Zuma Zuma, dancers: Despite offering us an act that was impressive and daring, Zuma Zuma did not raise the bar when compared to previous performances. The “rubber” dancers were amazing, but that was it. The balancing act was cool, but we’ve seen this done over and over again, same with the limbo bar that was set on fire. Piers said they were terrific. Sharon loved it but said that the performance was not as good as last time. Howie, in the same comment, said the words phenomenal and lethargic! One of the best quotes of the night: Howie telling the two dancers with “rubber bones” that when they hand around friends, they literally do it!
Beth Ann Robinson, dancer: Since we are in the semi-finals, and because we are looking for a million dollar act, I expect dancers such as Beth Ann to at least be of the level of the So You Think You Can Dance Top 15 dancers at this stage of the game. Beth Ann offered us a good routine, but there were no amazing moves, and there wasn’t really a storyline to fully entertain us. Her routine seemed to be composed of most of the moves she can do to show her skills, which she flawlessly did. Her performance was not a step up compared to her last. No matter what I think, the judges LOVED it! Sharon said it was flawless. Howie commented that it was beautiful, mesmerizing, and that she looks beyond her years in skills and poise. However, Howie pondered if America will like this compared to the other acts. Piers claimed that she is probably the best technical dancer they’ve had on the show. Thing is, Piers, that we didn’t get many dancers like Beth Ann audition for AGT as try out for SYTYCD, which could explain why we haven’t had many dancers like her on previous seasons.
Sandou Trio Russian Bar, Russian bar acrobatics act: Piers said it best in his post-performance comments: “Biggest suicide mission we’ve had on the show.” Not surprisingly, Piers Xed them. When Sandou Trio Russian Bar told the judges and America last time that they could do more than the Russian bar, most of us expected another big gymnastic/circus performance using a prop other than the Russian bar. We were oh so wrong. The trio instead offered us a performance during which the lady was singing and playing the piano while elevated up in the air. The piano (and she) did a 180 at one point, during which she continued to sing and play. One of the guys was standing besides her while the other did some very basic stuff in the air with ropes. Not only was their performance extremely different, but it was far from as daring as their other performances, and the lady’s singing was, as Sharon put it, mediocre. The trio claimed that they wanted to show that they could do more than the Russian bar, as with only that they couldn’t end up with their own show on Vegas. But as Piers pointed out: it’s not what the judges and America voted for. Sandou Trio Russian Bar took a risk that will not pay off in the end. It’s probably the worst performance choice ever made on AGT at this stage of the competition.
Kevin Colis, singer/musician: Piers took the words right out of my mouth when he said that Kevin started off-key, improved, went off again, etc. His performance was often pitchy/off-key, but got better in the chorus and near the end. As well, the first part of it didn’t showcase his voice enough. However, kudos to him for his smile, being able to sing with his eyes open (something most past singers on the show were not able to do), for his guitar playing, and for his attitude. For once, Sharon was harder in her comments than Piers. She said that Kevin’s performance reminded her of the Wiggles, as it was sweet and nice but bland and forgettable. No one will talk about this performance around the water cooler. I don’t know about you guys, but what threw me off completely was when Kevin asked America to give him a chance by voting for him, as he didn’t show any of the dimensions of his singing. Say what?!?! He is telling us that he didn’t bring it all for the most important performance of his life to date?! Big mistake.
Matt Wilhelm, bike tricks: Matt offered us practically the exact same routine that we saw during YouTube Week. If it hadn’t been for Sharon explaining the theme of Matt’s performance, I would have never guessed it. During his previous performance, we were impressed by the originality of the act with the glow-in-the-dark effects, and the fact that he performed his tricks in the dark. As original as this was, this week was boring as he didn’t step things up. As well, he fell near the end. When talking with Nick after the judges’ comments, Matt made the same mistake Kevin made a few minutes prior: asking America for votes so he can show us something crazy that he has planned and that he never did before. Again: Say what?!?! This is the biggest performance of your life thus far and you don’t give us the best you have?! Another big mistake.
POPLYFE, band: Sandou Trio, Kevin, and Matt better have taken notes when POPLYFE performed, as they showed us how to take a risk and make it worth it while raising the bar. The band performed a unique version of The Beatles’ “Come Together.” As during previous performances, the singer was fantastic and the band members efficiently supported her. The stage setting was perfect, and allowed each member to be featured and seen. The crowd, Howie, and Sharon gave them a standing ovation for their perfect and quite entertaining performance. Piers may not have given them a standing ovation, but his comments were even better: he said that we just watched a band that is going to be huge in this country in two or three years! No one can disagree with that comment!
West Springfield Dance Team, dancers: WSDT continued to impress the judges and the crowd this week. They offered us a bio hazard-themed routine that was unique, in synch, energetic, and contained a few very cool moves. What’s more impressive is that they only had four days to rehearse this new routine, as they not only had to perform on AGT last week, but the week before as well! As Howie said, WSDT stands out and deserves to be here.
Melissa Villasenor, impersonator: Melissa followed Piers’ advice and focused on four impressions that she can do very well. This week she impersonated Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Shakira, and Christina Aguilera. Her Wanda Sykes impression was spot-on. Shakira was probably the weakest of the four yet, but still very well done and funny. Her performance was funny and entertaining, making it go by way too fast. As Sharon pointed out, Melissa was able to do something most comedians who competed on the show never achieved: make Piers laugh! The three judges loved it.
Team iLuminate, dancers: Fantastic choice of theme: video games! The fighting routines were fun, especially the effects for the swords, powers, etc. Sadly, the lights were not bright enough during a portion of the performance. The best move was that of the person who went up in the air while upside down. Not surprisingly, the crowd and the three judges gave Team iLuminate a standing ovation. With the quality and originality of the performances they’ve been offering us since their audition, it’s a given that they’ll end up in the finals. Howie said it best: we just watched a million dollars. Sharon disagreed, saying that we watched a hundred million dollar act, as she wouldn’t be surprised if they end up with a Vegas deal such as the one Terry Fator got after winning AGT.
Daniel Joseph Baker, singer: Once again Daniel showed us that he is a true entertainer. His voice was not always perfect, but the passion in his singing, and his skilled piano playing made up for it. The crowd, Sharon, and Howie gave him a standing ovation. It almost looked like Sharon was crying. Piers liked it, and said that Daniel is a true Vegas showman. Sharon adored him. Howie said that Daniel is a star and that no one is like him.
Miami All Stars, dancers: In the pre-performance segment, Miami All Stars claimed that they were taking a big gamble with this performance, and that they were doing something we’ve never seen on the AGT stage before. Yes, their swing-themed performance was something we’ve never seen on AGT thus far, but they failed to deliver on the “big gamble.” Except when one dancer did some break-dancing moves on a table, there was nothing that met the “big gamble” promise. Nonetheless, their dance routine was one of the most entertaining, colorful, and well executed we have seen on AGT, ever. I would watch an hour-long show of performances like the one Miami All Stars offered us this week. Not surprisingly, they got a standing ovation from the crowd and the three judges. Sharon said that it was like watching a movie, the choreography was perfection, and the dancing was superb. Howie said that Miami All Stars deserve to go through to the next round with Team iLuminate. Piers claimed it was his favorite performance of the whole night.
Lys Agnès, opera singer: Lys sang an opera version of Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life.” It was quite weird to hear that song sung in that style. Again, her voice had a lot of tremolo in it, making her singing less flawless. Nonetheless, her overall performance was very good, and the judges and the crowd gave her a standing ovation for it. Sharon said Lys’ performance took her breath away. Piers told her it was a theatrical tour de force.
My five picks: Poplyfe, West Springfield Dance Team, Miami All Stars, Team iLuminate, Daniel Joseph Baker. Melissa Villasenor and/or Lys may have one of those spots too, as they did very well. Your picks?
Clacked by Isabelle Carreau 
on Aug 24, 2011 @ 19:21 EST5EDT
