America's Got Talent: Round One Semi-Finals
Epsiode 8 Recap and Commentary by Donna Emery
July 26, 2007
4. Cass Haley - blues singer
He said his parents are both musicians, and they'd moved around a lot. He said he wants a solid foundation for his family. He sang "Higher and Higher" in a reggae style. All I can say is that this guy is the real deal. He has a great voice and his style is both comfortable and entertaining. He may have started a bit too fast but when he slowed down he sounded amazing. I didn't like his hat but I was sad when he stopped singing, and hope to hear him again next week.
Piers called him an "ordinary dad with an extraordinary talent." He said that Cass had given the best performance on the show, so far. I agree.
Sharon said that he is amazing, and told him: "see you at the finals!"
David said that he came out in jeans and with just a guitar and blew them away. He said he'd sounded good with or without the band. He also joked that Cass was almost as emotional as he is.
After the act, Jerry prompted Cass' wife to hold up his little son. He is a real cutie but he isn't ready to seek the spotlight yet. When Jerry asked Cass what his message would be to his son, Cass told him: "follow your dream!"
5. Terry Fator - ventriloquist/impersonator
Terry said that he was ready to take up his destiny. He said he's been preparing for this moment for twenty years. He said he's "never been more ready for anything" in his life.
Terry brought out a turtle whose name is Winston. Winston "did" an impersonation of Kermit the Frog, and sang "What a Wonderful World." It was really cute and the impersonation was good. But then Terry stepped it up a big notch by imitating Louie Armstrong doing the original song. It went back and forth between Kermie and Louie. It was cute and very entertaining. I really enjoyed this act.
Piers said that "certain people" thought that a ventriloquist can't win the competition but Terry had impressed them. He said that he'd done singing, impressions and comedy. He said that he's one of his favorites.
Sharon said that she'd never seen a turtle imitate a frog. She said he'd stepped it up.
David said that he takes back everything that he'd said about ventriloquists.
6. The Faultline - a capella singing group
They said they'd worked really hard and that this was their shot. They sang a capella and they sounded pretty good. Their harmony was pretty good and their lead singer is a cutie. They had a "band without instruments" and I couldn't help but wonder if they shouldn't make a deal with Butterscotch and add her to the act.
Piers said they'd chosen the "wrong kind of song and I agree. He said that since their lead singer "acts like a rock star" they should sing a "big rock song."
Sharon said she hates to agree with Piers, but she must agree that the song was wrong for them.
David said that the song had been too high. He said that if they come back, they need to "come back with something that has some guts."
7. Boy Shakira - female impersonator
He said that not everyone accepts him, and that the opposition makes him stronger. He said that his passion is female impersonation. So he'd decided to imitate a different singer this week.
He came out as "Boy Britney". I haven't been a fan of this performer, but this performance was amusing and made me laugh. I just couldn't resist and found myself impressed by his moxie. Here is this man in blonde pigtails, a schoolgirl uniform and his bare big belly peeking out of the shirt. I still don't think he has what it takes to win this competition, but I can now see his appeal and hope he finds an appreciative audience for his talents.
Piers said that Boy Britney is becoming his "guilty pleasure." He said that the performer must know he's "ridiculous" but he'd laughed so much at the act that he couldn't buzz him.
Sharon said he's the reason she loves this show. She especially loved his belly.
David wondered if the audience and his fellow judges are on medication. He challenged the performer to "come back as Boy Piers."
Jerry Springer noted that he is "all about entertainment and he's totally happy."
8. Jason Pritchett - singer/guitarist
He said that this was his dream and his chance to sing for America. He said he wanted to show that he has "a million dollars worth of talent."
He sang "Life is a Highway" and I thought he was a bit breathless. He's sounded better in the past, and the repetitive lyrics. He's a good-looking guy but I was disappointed.
Piers said he didn't like the style of the song. He said he preferred Jason with "just a chair and a guitar." Jason said that he'd wanted to show America something different.
Sharon didn't agree with Piers. She said it takes courage for a guitarist to put down the guitar. She urged him to be confident.
David said that he can take the audience, and encouraged him to step it up.
9. Calypso Tumblers - acrobats
The leader said that they'd begun working together in the 1980s in New York City. They had grown from 3 members to 6 members. He said it isn't easy working on the street, because "the concrete isn't easy on us." He said that the chance to perform means everything to them.
They are very talented but this time I didn't think they showed enough of their acrobatic skills. They seemed to center their attention on one very energetic performer. They are very good-looking men and I enjoyed it but it could have been better.
Piers said that they could have done more tumbling. He said it was a good performance.
Sharon said they are strong performers who deserve to be here.
David revealed that he'd seen them performing on the beach, and that they bring the same energy to any size audience.
They ended their time onstage by saying that this is the closest they'd been in twenty years to ending their life on the street.
10. The Duttons - family musicians
They talked about how they'd begun playing as a family and were now on a national
stage. They said their whole lives were about this. They said it was a legacy for
their children.
I like this group but WHY in the world did they choose "La Bamba"? It was a very
odd choice for this group. I admit they are very talented, but not only was the song
wrong, they had more solo performances within this short time than the rest of the
entire show. The female trio was especially subpar.
Piers was glad that they'd "ditched the kids." He said that the song had become annoying and that it didn't suit the group.
Sharon said that they are very talented, but that there was too much going on. She said there were "too many solos. Less is more."
David said it was disconcerting that they'd chosen a Latino song. He said that if they were voted back they needed to choose another song. He joked that the group was large enough to vote themselves through to the next round.
This was the last performance for tonight. After reviewing the phone numbers to call to vote, Jerry Springer announced the names of the five finalists who are advancing to the final round:
Julienne Irwin
Butterscotch
The Glamazons
Robert Hatcher
Sideswipe
I am proud to have predicted it correctly.
As for this week's performers, I can only predict a sure advance for Cass Haley and Terry Fator. I think they are both sure to advance. I gave all ten of my own votes to Cass.
As for the other three acts to advance, I think the Popavich Pet Theatre and the Duttons will be audience favorites, but Faultline and the Second Story Guys are going to really battle them for a spot in the finals. I also think that Boy Shakira/Britney may just make it through to the finals.
So here are my top 5, in order:
Cass Haley
Terry Fator
Second Story Guys
Popavich Pet Theatre
Boy Shakira
Who should win it all? Cass Haley or Butterscotch. Julienne Irwin also has a good chance, but I just don't know if a young female singer can take it twice. I guess time will tell.
Who did you vote for? Write and let me know!
Who's your choice to win the million? Write me and let me know.
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com.
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