadly for them, their performance lacked the wow factor as Piers pointed out. Their song choice may cost them a spot in the next round.
Silhouettes, shadow act: One word: WOW!!! This was one of the most impressive performance we have ever seen on the show. They will definitely go far. Their fresh, original, and creative performance rocked the house so much that they didn’t get one but two standing ovations. See for yourself in the clip below.
My picks to move through: Silhouettes, Landon Swank, and … not sure about the others as they were just so-so for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Smage Bros. are voted through and I expect a singer, probably Dani Shay, to take on the fourth spot. Which acts did you prefer? Share your two cents in comments below!
Clacked by Isabelle Carreau 
on Jul 20, 2011 @ 11:02 EST5EDT
