Topic: Amazing Race
America's Got Talent: Semifinals - 5 More Advance & Top 10 Revealed
Airdate: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 [9-10pm]
Before I recap the final semifinal results show, I wanted to make a follow-up to my apology. The next day, I decided to watch any of the performances that I felt I may have been too harsh on because I wasn't paying much attention. I came to the conclusion that only one contestant fit that: Hairo Torres. I watched his semifinal performance for a second time (this time, online), and realized that, for the most part, my critiques were justified. He was a tad better than what I said. But only a tad better, because, while some of the moves were impressive, I wouldn't pay to see an hour of these dance and contortion moves that we've seen hundreds of dancers do before.
Now, on to the recap...
FootworKINGz and Hairo Torres. Initially, I thought that the results were a complete mistake and Hairo didn't deserve to be in the finals, even though he was in my predictions. But after watching the video again, I retracted that and realized that he was better this time than FootworKINGz. 1/1
With only one guest performer this week, they had to fill up the extra time. This time, they filled it with a behind-the-scenes video during a commercial of the previous week's results show where the judges had to try to do their job and choose one act to move forward. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that David made the suggestion to choose both acts. If each week's results were entirely up to him, every single act would still be on the show. Then Piers said, sure, it was fine to change the rules. As he put it, they can do whatever they want.
Erik & Rickie and Jeffrey Ou. No surprise that both were sent home. However, it was sad to see the young dancers leave; I would have loved to see them one last time to see if they could redeem themselves.
Mario & Jenny and Recycled Percussion. I would have eliminated both, but the band went into the finals. I guess that, out of the two acts, I would rather see them move on than Mario & Jenny. 1/2
This week's guest performers were Jersey Boys. I have never heard of them, but they were amazing! Just based on that one performance, I would love to see their entire show.
We found out that auditions for season 5 of America's Got Talent begin in October.
The four remaining acts were called to the stage. And it was no surprise to see Barbara Padilla make it to the finals. 2/3. And even though Lawrence Beamen's voice was just okay, he made it as well. 3/4
After the break, it came down to Drew Stevyns and The EriAm Sisters. I had predicted both to go through, so either way, I would have been right (and wrong). Finally, the EriAm Sisters were eliminated. It took long enough. Drew is not the best singer by any means, but I hope he improves for the finals.
Correct Predictions: 4/5
We now have our Top 10 who will perform in the finals tonight. It seems like this season has been going on forever. It is almost a relief to see it over for the year. Since we are heading into the finals, I thought I would spend just a little time sizing up the competition and see who has the best shot at winning (even though it's obvious). I will do this again after they all have performed one last time.
- The Texas Tenors: I, and the judges, have constantly said that their performances have been cheesy. I'm not expecting anything less tonight. And I am also expecting them to choose a song that will garner votes (like they did with "God Bless the U.S.A." and "Unchained Melody"). Possible Winner?: No.
- Grandma Lee: If anyone can give Barbara Padilla a run for her money, it is Grandma Lee. I don't believe we have ever had a comedian last this long on the show. And she has done so by appealing to many demographics with her jokes. She has never disappointed, and I expect more hilarity tonight. Possible Winner?: Yes.
- Kevin Skinner: The only reason he has chance at winning is because the judges and producers have pumped him up so much as the next great American singer that people have gone along with it. I don't expect his voice to improve at all, and I'm sure he will choose a song that will appeal to the masses. Possible Winner?: Unfortunately, yes.
- The Voices of Glory: I didn't like them at first, but after their last performance, they are now one of the better singers this season. However, they were chosen by the judges and not America and placed either fifth or sixth last week, which means that there is no way they will be able to move up in the ranks enough to even have a chance at winning. Possible Winner?: No.
- Fab 5: They have been a real joy to watch. But just having an enjoyable performance does not equal a winning act. Possible Winner?: No.
- Hairo Torres: I have had completely mixed reactions to his act. And even though other people like his act, he won't win. Possible Winner?: No.
- Recycled Percussion: They have not been consistently good week after week. No more needs to be said. Possible Winner?: No.
- Barbara Padilla: She is the only act to have as close to a 100% chance at winning without actually having people vote yet for a winner. Her brilliant performance last week was, without a doubt, the best performance of the entire season. Because of that, people might assume she will be the winner, so they might not vote for her. She could come in second like Susan Boyle did with the same weight on her shoulders. It won't really matter what she sings tonight, because she will blow us all away once again. But that doesn't mean she should do whatever just because she is almost guaranteed to win. She needs to make sure her song is one that will be able to match each song she has done before. Possible Winner?: YES!
- Lawrence Beamen: He will not be able to match such singers as Barbara Padilla or be able to match the popularity or pimping of Kevin Skinner. So, no matter what he sings or how good his voice may be, he doesn't really have a chance. Possible Winner?: No.
- Drew Stevyns: He falls into the same boat as Lawrence Beamen. Possible Winner?: No.
There are so many acts in the finals that many will be lost in the shuffle. Which means that when they perform tonight is key. During the semifinals, both Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla have received the pimp spots. It wouldn't surprise me if the producers have them placed at or near the end of the night again. But to be fair, they should be randomly placed into the mix.
Last year, violin playes Nuttin' But Stringz were put on a pedestal by the judges, and they ended up not winning, leaving us with Neil E. Boyd to deservingly win. This year, I believe the same will happen with two singers: I believe that Kevin, the one who has been pumped up the most over entire season, will be placed with the same curse, leaving the opera singer to take the gold. And I wouldn't be surprised if Grandma Lee takes a higher finishing spot than Kevin; she may even take second. Who knows?
It's hard to say much more until we see the finalists perform tonight. During my next blog commentary, which will be up sometime before Wednesday, I will be able to give a better indicator of who will win, because it could all change between now and tonight.
If you follow TV Watch Online on Twitter (or read my Tweets in the widget on the T.W.O. home page), then you know that I said I will be Live-Tweeting tonight's show. Please note, though, that I live on the West Coast, so it won't be live for those on the East Coast, just us on the West.
As I've mentioned, the final performance episode of the season will be tonight; on a Monday this week instead of its usual Tuesday slot, from 8-10pm. See ya tonight for my Live Tweets.
