This was a bummer night I think. I really was only blown away by one act, thought three were very good, and two really awesome magicians who made some minor flaws. Anyways, here are the rankings!
11. Lori Mae Hernandez- The last joke was funny. But the rest was just snoozefest. I wish I could get it, but I just don’t get it. I get the jokes she is trying to make, but they’re not making me laugh. Sorry, Lori.
10. Musicality- This was eh. Mel hit it on the nose. It was stronger when they came together, but it was a little too much Glee-club for me. Some of the soloists were just unbearable, and the only thing keeping them from the bottom is their important story, and story won’t do it all.
9. Deadly Games- This was cool, again, but I’m a little bit bored at this point. I think their act is incredibly dangerous and risky, but every time they elevate it, they do it more by production value than actual risk. The kiss at the end was also a little too intense, and this will probably be the end of the road for them.
8. Tape Face- Ugh, I hate that I didn’t like this, but I just didn’t like this. It took so long to get there, and was just overall disappointing. Sure, his show in Vegas would probably be a great variety act, like Blue Man Group, but in the COMPETITION, he’s gotta step it up each time, and unfortunately, I think he failed to do that. If he makes it through, he’s gonna need to up his Audition.
7. Sal Valentinetti- Sal is entertaining, and sounds just like Sinatra. But that’s also the problem with his act. He sounds like a carbon copy of Sinatra, and he’s not as good as the man himself. Truth is, we’ve already had a Sinatra and nothing can beat the original. It’s like a remake of a good classic movie. It’s always fun to watch, but nothing new is brought to the table, and it just doesn’t beat the original. All that being said, the song sounded great, and it was definitely his best yet, and he’s always a lovely character to watch.
6. Blake Vogt- Okay, so if you watch it a second time, it is very easy to tell what he did and how he did it…but, it was still a great illusion and he elevated it by using humor and wit, which is why his act is really good. It could have been a little more impressive, because it is easy to figure out, but it was a well executed illusion at least. Good job Blake!
5. Jon Dorenbos- This guy is so full of energy and excitement, and his trick is pretty amazing. How he pulled off the tiny map, I’m not sure. But, the exact change was kind of messed up and the quarters didn’t include Oklahoma. Just tiny things I realized, and very minimal flaws. I’d put this one above Blake just because it is more unique and I haven’t seen it before, but it doesn’t get into my top 4 because of the few flaws it had.
4. Edgar- These guys were never my favorite…but now I love them. They really just keep delivering heart and soul. Their vocals aren’t always the best, but when they all synchronize, the sound rings, and it is completely stunning. I really thought they did a good job. The family aspect is inspiring, and I really hope they get some love from America.
3. Malevo- They’re definitely the best dance group that AGT has had in a while. They are powerful, and step it up every single time. They killed it, and they have a great shot of being a headline in Vegas. Lots of fun, and I enjoyed it.
2. Grace VanderWaal- She is the star of the year, and it’s no surprise that the two young girl singers are the top of the night. This was probably not the best song of the three she’s done, but still done extremely well. Her voice is just so unique. Is it big enough for a Vegas show? I’m not sure, but it’s definitely good enough to make it to the finals and probably win.
1. Laura Bretan- Her voice alone is enough to get her to the top of any ranking…but the emotional story and connection that linked this performance to her personal life and her grandfather is what was incredibly stunning to watch. Wow. Just wow. She is just incredible, and the story makes it just that much more impactful.
So I was a huge fan of Laura's, thought Grace, Edgar, and Malevo also did an awesome job! Jon and Blake did very well; Jon did something new with some flaws, whereas Blake did a perfectly executed trick that's been done a million times. So which one was better? Slight edge to Jon here, and judge's reactions help too. But I spotted the flaws with the coins, and couldn't fully get behind it. America will probably chose one over the other, eliminating the other. Then there's Tape Face, who is a crowd pleaser, and Sal (though performing early) still has fans. I think that Grace and Laura are locks, along with the magician chosen (probably Jon). I think Deadly Games, Musicality, and Lori are pretty much done. This leaves Edgar and Malevo in the judges save with either Sal or Tape Face. Sal went too early in the night, and I think people are still on Tape Face's boat. I think Malevo will win the Dunkin', and as much as I love Edgar, I think the judges won't let Tape Face go.
PREDICTIONS:
Going Through- Laura Bretan, Grace VanderWaal, Jon Derenbos, Malevo, and Tape Face
Eliminated- Edgar, Sal Valentinetti, Blake Vogt, Deadly Games, Musicality, and Lori Mae Hernandez
Also, I predict that the wild-card act will be THE PASSING ZONE! I think they performed on a tough night, and I think the judges will see it as the most "Vegas-esque" act there. Also, who doesn't wanna see Simon involved with the act next time?
This was a bummer night I think. I really was only blown away by one act, thought three were very good, and two really awesome magicians who made some minor flaws. Anyways, here are the rankings!