AGT Top 48: Night One Commentary and Rankings

Well, we’ve finally made it to the live shows. I’m hoping that we can leave behind the silly auditions and get to the real stuff now.

Howard, albeit unpopular at times tonight, I felt gave the best insight to the acts tonight. I think Sharon is just being nice half the time, and Howie…where do I even start with him. Some of his comments seem to come from left field. Tonight wasn’t the best night, in my opinion, and I’m having trouble deciding on four people good enough to stay. Here’s my insight on the acts, in the order they performed. I’ve also done some rankings, so if you don’y want  my commentary, feel free to skip to the bottom, and be sure to vote for your favorites here.

The Scott’s Brothers: As my mom put it while she was watching this with me tonight, it does take talent to not be off beat from each other. I thought this was SO entertaining, it was a lot of fun. One of my favorite acts from the night, and if they go on like I’m hoping, I think they could be the dark horse of the competition. It was different, and really, not exactly what I would think of when I think “million dollar act”, but I think that’s why I like them. They aren’t the typical winner — a singer. And I could see America really loving them. I know I sure do.

American BMX Team: Well, I was glad when this group was the stunt team that got through to New York. It’s definitely an adrenaline just watching it! I love the danger aspect to it, and the crowds “oohing and ahhing” proved that it wasn’t absent tonight. I do wonder how different their act can become, because I have to admit, I’m starting to get a little bit bored. Yes, it’s dangerous, and you won’t ever see me doing that, but it wasn’t my favorite act. Maybe it’s because I’m not into extreme sports. The judges seemed to love it. But it’s up to America. I’m split on if they’ll go home or not.

Distinguished Men of Brass: If you remember my post about them after they first performed, I was a big fan. However, tonight, I was a bit disappointed. Perhaps it’s because I was a little tired, and their act just kind of bored me. I could see them more playing at a gazebo on the Fourth of July in a local park than winning the competition. I don’t think they’ll go on after tonight. It just wasn’t that exciting. By the end of the night, I had actually forgotten about their performance completely.

Edon:  I forgot about this kid at first, but as soon as he started singing, I remembered him. I was a little concerned when he said that the high note in the song he chose was to high to reach. I found his voice was a little annoying, but it’s just personal taste, because my mom and sister loved him. He did an overall good job, but I don’t think he’ll go very far. There were some powerful parts to the song, and for a 14-year-old, he did very well. The judges loved him, as did the crowd…but I’m not totally sold. I think he sure seems like a great kid, and has the makings of a winner, but maybe not quite yet. But who knows, America seems to love young kids like this go far, so he could make it through. He did hit all his notes, and it was a hard song.

Jarrett and Raja: This is definitely a unique twist on a magic act, that’s for sure. I’m a sucker for the song “Singing in the Rain”, so the fact that the act featured that made me interested at first. It was fun, yet cheesy,  and definitely not what I would think of as a typical magic act. At that, I don’t think tonight’s performance was a million dollar act. The audience didn’t like them. It was a little confusing, and not anything like what we saw in Vegas. Part of me wonders what exactly what they were thinking. It’s a fun act, but something more impressive should have been brought forward tonight. Probably one of the worst acts of the night.

Lil Starr: I LOVED here when she first tried out and in Vegas. She definitely had a very spunky personality, and, of course, she had some incredible dance moves. I did enjoy the act tonight, but it seemed a little much at times. I didn’t like all the flashing lights, it seemed to take the attention off her. Howie thought she was the next Shirley Temple — definite possibility. She doesn’t compare to some of the other acts though. I agree with Howard a little bit though — her act doesn’t seem to have much variety to it, even though she is a great dancer. She sure was sweet though, and she did do great, as she stated at the end of her performance.

Todd Oliver: I feel as if I have seen better ventriloquist tonight, but I like the use of a dog. It was cute. I don’t know that he had the audience as captivated as he did in the past, and I had to agree with the judges — he didn’t have the best material. So, “cute” isn’t going to cut it. I found myself getting distracted and not really even paying attention for the majority of the act. Sure, the audience did laugh throughout it, but it didn’t seem like they were that entertained.  Like just about everyone on the show tonight, he sure seems nice, but really, I could see him going home tonight. It’s kind of disappointing, because I did like him, but there were some other acts tonight that blew him out of the water.

Nikki Jensen: I didn’t really remember her from the auditions, to be honest. I was pleasantly surprised though, she has a very unique, beautiful voice. She sang well, but it didn’t absolutely blow me away, which needs to happen at this stage in the competition. I love that song, but she wasn’t very entertaining. It seemed more like a slightly-better, high school talent show performance. I think she’ll go home tonight for sure, sorry Nikki.

Michael Nejad: So, I’ll be honest. I kind of think this is a weird act, but I don’t think he deserved an X seconds into his act. That shovel violin drove me insane. I would compare it to nails-on-a-chalkboard bad. It is unique. Very unique. But it isn’t a type of unique that I really want to see more of, and I think America is going to agree with me. He’s definitely getting the ax tonight. Sorry, Michael. Maybe you should look into doing a Home Depot commercial or something.

787 Crew: Just to start out, I feel like they should have been in the movie Tron. Secondly, just like with Lil Starr, the lights were totally distracting. I really liked them when they initially tried out, but they didn’t wow me tonight like I was hoping. There wasn’t any factor to it that had me ever think “wow, this was incredible!” They might be heading back to Puerto Rico after tonight’s performance, sorry to say.

Shanice and Maurice Hayes: Hands down, my favorite act of the night. It was powerful and full of emotion, and I can’t help but love the whole father-daughter aspect to this act. They seem to have a great relationship, and that is awesome. As much as I kind of don’t want a singing act to win (I mean, almost all of the previous winners were singers. There are so many singing competitions out there. Let’s get something new), I can’t deny that they did a great job. I loved this song, and I can’t wait to see what they have to show next. As Howard said, there was a beautiful heart and soul to the act.

David Garibaldi and his CMYKs: All I have to say is, awesome. When I say I want something new and different to win, this is what I’m talking about. The music was right on, the dancing was great, and that art? Incredible. These guys definitely have what it takes to win. I was completely captivated the entire time. I’m going to stop here, because really, how can I describe something so unique and, well, indescribable. They have to go through; if they don’t, I’m calling it — this contest is rigged.

Rankings for the night:

Here they are, in a few different categories. They are ranked according to who I think did the best.

Definitely moving on:

1. Shanice and Maurice Hayes

2. David Garibaldi and his CMYKs

Good Possibility They’ll Move on:

3. Edon

4. The Scott’s Brothers

5. American BMX Team

Okay, But I’ll Be Shocked if They Advance:

6. 787 Crew

7. Lil Star

8. Nikki Jensen

9. Distinguished Men of Brass

Definitely Leaving: 

10. Todd Oliver

11. Jarrett and Raja

12. Michael Nejad