AGT is back for this season’s round of live shows. Let’s kick it off with this mega-talented line up.
12. GFORCE- I’m sorry, but are they serious? I love when kids have passion and exuberance on stage, but the problem was that the singing wasn’t that great, the song itself was boring and generic, and in a lineup full of brilliant singers (a lot of them young, like GFORCE), it’s hard to say that these girls were one of the best of the night. In fact, they might’ve been the worst.
11. Carmen Carter- I wasn’t impressed at all this time around. I think Carmen didn’t take enough bold, big risks, and the risks she took in her big notes were a bit pitchy. I think she has a good confidence and stage presence, and she did attempt something different with the rhythms and melodies of the song, but in the end, it didn’t pay off for me.
10. Bir Khalsa- Entertaining? Yes. Talent? Maybe. Edge of my seat? Definitely, but probably for the wrong reasons. Even with the shock value and spectacle, there was a bit too much stalling from bit to bit, and I can’t imagine these guys being better than most of the acts tonight. I can’t say I hated it, but I definitely think this was one of the bottom tier performances of the night.
9. Ansley Burns- Ansley isn’t the best vocalist. But she has a fun spunk and energy that makes you want to root for her. I have a feeling America will give her that vote, but I don’t know if her vocal was enough to match her outgoing personality for me to put her in MY personal top 7.
8. Messoudi Brothers- These guys had SUCH a good Judge Cuts performance, that this one seemed to pale in comparison. I think it took too much time between positions to really stay completely invested, and while what they do is beyond impressive (especially for three people opposed to just two), I think they took a step back this time. Still great, because what they do is great, but my confidence in them advancing is a bit less than before.
7. Voices of Service- This was my favorite performance of theirs so far, but there still seems to be something missing for me, and maybe it’s the fact that the are so raw and natural, and not as polished and “Vegas” as some of the other musical acts. The message is amazing and great, but their act is much more reliant on the passion and message than on the talent and stardom itself. In a competition with so many ages and talents, it’s hard to know what America is going to respond to. I like them, and could see them ending up somewhere in the middle, like they do on this ranking. I don’t think they’ll win it all.
6. Greg Morton- I’ll have to admit, if you asked me to name my favorite of the auditions stage, I’d say Greg. This time around, he did great as always. He’s original, talented, and brings back pure nostalgia. I did think his first two audition sets were actually stronger than his last two, and it might just be because his characters were less distinct and recognizable opposed to voices like Yoda and Gollum. I think his showmanship and talent is enough to move on, and I still love him, and hope he can continue doing this really cool, really original act.
5. Emerald Belles- An act like this seems so simple on paper, but looks absolutely mesmerizing on stage. The precision, timing, and overall skill of being able to do the kicks and flexibility is outstanding. They keep stepping it up every time, and the live setting only amped them up more. I hope they go forward.
4. Kodi Lee- Kodi is just such a special, special performer. His voice may not be perfect, and he may not hit all the notes perfectly, but there is just such an inspiration and heart that soars through his performances. He’s a lock to go forward, not on his story, but for his talent and his heart. This is a special moment, and it was a lovely way to end the night.
3. Sophie Pecora- I really like Sophie’s message and passion behind her vocals and her writing. I love her voice, and think she is beyond talented. The only issue I foresee in the future is being able to fill the giant stage. Her act is very personal, poetic, and contained, and I’m waiting for her to break out a little bit bigger, with the same emotional intention behind the lyrics. Otherwise, I was a big fan of this round of hers, and her songwriting is absolutely out of this world, and we’re lucky to have her talent around. One of the best of the night.
2. Alex Dowis- I LOVE these types of acts, and Alex is one of the best. He really paints a beautiful picture (literally) of humanity, and the passing of time, but does so in a soothing, dreamlike way. I know the judges thought it was a bit slower, but I think it’s okay to just make art and make it look beautiful, that not everything needs to make an amazingly large statement or have a big message. This was a simple history lesson, and done in such a beautiful form. I really loved it, and hope he advances. I could watch this for hours.
1. Luke Islam- Coming from a background of theatre, and going to Broadway shows myself, I see a lot of myself in Luke. He is inspiring for kids who just want to perform and share their voice. I think his talent has so much maturity and control to it, but also so much raw, natural heart. I love the song choice. I love his vocal. I love this kid, and I hope he goes forward, because I’m truly rooting for him.
Overall, I think this was a really great night. Acts I loved delivered again. Acts I previously didn’t love delivered. Acts that weren’t on my radar are now on my radar. I’m really happy, and think that maybe 10 of these acts have a serious shot of getting a spot. I think Carmen performed too early in the night, as well as GFORCE (fitting that they’re my bottom two). I think Golden Buzzers Luke Islam, Sophie Pechora, and Kodi Lee are all locks. I think Voices of Service will get a spot, and Greg Morton will get in too. This leaves Ansley, Bir Khalsa, Alex Dowis, Messoudi Bros, and Emerald Belles for the last two spots. I can definitely see Ansley getting in by popularity. As for who America decides to put through to the Judges’ Choice, I think Alex Dowis and Bir Khalsa were just more memorable than the dance troupe or the brothers. In a judges pick, I think Bir would make it, but Alex’s talent is just so unique, I have to put my eggs in that basket and bet on Alex.
PREDICTIONS:
Going Through- Luke Islam, Sophie Pechora, Kodi Lee, Voices of Service, Greg Morton, Ansley Burns, and Alex Dowis
Going Home- Bir Khalsa, Emerald Belles, Messoudi Bros, GFORCE, and Carmen Carter
AGT is back for this season’s round of live shows. Let’s kick it off with this mega-talented line up.