America's Got Talent: Why Don't We Just Split the Money In Two?
Epsiode 11 Recap and Commentary by Donna Emery
August 16, 2007
Jerry told Julienne to get ready to perform, and talked a bit to those whose dreams had just ended. First he talked to Robert Hatcher. He noted that Robert had always been an emotional guy. He asked him what he now wants to do, and Robert said he wants to "get out there and start my career." Next, he turned to Jason Pritchett. When asked what his next move is, Jason said "there's so much more for me out there and I want to go for it!"
As the two men exited, Jerry turned to the Glamazons. He said they had "exemplified the spirit of this competition." One of the girls said that for them, "this is just the beginning!" He talked to Sideswipe, who he said had had such drive and desire. They said that they would not slow down, and that we'd hear more from them.
Julienne was soon ready to sing. David said that he had chosen for her to sing a Rascal Flatts song because they thought it would suit her. Julienne has a pretty voice and she is a pretty girl. But Piers had a point two weeks ago about the need for her voice to mature just a bit more. Compared to Cass and Butterscotch, Julienne's inexperience shows plainly. And compared to Terry, she is just a sweet little kid who's over her head.
She was a bit breathless and had a few flat notes, but she did her usual good job with the song.
David said that she showed that she could do both classics and contemporary songs. He said that in the horse race, Julienne is "Coming up strong" and that she'd done herself proud.
Sharon said that this is a tough competition, and that she'd liked the performance. She said that she was looking forward to hearing her next performance.
Piers joked that he doesn't like her because she'd proved him wrong (about being sent home). He said her voice was good enough.
Jerry asked her how she'd felt when waiting for her name to be called. She said she'd prepared herself for the worst, but when her name was called "I had a heart attack!"
The second half of the show featured the acts singing their own choices.
Cass said that he'd spent this week at the beach, thinking of the years at the clubs. He said that the show had changed his life, and could change his family's life. He said that winning would mean the world to him. He said he chose to do "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder.
I always thought this song was named "You Can Feel it All Over!" but I don't care what it's called anymore. This was amazing and I loved it. He again proved that he is a leading contender for first prize. He is a natural.
David said that Cass really needs to thank his friend for urging him to try out. He told him that he has a great shot at winning.
Sharon said she's a fan of Cass'. She told him that she loves him and wished him the best of luck.
Piers said that Stevie Wonder is his musical hero, and that Cass had matched him. He said that he'd tried to imagine the sort of winner that this competition should have, and Cass exemplified that image for him. He told him: "you are America's Hero!"
Jerry asked him to give a final message to America. Cass said "I want it bad. I've waited my whole life for this. If I win, I'll be in your debt." Will he finally be able to pay his debts and provide for his family?
Butterscotch said that the competition had been one of the most emotional times of her life. She said she had had some dark days in high school, and had escaped in music. She said that her parents and friends had believed in her, and that she knew she'd found the right path.
She had ditched her glam outfit and was back in a more urban outfit, and began with her trademark beatbox sounds. She sang "Dance to the Music" and though her style is not my chosen style, I have to admit she is very talented at what she does and that she had the audience on their feet. She has gained confidence and she can really make a song her own.
David said he is really glad that the judges don't have to vote. He said it was her best performance ever, and that she'd had him from the start.
Sharon said she couldn't believe that all the sound had come from Butterscotch. She said that she does her act well.
Piers said that beatboxing is "really what you are all about." He said she could have chosen something safe, but she'd been in her "zone." He applauded her for being true to herself.
As her last message to the audience, she thanked America for going along on her journey. She said she'd been glad to give them a little "taste of Butterscotch." Does America like the taste?
Terry Fator said that getting this far was beyond his wildest dreams, though he'd been dreaming of bring ventriloquism back into the mainstream of American entertainment since he was 10. He said he was "bringing out the big guns" for the last performance.
He brought back his turtle puppet, Winston. Winston came out in a "Beatles" wig and glasses and sang Roy Orbison's "Cryin'" in an amazing imitation of Roy. It was both touching - because of its subject matter - and funny - because it was a turtle singing those words - and masterful - because there is no other word for this man's talent.
David said that he is so amazing, and that it was awesome. He told Terry that he deserves to win.
Sharon said that the turtle looks like Ringo Starr, and that the performance was amazing.
Piers remembered a story that Terry had told about a performance where only one person had arrived. Piers said he was glad that Terry hadn't quit. He said that now he could cry all the way to the bank.
Terry said that "there are four phenomenal entertainers here. Vote for me if you think I deserve to win." There is no question that he does. But will he?
Julienne closed the show. She said she was the girl who sang in her bedroom. She said she knew that Piers and some of the others think that her songs are "too big" for her. She said that she knows already that she is going to be a singer for the rest of her life. She said "this is a dream that I don't want to wake up from."
She came on stage suspended from a cardboard moon, singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". She started too slow, and had to stretch too far to reach her highest notes. This girl is unquestionably talented, sweet and beautiful. She is also unquestionably outperformed by the other three contenders.
David said it had started a little shaky, "but then you kicked it into high gear." He said she is headed for a major career.
Sharon said that she had made her parents proud. She said the outcome is now "up to the gods."
Piers said that he didn't think she'd done enough to win. But he also said that if America gives votes to people just to make him look stupid, then she can win easily.
Julienne gave a message to other aspiring young singers: persevere and you will reach your dreams.
Jerry closed the show by bringing the four out for a curtain call, and then told us that next week's finale will feature lots of entertainment, including a performance by David Hasselhoff. Oh, joy.
I have been convinced for several weeks that this competition would come down to a showdown between Cass Haley and Butterscotch. I still think Cass is going to be hard to beat for the prize, but I think that Butterscotch's fate really depends on the demographic of the audience who actually votes. If the voters are predominantly young, Butterscotch could take this competition. She is surely the mistress of her unique style, and has shown she can be showcased. But for all-around American "apple pie entertainment" I think Cass is the one to beat.
Except for Terry Fator. Like David, I had considered him the dark horse. I thought that although he is unquestionably talented and wonderfully entertaining, he didn't have an act that could transcend the lead that Cass and Butterscotch have built. I now think I may be wrong. Although Terry called his Roy Orbison number his "big guns" I think his big guns came from the cowboy. Although the Garth Brooks number was more for fun than for points, I think it woke people up. I think that people -like me - who were thinking "nice guy, too bad he won't win" sat up and took a long look at Terry during that number. And THAT enabled them all to keep paying attention during the Orbison number. He nailed that one, too…. and that MAY have been enough to win him this contest.
I like Julienne and I think she shows great poise and real promise. I hope she continues to pursue a career, and that in a few years she will achieve the fame she is just not yet ready for.
In the end, I think Cass will win - unless the voters are predominantly young. If that is the case, then Butterscotch will win. I don't think that their audiences are from the same crowd, so they won't cancel each other out. But if they do, Terry could surprise us and win the contest.
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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