I’ll admit, this first night of semifinals went much different than I expected it too. Some acts I was SUPER high on last time just didn’t do it for me this time around, and only ONE singing act made my top 6 of the night. Wild stuff, let’s rank.
11. Thomas Day- I didn’t like Thomas’ performance. I love his story and feel for him, but I also don’t think that should give him a spot in the finals. His vocal was fine, but a bit boring, and I just think he lacks the stage presence needed for a “finals” contender. You could definitely see his nerves peeping through, especially in the shakiness of the vocals at times. Nice guy, nice voice, but I just don’t think it was on the caliber of the rest of the performances of the night.
10. Shaquira McGrath- I think I liked this Shaquira performance better than the last one, but it still feels a bit karaoke to me. I don’t know, I just don’t think it’s finals worthy. She’s a good singer, she just doesn’t have the same originality and uniqueness that other singers (and acts in general) possess.
9. Archie Williams- This one pains me, because I really loved Archie’s last performance, and of course, I feel for his story. I do think, however, his vocals were weak tonight. They were drowned out by the music, and this time around, his pitch inaccuracies showed more. I do love the guy and still think there’s a very good chance he makes the finals, but I cannot say he stepped it up in my opinion, and I do think the other acts succeeded more in doing so.
8. Roberta Battaglia- Roberta falls into the same trap of “the background was so distracting, I wasn’t as focused on her vocal as I should be.” But even then, I do think her vocal was fine, but nothing finals worthy either. The song choice didn’t show off enough of Roberta’s impressive ability. The tone is still what impresses me most about Roberta, it’s so mature and soulful. I just think she needs more stage presence and a better song choice if and when she makes it into the finals.
7. Double Dragon- I loved them the first time around, but I didn’t really think they stepped it up this time around. I’m surprised. Really surprised. I love their energy, and their character, but the song choice last time was simply stronger in my opinion. Going first in the night also didn’t do them ANY favors, as they were followed by some strong acts that probably overshadowed their chances of going forward.
6. Dance Town Family- At first, I was wondering why they were brought back over acts like Resound or Sheldon Riley or Kelvin Dukes. But in all honesty, I do think they BROUGHT it and really impressed me. Is it the best dance act I’ve ever seen? No. But I do think they show so much great variety, and so much personality, even behind a mask. Do I think this wild card has much of a shot after not even being in the Dunkin’ Save last time? Not at all. But I am nevertheless impressed with their improvement.
5. Spyros Brothers- I love these guys. I do think dropping the diabolo twice was a huge misstep for them, but to be completely honest, I think they still made up for it in those final fire tricks. Their act is never going to be completely perfect every time, and it just so happened this was one of those times. But there’s something so endearing about them, and I can’t commend them enough for just rolling with it and persevering. Do I think dropping the Diabolo will lose them the vote? Sadly yes. But I do think they deserve more credit than they’re going to get. I still enjoyed it thoroughly and think they’re some of the best artists for diabolo I’ve ever seen.
4. Malik Dope- Similar to Spyros, he did drop his drumstick once…but who cares? This guy is still incredibly talented and electrifying to watch. He proved that he can still bring something new to the act, using a hoverboard while drumming. Just freaking genius. Those few missteps do knock him down a few pegs, as it wasn’t flawless, but I do think it was massively entertaining and I hope he gets a spot in the final because he’s one of the most impressive talents of the season.
3. Broken Roots- This is the only singing act tonight that really blew me away. They stepped it up and really brought something beautiful and resonant to the stage (or motel set). I do think it was a bit raspier, but I think it worked for the setting and ambiance of it all. It was soulful, stunning, and easily the best vocal of the night. I hope they advance.
2. Alan Silva- Alan totally stepped it up, I don’t know what Howie was saying. I thought this was incredible. The chains add a darker tone to his performance, showing variety from his lighter magical tone of the past. His stunts were just as scary, just as dangerous. I think he stepped it up and was easily one of my favorites of the night, no doubt.
1. Brandon Leake- Once again, Brandon is at the top. He’s just incredible. He always brings an important conversation to the table, but doing so with empathy, making it audience accessible, relatable, but also bringing up challenging conversations that will leave people thinking and reflecting. Just beautiful work. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the finale.
So I think we’re looking at a really challenging road here, because I think there are people who will get votes for story (Archie, Thomas) that could shake things up. I do think Brandon is the overall frontrunner and should sail into the finals. I think Roberta has a large enough following to also make it. As for that third America spot, I’d love for Alan to get it, but Howie’s comments might take some votes away from him. That’s why I think Archie will get the spot. I do think Alan still makes it into the Dunkin’ Save along with Broken Roots, who I really felt stepped it up and did an amazing job. As for that last spot…I think I’m eliminating DTF and Thomas Day just because I don’t think Wildcards do too well, and I will take Double Dragon and Shaquira out of the mix because they were singers that didn’t step it up in my opinion and don’t have the same story attachment that someone like Archie does. That leaves Malik and Spyros Bros, and I just think, based on mistakes, Spyros won’t get that shot. So now, we have a Dunkin’ Save with Alan, Broken Roots, and Malik Dope. I think because Malik ended up in the judge’s choice last time and Alan got mixed judge response, Broken Roots will get that Dunkin’ save. Between Alan and Malik, I definitely see Howie voting for Malik and Sofia voting for Alan. It comes down to Heidi, and I feel like she’ll just give the edge to Alan. That’s my prediction, but don’t be surprised if Thomas Day squeaks in for his emotional story, or even a shocker like Shaquira gets a spot (she surprised me last results show).
PREDICTIONS:
Going Through- Brandon Leake, Roberta Battaglia, Archie Williams, Broken Roots, and Alan Silva
Going Home- Malik Dope, Double Dragon, Thomas Day, Spyros Brothers, Dance Town Family, and Shaquira McGrath
I’ll admit, this first night of semifinals went much different than I expected it too. Some acts I was SUPER high on last time just didn’t do it for me this time around, and only ONE singing act made my top 6 of the night. Wild stuff, let’s rank.