Vegas week concluded with the standby performances in America’s Got Talent Season 7 Episode 13. Tonight the quarterfinals begin. The first 12 acts to perform are: Distinguished Men of Brass, Edon, Jarrett & Raja, Lil Starr, Todd Oliver, American BMX Stunt Team, Nikki Jensen, The Scott Brothers, Michael Nejad, 787 Crew, Shanice & Maurice Hayes, and David Garibaldi & His CMYK’s.
We kick things off with marching band Distinguished Men of Brass. This would probably be great to watch in a parade, but it’s not a Vegas act. Howie loves it and sees potential, potentially. Howard thinks it will sound strange on TV.
Edon is the first singer. Of many many many singers. He also plays the piano. Sharon felt the song choice was amazing. Howard thinks he did a great job, which seems to surprise him.
Jarrett & Raja are a pianist and a magician, a combination they have learned nobody understands. Count me in that group. By the end, the crowd turns on them and starts booing. Sharon uses the phrase we were all thinking: cheesy. Singing in the Rain just doesn’t mix with magic. To add to it, you could see the feet of the women they were making appear.
Lil Starr is a 6 year old who makes tap dancing look cool. Howard doesn’t think she’s up to it. Brilliant for her age, but she can’t win. At least he’s not afraid to be honest.
Todd Oliver is back with Irving the talking dog and Irving’s gal pal Lucy. The judges pan his act because the material is not very funny.
American BMX Stunt Team look good doing their bike stunts. Howard’s surprised he actually likes them and gives them credit for being better than their main competitors. Sharon points out a mistake, but says it’s understandable considering the confined space.
Nikki Jensen made her way from Australia to be a singer. Howie enjoys her unique voice, but she’ll have to do more if she wants to win. Howard finds her nice but not memorable.
The Scott Brothers have been street dancing for 32 years. They realize they lack the tricks of the other dance acts. It shows. If you’re that far behind the others in the category, the smart direction to go in would be to make people laugh, as a few interesting moves are unlikely to be enough. But they do have the support of the judges.
Michael Nejad plays instruments made with items purchased from his local hardware store. As he’s playing his bat flute, Howard immediately buzzes him. The chorus of boos starts with the shovel violin. Howie buzzes when he starts playing the vacuum. And Sharon makes three.
787 Crew have been given a second chance in spite of falling apart in Vegas. Howie calls this a step back from their first two performances.
Shanice & Maurice Hayes are the father/daughter singing duo that Howie worries are being held back by one partner. After that performance, though, Howie gives them a standing ovation.
The final act of the night is David Garibaldi & His CMYK’s. The dance aspect of it still seems like filler to me, perhaps necessary filler, but the art is very good.
Howard does something most judges are afraid to do (most judges on these shows are too timid to even name one name). His prediction of the four acts to advance: David Garibaldi, Edon, Scott Brothers, and Shanice & Maurice Hayes.
Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of America’s Got Talent Season 7 Episode 15, which airs Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC.
Howard is the big honest “meanine,†as people have portrayed him. I think the show always needs a pragmatist, and he certainly stepped up to the plate this episode. Lil Star I thought did even better, but it was more of the same unfortunately. Her passion and joy really shines through though.